Bodie State Historic Park

Bodie State Historic Park is a genuine California gold-mining ghost town. Visitors can walk down the deserted streets of a town that once had a population of nearly 10,000 people. The town is named for Waterman S. Body (William Bodey), who had discovered small amounts of gold in hills north of Mono Lake. In 1875, a mine cave-in revealed pay dirt, which led to purchase of the mine by the Standard Company in 1877. People flocked to Bodie and transformed it from a town of a few dozen to a boomtown.

Only a small part of the town survives, preserved in a state of "arrested decay." Interiors remain as they were left and stocked with goods. Designated as a National Historic Site and a State Historic Park in 1962, the remains of Bodie are being preserved in a state of "arrested decay". Today this once thriving mining camp is visited by tourists, howling winds and an occasional ghost.

Bodie Winter Season (Beginning November 6, 2022)

Park Hours: 9am - 4pm

Getting to Bodie - At this time, Highway 270 (Bodie Road) and Cottonwood Canyon Road may be closed due to snow. Current conditions of CA 270 can be found on the Caltrans website. For information about Cottonwood Canyon Road or information in general about reaching the park at this time please contact our office at (760) 616-5040.

On October 30, 2022, talks and tours concluded and the museum and bookstore closed for the season.

The entrance kiosk is closed at this time. Day use fees are still required. Fees will be collected at the fee station in the parking lot by path towards the church. No change is available, bring exact change. You must show proof of payment if requested by park staff.

Due to the harsh winter conditions of the Bodie Hills, it is extra important you incorporate safety into your travel plans. Investigate weather conditions before you leave home and have the tools to travel safely (a four-wheel drive vehicle, chains, tow-out equipment, food, water, warm clothing, an emergency kit, a satellite messenger device, etc.).

Facilities and Activities

Bodie is a ghost town. Today it looks much the same as it did over 50 years ago when the last residents left. To preserve the ghost town atmosphere, there are no commercial facilities at Bodie, such as food or gasoline. There is a bookstore inside the museum where you may also inquire about daily tours.

Restrooms (flush toilets) are located at the parking lot and the picnic area.

Souvenirs and Collecting
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.

Closed Areas
For public protection, certain unstable sections of the park are posted as prohibited areas, and are closed to entry by park visitors.

Camping
There is no camping at Bodie. Contact U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management offices for nearby camping information.

Winter Visits
Bodie is open all year. However, because of the high elevation (8375 feet), it is accessible only by skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles during winter months. Snowmobiles must stay on designated roads in the Bodie Hills.

Winter weather is often unpredictable. Sub-zero temperatures, strong winds and white-out conditions are common. 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.

Dogs
Dogs are permitted in the park but must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet. Dogs are not allowed on the Stamp Mill tour or in the Museum.

Drones
In the interest of public safety and the preservation of resources, Bodie SHP is closed to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as “drones,” “quad-copters” and similar. (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 4326 A)