Articles / Deals / Itineraries
Category:
Cities
Population: 1,181
Elevation: 6236
Region: Southwest
Star Valley Tourism
Chamber of Commerce
Annual Festivals: Cutter/Chariot Racing December through February, Afton Snowmobile Hill Climb Challenge in late February, Professional Rodeos July 4th weekend and at the Lincoln County Fair in late July and the first week of August.
This growing rural community is located along the banks of Swift Creek. An early resident, who was a native of Scotland, is credited with naming the town - having derived his inspiration from the creek. After observing the turbulent flowing waters, he is said to have remarked that the poet Burns could not have meant this tumbling stream when he wrote "Flow Gently, Sweet Afton." Visit the Intermittent Spring up Swift Creek Canyon, just 5 miles east of Afton to see the largest and one of only 3 in the world, cold water geyser or spring that starts and stops every 15 to 20 minutes.
The best time to see the spring intermitting is late summer or early fall. Afton is also home to the world’s largest Elk Antler Arch built in 1958 with over 3,000 elk antlers. Elk throw their antlers each year so the town still gathers antlers for upkeep of the arch. There are now two fighting elk statues that sit on top of the arch that covers the main street and highway right through town. Afton is home to the Lincoln County Fairgrounds, the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum, and many shops that are great for gifts, western jewelry, and chocolate! Enjoy a round of golf on the new 18 hole golf course this summer.
Don't Miss: Intermittent Springs, found in Swift Creek Canyon east of town, is a fascinating attraction. The spring flows for 18 minutes then suddenly stops for another 18 minutes. Only two other such periodic springs exist in the world. The short hike to the springs is worth the trip alone.