Bullionville

Remains of the collapsed mine

In 1880, gold was discovered in the Uintah Mountains and the town of Bullionville was settled. Numerous log cabins with iron stoves were built to house the many miners that were moving into the area. Early on, miners were disappointed to find very little gold and a lot of undesirable copper. In 1877, L.P. Dyer discovered more good copper ore and opened several other mines. Eventually, a mill and smelter were built and much of the ore was stockpiled during the summer and shipped out during the winter.

By 1901, after 3 million dollars had been produced, the main vein played out and most the activity came to a stop. The mine shut down in 1920 for good. Bullionville was once used as a hideout for Butch Cassidy and other members from the Wild Bunch. The town was nicknamed Camp Misery for some time after the miners realized how harsh winters in the mountains could be.

Bullionville is difficult to find and is now on private property. While we were looking for the place, we were fortunate enough to run into the property owner. He gave us a very detailed tour of the area including a historical background. The owner is very concerned about people trespassing, but he didn't get angry at us for looking for the place. If you go there, just be aware that it is private property. 

Bullionville is a very cool place. There are many remains of cabins all over the place. Many of the cabins are still in very good shape, especially for the amount of snow that area receives.

The town is located up in the mountains north from Vernal. To find the town, travel north from Vernal on State Highway 44 about 23 miles. Turn left on the Red Cloud Loop turnoff. Make sure you stay on the paved road which will turn north and drive for about 4.5 miles. On the right, watch out for a sign that says Kane Hollow. After you pass that sign, you will take the next left, which is a dirt road. After about a half mile, there is fork in the road. Stay to the left road. You will travel almost 2 miles up steep dirt roads. We were in a Subaru Wagon, so we had to stop about 1 mile up and hike the rest of the way. Once you're in the area, you'll know. There are a couple of remains of fallen cabins on the side of the road. Another dirt road leads off to the main road to the right and descends about 0.3 miles into the town site. If you are still on the main road and you reach what looks like an really old diesel trailer, you've gone to far and you are right below the mine. The town is about 0.3 miles below the mine. Good luck hunting.

4 stars.