Located at the base of
the San Francisco Mountains is the remnants of the
Frisco mining town. Born in 1875 after the discovery
of pure Silver, the Frisco mining town sprang up in
a matter of weeks and became the west’s most
toughest mining camp. Murders were a daily
occurrence, and history claims that an average of 12
men per night were killed. This could only explain
why the Frisco Cemetery was the biggest in the state
at the time. Frisco grew to a estimated population
of over 6,000 people. There were 21 saloons, hotels,
gambling halls and a red light district that would
have rivaled many towns in the west.
Today the charcoal kilns
and many of the old buildings still stand. Some of
the old mining equipment can still be seen rusting
away on the desert floor. The area is littered with
open mines, so on your visit pay close attention to
where your walking and keep track of your kids. One
of the highlights to visiting Frisco is the old
Cemetery. The old headstones still exist with
engravings dating back to the late 1800’s. While
visiting the Cemetery we were dismayed by the
vandalism that has been done to this sacred place.
Some head stones were tipped over due to weather and
erosion, however most were intentionally tipped over
and pieces were missing. We spent some time placing
these head stones upright and trying to pay our
respects the best that we could. If you visit the
Cemetery please be respectful of the people laid to
rest in this rugged landscape. Also the fence
that has protected the kilns from being destroyed
has also been tore down. Please don't climb,
lean on, or remove items from the kilns. The
have stood solid for 100 years, lets protect them
for many more generations to come!
If you spend some
time exploring this area you are sure to have
memorable adventure that you will share with your
friends and family for many years to come. Take your
metal detectors and explore the old washes for
relics, you never know what you may come across. I
hope you will go and enjoy the Frisco Ghost Town as
much as we did! Happy Trails, Drake
Utah Outdoor Activities would like to
remind anyone that visits this area to not enter the mines.
Not only is this activity illegal but also very, very dangerous.
When we approached one of the many mine shafts the gas smell that
came from this shaft actually burned our noses from ten feet away.
If you do enter these mines you do so at your own risk and Utah
Outdoor Activities cannot be held responsible for any damages or
deaths that may occur. This area is so rich with old relics,
buildings and history there is no reason to enter the mines as you
can have a safe a wonderful experience above ground. This area is
privately owned and Utah Outdoor Activities cannot be held
responsible for trespass violations. Please obey all signs that you
may come across and respect this area to keep it open for years to
come.
Driving Directions:
BEAVER TO FRISCO
From Beaver
North MAIN STREET and CENTER STREET, turn right onto W Center ST /
UT-21. Continue to follow UT-21 for 30.4 miles. After traveling 30.4
miles you will be in Milford. Follow UT-21 down SOUTH MAIN STREET
then turn LEFT on CENTER ST / UT-21. Continue to follow UT-21 for
14.4 miles. From here there are several roads that take off to your
right that will take you to the different areas around Frisco.
