Bodie State Historic Park
Step back in time at Bodie, a remarkably preserved 19th-century gold-mining ghost town in California's Eastern Sierra.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Bodie State Historic Park
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Bodie, a remarkably preserved 19th-century gold-mining ghost town in California's Eastern Sierra.
"Incredible! By far the best ghost town I've been to. Very cool to see all the things left in the buildings."
Check Road Conditions First
Snow can block access in winter/spring. Always check the park's website before you go!
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven terrain and through old buildings. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Main Street Exploration
Central Bodie
Wander through the heart of the ghost town, peeking into saloons, shops, and homes left in a state of arrested decay.
Miners Union Hall Museum
Main Street
Discover artifacts and learn about Bodie's gold rush past in this former union hall, now a museum.
Standard Gold Mill
Northeast Bodie
See the remnants of the machinery that powered Bodie's boom, offering a glimpse into its industrial past.
Masonic Cemetery
Northeast Bodie
A somber yet fascinating site, this cemetery holds the stories of those who lived and died in Bodie.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Weather
Preservation & Respect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Road Conditions First
Snow can block access in winter/spring. Always check the park's website before you go!
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven terrain and through old buildings. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Limited services inside the park. Stay hydrated and fueled for exploration. :water_wave:
Respect the Preservation
Don't touch or take anything! It's a preserved ghost town.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Road Conditions First
Snow can block access in winter/spring. Always check the park's website before you go!
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven terrain and through old buildings. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Limited services inside the park. Stay hydrated and fueled for exploration. :water_wave:
Respect the Preservation
Don't touch or take anything! It's a preserved ghost town.
Allow Plenty of Time
You'll want at least 2-3 hours to explore the town and museum. :clock1:
Consider a Guided Tour
Learn deeper history from knowledgeable guides. Reservations may be needed.
Capture the Eerie Vibe
Great for photography, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bodie State Historic Park as an incredibly well-preserved and authentic ghost town experience, offering a unique glimpse into the American West. The ability to explore buildings with original contents is a major highlight, though some wish for more emphasis on specific historical aspects like the mint.
"We visited Bodie State Historic Park/Ghost Town and it was awesome. We arrived around noon and headed to the Museum to purchase tickets for the Stamp Mill Tour, we lucked out and got the last tickets for the tour. The museum has some cases you can look at and displays of items from the time period. They also have a small section for a gift shop as well as the tour books and pamphlets on the cemetery.
We headed up toward the stamp mill for the tour, and checked out some buildings and abandoned trucks in the field. We were s family of 8 for this trip with the youngest being 2. We ran through safety precautions and other general information from our guide, Malcom before beginning the tour of the stamp mill. Malcom gave factual information over the different areas of the tour and answered questions from the group. We had a sold out tour and alot of ears and questions. We got to tour through the stamp mill and see everything from the electrical room to the stamping and the Shaker tables. Malcom was an excellent guide and provided alot of information. We learned that for ever 5 homes still standing there were 80-90 more! The school has as many as 625 students enrolled at one time and that Bodie was the 6th largest town in California at that time.
We had a great time visiting Bodie and getting to learn some of the areas rich history."
Lizzy Carter
"HOW COOL. A fully intact ghost town. Although over 75% of the original town burnt down, there is still a lot of history left. We opted to take the guided tour of the mill. It is the only building that you are permitted to go into while accompanied by the guide. THE MILL TOUR WAS GREAT! The guide was very informative!! Don’t arrive to close to departure time though - they cut off selling tickets in the museum for the tour about 10mins prior to start. It was still interesting to take a peek through the windows of everything else that is still there. Given its remote location (we had to take a very long, winding road to get there, 3 miles of which was washboard dirt that was no joke) and it’s high elevation of almost 8500 feet above sea level - when the town closed up shop, everyone just left everything and went. So odd to see!
Be sure to check out the picnic area just past the parking area for the town. Great spot to have lunch!"
Cyndi Huffman
"Such a cool place full of history of California and the gold rush. The road to reach Bodie is beautiful, but it’s also about a 10 minute section on an unpaved road, so make sure your vehicle is up for that. It is also in a cellular service dead zone. The park is so interesting, I recommend getting one of the maps at the information center."
Frank Reza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bodie is located off US-395 in eastern California. Take State Route 270 east from the highway for about 3 miles to the park entrance. The last 3 miles to the townsite are on a well-maintained gravel road, generally passable for most vehicles, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Always check road conditions before you go, especially in spring due to snow.
Access to Bodie State Historic Park is often limited or impossible during winter months due to heavy snowfall. The park typically reopens fully in late spring or early summer. Check the official California State Parks website for current road conditions and closures.
Yes, most regular cars can make it to Bodie, as the final stretch of road is gravel but usually well-maintained. However, conditions can vary, and a vehicle with higher clearance is always a safer bet, especially after winter storms.
The closest towns with services are Bridgeport, California, to the north, and Mammoth Lakes, California, to the south. Both are popular stops for travelers exploring the Eastern Sierra.
Absolutely! If you're a fan of history, ghost towns, or the Wild West aesthetic, Bodie is a highly recommended stop. It's often described as one of the best ghost towns in the West.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee per vehicle to enter Bodie State Historic Park. You can pay at the entrance station. Guided tours may have separate fees or require reservations.
Bodie State Historic Park is generally open daily from dawn to dusk. However, the visitor center and museum hours may vary seasonally. Always check the official park website for the most up-to-date information.
You can explore Bodie on your own without a guided tour. Wandering through the town and peeking into buildings is a popular way to experience it. Guided tours are also available and offer deeper historical insights.
While general park entry doesn't typically require reservations, guided tours, especially during peak season, might. It's always a good idea to check the park's official website for any reservation requirements or recommendations.
Yes, there is a per-vehicle entrance fee for Bodie State Historic Park. The fee helps support the preservation and maintenance of this historic site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Bodie is a preserved ghost town with over 100 buildings to explore, including saloons, shops, homes, a schoolhouse, and a church. You can visit the Miners Union Hall museum and see the Standard Gold Mill. The atmosphere is incredibly eerie and historic.
Yes, you can enter many of the buildings in Bodie. They are preserved with their original contents, offering a unique glimpse into life during the Gold Rush era. Remember to be respectful and not touch anything.
Bodie is often cited as one of the most haunted places in California. Many visitors report feeling an eerie presence or experiencing unusual phenomena, adding to its mystique.
Dress in layers as the weather in the Eastern Sierra can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the uneven terrain and walking involved. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended.
Yes, dogs are allowed in Bodie State Historic Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. They are not permitted inside buildings or the museum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food services, restaurants, or shops within Bodie State Historic Park. It's essential to bring your own water and snacks for your visit.
The nearest towns with dining options are Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes. These towns offer a range of restaurants from casual cafes to more upscale dining.
📸 📸 Photography
Bodie is a photographer's dream! The preserved buildings, artifacts, and desolate landscape offer incredible opportunities for capturing the essence of a 19th-century ghost town. Golden hour is particularly magical.
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hour) offer the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and a warm glow on the historic buildings. Midday sun can be harsh.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in California State Parks, including Bodie, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience. Always check park regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring plenty of snacks and water, as there are no services. Ensure kids wear sturdy shoes for walking. Discuss the importance of respecting the historical site and not touching anything before you arrive. The Miners Union Hall museum can provide a good overview before or after exploring the town. Consider a guided tour if your children are old enough to appreciate the historical context.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips: Aim for the 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – for the most dramatic lighting. The long shadows and warm tones enhance the eerie atmosphere. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the scale of the town and the details within the buildings. Be mindful of other visitors and the park's preservation rules.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
While the park doesn't officially endorse paranormal claims, the atmosphere is undeniably eerie. Many visitors report feeling a strong presence or experiencing chills, especially when exploring the more isolated buildings or the cemetery. Visiting during twilight hours or on a quiet weekday can enhance the spooky ambiance. Remember to be respectful of the site, even when seeking out its spectral inhabitants.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Bodie: From Boomtown to Ghost Town
+1Recognizing its historical significance, Bodie was designated a State Historic Park in 1962. Unlike many ghost towns that are dismantled or decay completely, Bodie was preserved in a state of 'arrested decay.' This means that while buildings are allowed to weather naturally, they are stabilized to prevent further collapse, and artifacts left behind are kept in place. This unique approach allows visitors to step back in time and experience the town as it was.
Today, Bodie is one of the most authentic and well-preserved ghost towns in the United States. It serves as a powerful reminder of the rugged individualism and transient nature of the American West during the Gold Rush era. The eerie silence, the dust-filled interiors, and the scattered remnants of daily life create a profound sense of history and place.
+1Exploring Bodie: What to Expect
It's crucial to remember that Bodie is a preserved site. Visitors are strongly encouraged to not touch or remove anything. The items left behind are historical artifacts that tell the story of the town. Stick to the paths and designated areas to help ensure the preservation of this unique historical treasure. The remote location and the stark beauty of the Bodie Hills surrounding the town add to the overall atmosphere.
Be prepared for the elements. The Eastern Sierra weather can be extreme, with strong winds, intense sun, and cold temperatures even in summer. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as you'll be walking on uneven, dusty terrain. The experience is often described as both fascinating and haunting, offering a tangible connection to a bygone era.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit