An activity started by a group of older high priests from the Maeser 2nd Ward has evolved into a monthly event with a larger body of ATV enthusiasts wanting to see different sites around the Basin.

Two weeks ago, the group braved the terrain near Oaks Park north of Vernal to visit the old smelter that serviced the Dyer Mines in the 1900s. The group left Oaks Park and traveled east to Anderson Creek and finally down to the location of the old mines and smelter.

The Dyer Mines are a set of abandoned copper mines and signs of the industrial activity of yesteryear are still evident. A couple of old cabins, some carts, tanks and markings are a visible display of the area’s former use. Many of the mines are collapsed; a few shafts remain but not many entrances that extend deeply can be found.

On Dec. 10, 1926, the Vernal Express reported the following:

“Some of the richest copper ore in the world was taken from this mine. Out of a hole in the ground, 50 feet square and 75 feet deep, was taken copper to the value of $700,000.”

The ore was first discovered by Ira Burton in 1884 when looking for cattle in that area. He found the rich copper ore scattered over the mountainside and gathered a bunch of the ore before returning to his base camp on Diamond Mountain.

A short time after Burton arrived at his camp, a wandering prospector, I.P. Dyer, appeared and he was shown the copper ore. At once the prospector saw the importance of the find. “Boys!” he said, as reported in the Vernal Express, “I will make you rich if you will show me the place where you got this stuff.”

The full tonnage taken out of the hole by Dyer is not known. Reports show that the ore was hauled to Rock Springs, Wyo., and yielded an average of 50 percent copper, 26 ounces per ton of silver and $6 per ton of gold.

In 1899, a 42-inch water jacket blast furnace was installed and ran for two years, producing copper bullion that was reported to be 95 percent pure. The Copper Summit Mining company was formed at this time, but was in business for only two years when in about 1904 the big pockets of ore were worked out and no systematic development was introduced to continue mining.

From the old smelter the ATV group traveled to Manila Park, north of Oaks Park and then migrated back to Oaks Park to conclude the daylong ride.

The group’s next ride is set for Sept. 11 and anyone interested in going can get further information from Bill Fink at (435) 828-6222.

The group has already been to Cow Hollow, Dragon and Rector Ridge, the Towers on Little Mountain, and Horseshoe Park.