Bodie State Historic Park is a fun day trip from Mammoth, California. It’s located about 90 minutes northeast of Mammoth. Bodie was a mining town in the late 1800s after gold was discovered but became a ghost town after the mining boom died down.
History of Bodie
In 1859, Waterman S. Body (William Bodey) discovered small amounts of gold in the hills north of Mono Lake. Unfortunately, Bodey perished the following November in a blizzard making a supply trip. In 1875, a mine cave-in revealed gold and the Standard Company purchased the mine in 1877. From there the town of Bodie turned into a boomtown. By 1879, Bodie had a population of approximately 7,000–10,000 people but started to decline in 1880 with other mining booms in Montana, Arizona and Utah. By 1910 the population was recorded at 698 people, mostly families who decided not to move onto other booming mine towns. Only 120 people remained by 1920. There was a severe fire in 1932 and the post office operated until 1942, the same year the last mine closed. Bodie was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and Bodie State Historic Park was created in 1962.
How to Get to Bodie
From U.S. 395 turn onto State Road 270 (seven miles south of Bridgeport). Go east 10 miles to the end of the pavement and continue 3 miles on an unsurfaced road to Bodie. Road conditions can change due to weather so you may want to call the park to confirm before heading out: (760) 616-5040.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Bodie
Prices are per person, not vehicle. Adults are $8 and children $5 (under 3 are free). You can purchase a tour book for $3. Even in the winter months when the entrance booth is closed visitors must pay the day use fees. The fee is collected in the parking lot. Bring exact change and keep your proof of payment.
What to See in Bodie
With 110 buildings still standing in Bodie, there is a lot to see. Building interiors remain as they were left, still stocked with goods and furniture. You can see in one of the pictures below calendars from 1934 and 1937.
Wheaton & Hollis Hotel
You can spend a few hours walking around the ghost town of Bodie, and can even go inside some of the buildings. To see a map of the town go here. During the warmer months you can visit the museum and bookstore. There are also talks and tours at regular intervals throughout the day. It’s important to note that you cannot collect or remove any items from the park.
Other Things to Know About Visiting Bodie
Food and Water
Don’t forget that this is a ghost town, thus you need to bring everything that you will want and need with you. Bring snacks and water as there are no services nearby. There are public restrooms near the parking lot and picnic areas.
When to Visit
Bodie is open-year round but it’s easier to access in the late spring, summer or fall. Road conditions can be muddy in the spring and you’ll have to ski or snowmobile into the park during the winter. Bodie is at a high elevation (8375 feet) so consider bringing a jacket for chilly days, however, we went in July and it was bordering on the hot side. Unfortunately, Bodie doesn’t have a lot of shade. Make sure to wear sunscreen!
Dogs and Drones
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash and cannot go into the buildings. Drones are not allowed.
Fuel
Make sure you have enough gas in the tank because there are no gas stations nearby. The closest station is 30+ miles away.
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