California’s Great Beyond

Bodie State Historic Park

Ghost Town of the Wild West

Visiting Bodie is the most authentic way to see the real-life setting of the California gold rush. From 1877 to 1882, Bodie was a bustling town with close to 8,000 residents and produced more than $38 million in gold and silver. Today, with the gold mining days of California are a distinct memory, there are almost 200 abandoned wooden buildings in a state of "arrested decay" to photograph and explore. Peek in the windows of the church, schoolhouse, barbershop and saloon, where bottles, desks and other relics remain.

While Bodie is open year-round, the roads to the Park will close with snow. Before visiting, please visit the Bodie State Historic Park's website, check SR 270 conditions on the Caltrans Road Information website or call our office at 800-845-7922.

And, swing by the Bodie Foundation's Bodie Mercantile store in Bridgeport, CA  for Park information, as well as to shop for unique gifts, souvenirs, and more - with proceeds funding stabilization projects in the ghost town!

Bodie Church

Good to Know

Bodie State Historic Park is open 9am-6pm in summer (May 15th - Oct 31st) and 9am-3pm in the winter (Nov 1st - May 14th), and is best explored in warm weather in spring, summer and fall. Peak season is Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

There is a nominal entrance fee of $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 to 17. Three and under are free. Credit card is accepted only at the entrance kiosk, although cash is preferred. If no one is present at the kiosk, please place cash or check in the self pay envelope located in the parking lot. 

Be sure to pack water and light snacks, as there are no services at the Park (restrooms are available). We also recommend bringing sunscreen, hat, and a jacket or layers (even in summer)! Bodie is located at a high elevation - 8,375 feet - and weather can be more extreme. There is also limited cell service.   

For more information, please call Bodie State Historic Park at (760) 616-5040. 

Bodie Church
Bodie Istock Image

How to get to Bodie

Bodie State Historic Park of California is located in the Eastern Sierra in Mono County, close to Bridgeport, June Lake, Lee Vining, Mono Lake and the east entrance to Yosemite National Park. It is located in a remote area accessed by State Route 270, seven miles south-east of Bridgeport.

From Hwy. 395 take State Route 270 east for 10 miles to the end of the pavement. Continue three miles on an unsurfaced road. Although these last three miles can at times be rough and reduced speeds are necessary, the road is suitable for most vehicles types.

And while the park is open year-round, SR 270 will close with snow. Please check weather and road conditions prior to visiting, and have plenty of gas. 

Driving precautions: In winter, many four wheel drive vehicles with chains get stuck each year in powdery snow. In spring, mud can be a problem. Local towing services, when available, can be costly. When the park is snowbound in winter (approximately November through May), it is accessible only by snowmobiles, cross country skis, or snowshoes. Sub-zero temperatures, strong winds and white-out conditions are common. Snowmobiles must stay on designated roads in the Bodie Hills.

Bodie Istock Image
Bodie with windows

Best Time to Visit Bodie

Bodie is one of the best day trips in Mono County. For visitors staying in Mammoth LakesBridgeportYosemiteJune Lake or Crowley Lake, Bodie takes about an hour to reach. It’s a fascinating alternative to today’s theme parks and something every one should see with their own eyes! 

 

Bodie with windows
Bodie with people

Bodie Foundation Events, Tours, and More

Enhance your visit with a tour - highly recommended!

Friends of Bodie Day is held annually every August.  

Free History Talks are offered daily.

Tickets for Stamp Mill tours are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day (no reservations required). Tickets are available at the museum. 

Photography Workshops are offered throughout the year. 

Private Tours of the Town, Stamp Mill, Cemetery, Twilight Tours, and Mining District are also available with advance reservations. Please see BodieFoundation.org for more information, and email chris@BodieFoundation.org for advance reservations. 

Bodie Ghost Walks are offered three nights each summer - and sell out quickly! The park will be open to the public afterhours until 10pm during each Ghost Walk evening. A presale is offered to Boudie Foundation Members, then open to the general public, typically in March. Keep an eye on the Bodie Foundation website for more information and dates. 

By participating in these tours and Friends of Bodie Day, you’re helping the Bodie Foundation provide a constant stream of funding to keep the buildings in Bodie standing. Ask park staff or visit the website to become a member.

The Bodie Foundation is a 501(c)3  non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and public enjoyment of Bodie State Historic Park, Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, and Grover Hot Springs State Park. 

For more information:
BodieFoundation.org
760-932-7574
info@BodieFoundation.org

The Bodie Foundation also operated the Bodie Mercantile store in Bridgeport, CA , offering Park information, as well as to shop for unique gifts, souvenirs, and more with proceeds funding stabilization projects in the ghost town. 

Bodie with people

Bodie Hotels 

There are no lodging facilities at Bodie, but there is a variety of motels, cabins, hotels and resorts within 20-30 miles in the towns of Bridgeport and Lee Vining. Search lodging here.

Souvenirs? Only at the Gift Shop.

Bodie visitors will want to leave every nail, rock, and stick exactly as they see it. Everything in Bodie is part of the historic scene and is fully protected. NOTHING may be collected or removed from the park. Metal detectors are not allowed.

Bodie info:

(760) 616-5040

Bodie Links:

Bodie Foundation
Bodie State Historic Park
Bodie Brochure with history, park information, and town map.