Did you know that Bodie State Historic Park is preserved in a state of “arrested decay,” with nearly 200 original buildings still standing since its gold rush heyday? Once home to nearly 10,000 residents and producing over $38 million in gold and silver, today this authentic ghost town offers visitors a genuine glimpse into California’s wild west past that no Hollywood set could ever replicate.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Bodie State Historic Park is located in California’s Eastern Sierra in Mono County, approximately 13 miles east of Highway 395. From Highway 395, take State Route 270 east for 10 miles until the pavement ends. Continue for 3 miles on an unpaved road to reach the park entrance.
Plan Your Trip to Bodie
Find the best flights, accommodations, and rental cars for your Bodie adventure.
The last 3 miles of road can be rough at times, requiring reduced speeds, but is generally suitable for most passenger vehicles. During winter months (approximately November through May), the road may close due to snow, making the park accessible only by snowmobiles, cross-country skis, or snowshoes.
Important Travel Tips:
- Ensure your vehicle has plenty of fuel before heading to Bodie – there are no gas stations nearby
- Check road conditions before visiting, especially during winter or after storms
- Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended during spring (mud) and winter (snow)
- Local towing services, when available, can be costly
Best Time to Visit Bodie State Historic Park
Recommended Seasons
The best time to visit Bodie State Historic Park is from late spring through early fall (May through September). During these months, the weather is mild, roads are generally accessible, and the park operates with extended hours (9 am to 6 pm).
Summer (June-August) offers the most reliable weather but also brings the highest number of visitors. For fewer crowds, consider visiting in May or September when temperatures are still pleasant.
Seasons to Avoid
Winter visits (November through April) can be challenging due to road closures, extreme weather conditions, and limited park hours (9 am to 3 pm). Temperatures can drop well below freezing, and strong winds are common.
If you do visit in winter, be prepared for sub-zero temperatures and check road conditions before departing. The snow-covered ghost town offers spectacular photography opportunities for those willing to brave the elements.
Weather at Bodie: Located at 2,554 m (8,375 ft) elevation, Bodie experiences extreme temperature variations. Summer days can reach 26°C (80°F) while dropping to near freezing at night. Winter temperatures frequently fall below -18°C (0°F).
Getting Around Locally
Bodie State Historic Park is best explored on foot. The town is spread out over a large area, with buildings scattered across the landscape. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you’ll be traversing uneven terrain and dirt roads.
The park provides a brochure with a map at the entrance, which is helpful for self-guided tours. Main points of interest are within walking distance of the parking area, though some buildings are spread out across the hillside.
Important: Visitors must stay on designated paths and roads. Do not enter buildings unless specifically permitted. Everything in Bodie is protected – collecting or removing any items (including rocks, nails, or artifacts) is strictly prohibited. Metal detectors are not allowed.
Where to Stay
There are no accommodations within Bodie State Historic Park itself. The nearest lodging options are in the surrounding towns, all within a 30-45 minute drive:
Bridgeport
The closest town to Bodie (about 20 minutes away), offering historic hotels, motels, and B&Bs with a charming small-town atmosphere.
Lee Vining
Located near Mono Lake (about 30 minutes from Bodie), this small town offers several motels and inns, perfect for those also visiting Yosemite National Park.
Mammoth Lakes
About an hour’s drive from Bodie, this resort town offers the widest range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cabins and vacation rentals.
“For the most convenient base to explore Bodie, Bridgeport offers the closest accommodations and a taste of small-town Sierra charm. Book well in advance during summer months as options are limited.”
Dining & Local Cuisine
There are no food services available at Bodie State Historic Park. Visitors should bring their own food and water for the day. The nearest dining options are in the surrounding towns:
What to Pack
- Plenty of water (at least 1 liter per person)
- Snacks and lunch items
- High-energy foods for the high altitude
A designated picnic area is available near the parking lot where visitors can enjoy their packed meals.
Nearby Dining
Bridgeport (20 minutes away) offers several restaurants serving American classics, burgers, and local Sierra cuisine.
Lee Vining (30 minutes away) has cafes and restaurants known for their fresh fish from nearby lakes and hearty mountain fare.
Mammoth Lakes (1 hour away) provides the most diverse dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining experiences.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Bodie State Historic Park offers a fascinating glimpse into California’s gold rush era. Here are the must-see attractions and activities:
Self-Guided Town Tour
Wander through the streets of Bodie and peer into windows of preserved buildings including the church, schoolhouse, barbershop, and saloon. Original artifacts remain exactly as they were left, creating an authentic time capsule of the past.
Standard Mill Tour
From late May through early September, park staff conduct daily tours of the Standard Mill, which processed over $14 million in gold and silver. This is one of the most popular attractions in the park.
Bodie Cemetery
Visit the historic cemetery on the hill overlooking town, where headstones tell stories of the harsh realities of life in a 19th-century mining town, from mining accidents to disease outbreaks.
Enhance Your Bodie Experience
Discover guided tours, photography workshops, and special events that bring Bodie’s history to life.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
Bodie Museum
Located in the Miners Union Hall, the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of Bodie’s boom years and gradual decline. Don’t miss the scale model of the town showing how it looked during its heyday.
The museum also serves as the bookstore where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books, and educational materials about Bodie and the gold rush era.
Special Events
Friends of Bodie Day: Held annually in August, this celebration features period costumes, historical reenactments, activities, and special tours.
Bodie Ghost Walks: Offered on select summer evenings, these popular after-hours tours sell out quickly and provide a unique perspective on the ghost town.
Photography Workshops: Throughout the year, special photography sessions allow enthusiasts to capture Bodie’s unique atmosphere.
Free History Talks: Daily presentations at the Entrance Station and Museum provide fascinating insights into Bodie’s colorful past. Check the schedule upon arrival.
Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
While Bodie itself focuses on historical exploration, the surrounding Bodie Hills offer beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities:
Hiking
The Bodie Hills offer several informal hiking trails with beautiful views of the Eastern Sierra. While there are no designated trails within the park itself, the surrounding public lands provide opportunities for exploration.
Wildlife Viewing
The area around Bodie is home to pronghorn antelope, mule deer, coyotes, and various bird species. Bring binoculars to spot wildlife in the sagebrush landscape surrounding the ghost town.
Winter Activities
When snow blankets the landscape, Bodie transforms into a winter wonderland accessible by snowmobile, cross-country skis, or snowshoes. The ghost town covered in snow offers spectacular photography opportunities.
“Bodie in winter is magical – the buildings dusted with snow against the stark landscape create an otherworldly scene that few visitors get to experience. Just be prepared for extreme cold and check access conditions.”
– Park Ranger
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Safety Considerations
- High Altitude: At 2,554 m (8,375 ft), visitors may experience altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and pace yourself.
- Weather: Prepare for sudden weather changes. Bring layers, sun protection, and rain gear.
- Rough Terrain: Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven ground.
- Wildlife: Watch for rattlesnakes in summer. Observe wildlife from a distance.
Visitor Etiquette
- Preservation: Everything in Bodie is protected. Do not remove anything, not even small rocks or nails.
- Buildings: Do not enter buildings unless specifically permitted.
- Photography: Photography is encouraged, but tripods are not allowed inside buildings.
- Pets: Dogs must be on leash at all times and are not permitted on Mill or Mining District Tours.
The “Bodie Curse”: Local legend says that visitors who take even the smallest item from Bodie will be cursed with bad luck. The park receives numerous items returned by mail each year from visitors who experienced misfortune after taking a souvenir!
Visitor Comments About Bodie State Historic Park
“Walking through Bodie was like stepping through a time portal. The authenticity is unmatched – seeing personal items still sitting on tables and shelves exactly where they were left decades ago gave me chills. Absolutely worth the drive on that bumpy road!”
– M.K. from Mumbai
“We visited in October when the crowds were thin and the weather was perfect. The Standard Mill tour was fascinating – our guide brought the gold mining process to life. Don’t miss peeking into the old saloon with bottles still on the bar!”
– J.L. from Berlin
“Bring water and snacks! We spent over 4 hours exploring every corner of Bodie and could have stayed longer. The preservation in ‘arrested decay’ is so much more powerful than a reconstructed historic site. It feels genuinely frozen in time.”
– A.M. from Lima
Practical Travel Tips
What to Bring
- Water (at least 1 liter per person)
- Snacks and lunch
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Layers of clothing (even in summer)
- Camera with extra batteries
- Comfortable walking shoes
Park Information
Hours: 9am-6pm (summer, May 15-Oct 31), 9am-3pm (winter, Nov 1-May 14)
Admission: $8 for adults, $5 for children (ages 4-17)
Contact: (760) 616-5040
Restrooms: Available in the parking lot and picnic area
Cell Service: Limited to none
Photography Tips
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting for photography. The golden hour just before sunset creates a magical atmosphere as the light plays across the weathered buildings.
Consider joining a photography workshop for special access and professional guidance.
Step Back in Time: Your Bodie Adventure Awaits
Bodie State Historic Park offers a rare opportunity to experience California’s gold rush era in its most authentic form. Unlike reconstructed historic sites, Bodie’s preserved state of “arrested decay” provides a genuine window into the past that feels both haunting and fascinating. As you wander the quiet streets where thousands once lived, worked, and dreamed of striking it rich, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience of those who carved out lives in this remote, harsh landscape. Whether you’re a history buff, photographer, or simply curious traveler, Bodie’s timeless atmosphere will leave an indelible impression long after your visit.
The above is subject to change.
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