Bodie, in Mono County near the California-Nevada border, grew rapidly during the Gold Rush and later declined. The site is now Bodie State Historic Park and is managed to preserve buildings and artifacts largely as they were left. Visitors can walk the town, view interiors through windows, visit the park museum, and join seasonal tours. Travel in summer or fall for the most reliable access; confirm road, hours, and fee information with California State Parks before you go.

Bodie in brief

Bodie sits in the Bodie Hills of Mono County, east of the Sierra Nevada and near the California-Nevada line. A rough-and-ready Gold Rush boomtown in the late 19th century, Bodie rose and fell on the fortunes of gold. Today the site is protected as Bodie State Historic Park and is managed to remain "in a state of arrested decay," so visitors see buildings and artifacts largely as they were left.

Why visit

The town feels frozen in time. You can walk among weathered storefronts, houses, and mining buildings and look through windows into rooms piled with period objects. That preserved authenticity makes Bodie one of the best-loved ghost towns for history-minded travelers and photographers.

A short history

Bodie boomed after significant gold strikes in the late 1800s and reached its peak population during that era (estimates vary). Lawlessness and rough living marked much of the town's early life, and by the early 20th century the population declined. The state established protective management to conserve the surviving buildings and artifacts so the site could teach the story of the Gold Rush era.

Practical travel information

  • Location: Bodie is accessed from U.S. Highway 395 via a side road; the site lies within Mono County near historic mining country and is roughly east of Yosemite National Park.
  • Elevation: The town sits at high elevation; expect thin air and quick weather changes. 1
  • Access and seasonality: The access road can close in winter because of snow; many visitors plan trips in summer and fall. Check current road and weather conditions before you go. 2
  • Facilities: The park offers a visitor center/museum and restrooms near the parking area; most historic buildings remain locked to protect fragile interiors, but windows let you peer inside and seasonal tours or docent-led programs may open several structures. Park fees and hours change periodically - confirm details with California State Parks before visiting. 3

What to bring

Pack water and snacks, layered clothing for wind and cold, sturdy shoes for rough terrain, sun protection, and spare batteries for cameras. Cell service is limited.

Respect the place

Bodie's preservation policy means you should not enter locked buildings, remove artifacts, or climb on structures. Leave the site as you found it so future visitors and historians can learn from it.

Bodie offers a rare, tangible link to the Gold Rush: a community paused in time, cared for so its story remains visible but fragile.

  1. Confirm Bodie's elevation above sea level and update if needed.
  2. Verify the exact distance and driving route from U.S. Highway 395 and nearest towns (for example, Bridgeport) to Bodie.
  3. Check the current number of standing buildings and peak historic population estimates to ensure accuracy.
  4. Confirm seasonal road conditions, typical months of accessibility, and whether the access road is paved or unpaved.
  5. Verify current visitor facilities, seasonal building access, park hours, and entrance/parking fees on the official California State Parks site.

FAQs about Forgotten Places

Where is Bodie located?
Bodie sits in the Bodie Hills of Mono County, east of the Sierra Nevada, near the California-Nevada line and accessible from U.S. Highway 395. Check maps and park directions before you travel.
When is the best time to visit Bodie?
Summer and fall offer the most reliable road access and milder weather. Winter brings heavy snow and road closures; if you plan a winter visit, verify seasonal access and conditions.
Are the buildings open?
Most historic buildings are locked to protect fragile interiors, but a museum and some structures may open seasonally. Ranger or docent programs sometimes offer guided access. Confirm current offerings with California State Parks.
What should I bring?
Bring water, layered clothing for cold and wind, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and extra camera batteries. Cell signal is limited; prepare accordingly.
Can I take artifacts or explore inside buildings?
No. Removing artifacts or entering locked buildings damages the site and is prohibited. Follow park rules to preserve Bodie for future visitors.