If you are a fan of history and ghost towns, then Bodie Historic State Park in California is a must-visit destination. Bodie is one of the largest and best-preserved ghost towns in the United States, offering a fascinating glimpse into the gold mining past of California.
Bodie is located in the Bodie Hills, east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Mono County, California. It is approximately 75 miles southeast of Lake Tahoe and 12 miles east-southeast of Bridgeport, at an elevation of 8,379 feet. To get to Bodie, you can follow these directions⁚
- From Bridgeport, head north on Highway 182, starting at Highway 395.
- Continue for approximately 3.8 miles.
- Turn right onto Masonic Road (Note⁚ Masonic Road is not well marked, but once you start in, it is clearly marked).
- Follow Masonic Road until you reach Bodie Road (Highway 270).
- Turn left onto Bodie Road.
- Continue on Bodie Road, which is paved for the first 10.4 miles.
- The last section of Bodie Road is a graded dirt road, which may be bumpy but is passable for 2-wheel drive vehicles.
- Drive for approximately 7 miles٫ and you will arrive at Bodie Ghost Town.
Please note that Bodie Road is located 7 miles south of Bridgeport٫ directly off US 395. The first part of the road is paved٫ and the last section is a graded dirt road. Although the road may be bumpy٫ it is accessible for most vehicles.
Once you arrive at Bodie Ghost Town, there is a nominal entrance fee of $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 17. Children three and under can enter for free. Credit cards are only accepted at the entrance kiosk, but cash is preferred. If no one is present at the kiosk, you can place your cash or check in the self-pay envelope located in the parking lot.
Visiting Bodie Ghost Town is a unique experience that allows you to explore the deserted streets of a genuine California gold-mining ghost town. With its well-preserved buildings and rich history, Bodie offers a captivating journey back in time to the Gold Rush era.
So, pack your bags, follow the directions, and get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Bodie Ghost Town!