Discovering Bodie Ghost Town: California’s Gold Rush Time Capsule
Tucked away in the arid hills east of the Sierra Nevada, just north of Mono Lake, lies one of the most authentic and eerily beautiful ghost towns in America—Bodie, California. Once a booming gold-mining town, Bodie now rests in a state of “arrested decay,” preserved as a snapshot of the past where time has stood still since the early 20th century.
A Glimpse into Bodie’s Golden Days
Founded in 1859 after the discovery of gold by prospector W.S. Bodey (whose name the town bears, albeit misspelled), Bodie exploded into prosperity by the late 1870s. At its peak, the town boasted a population of nearly 10,000 residents and had all the trappings of a bustling frontier community—saloons, hotels, banks, churches, a schoolhouse, a jail, and even a Chinatown.
But Bodie was also rough around the edges. Gunfights, robberies, and other lawless behavior earned it a reputation as one of the Wild West’s most dangerous towns. The phrase “Goodbye God, I’m going to Bodie” was allegedly penned by a young girl whose family was relocating there—and for good reason.
From Boom to Bust
Like so many gold towns, Bodie’s success was tied directly to the mining industry. As the gold veins dried up and more lucrative discoveries were made elsewhere, people began to leave. By the 1910s, the population had dwindled significantly. A series of fires, including a devastating one in 1932, reduced the town further to ruins.
By the 1940s, Bodie was virtually abandoned.
A Preserved Ghost Town
In 1962, the town became Bodie State Historic Park, and today, it stands as a rare example of a genuine ghost town—untouched by commercialization. Approximately 110 structures remain, from weathered wooden homes to the old Methodist church, a stamp mill, and rusting mining equipment.
The California State Parks system maintains Bodie in a state of “arrested decay.” Buildings are stabilized but not restored, allowing visitors to peer through dusty windows and see furniture, wallpaper, and artifacts left just as they were. It’s like stepping into a sepia-toned photograph from the 1880s.
Discovering Bodie Ghost Town Today
Getting to Bodie isn’t difficult but does require some planning. From Highway 395, turn east at Highway 270—also known as Bodie Road. The last 3 miles are unpaved, but generally passable to most vehicles in good weather.
Here’s what to know when Discovering Bodie Ghost Town:
Open Season: Bodie is typically accessible from late spring through mid-fall. Winter snows can close the road completely.
Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in peak season, but check the official website for current hours.
Entrance Fee: $8 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4–17 (subject to change).
Guided Tours: Available seasonally, including a fascinating Stamp Mill Tour.
No Services: Bodie has no food, gas, or lodging—so come prepared with water and snacks.
Tips for Discovering Bodie Ghost Town
Bring a Camera: Photographers will find endless inspiration here. The lighting near sunrise or sunset is particularly striking.
Respect the Past: Nothing may be removed from the park—not even a pebble. Everything is protected under law.
Dress Accordingly: The high desert can be hot during the day and cold at night. Layers and sturdy shoes are advised.
RV Friendly?: RVs can make the trip, but the unpaved section can be rough. Leave larger rigs behind and take a tow vehicle if possible.
Why RVers Love Bodie
Discovering Bodie offers a rare blend of history, scenery, and solitude that speaks to the spirit of RV travel. It’s off the beaten path, loaded with stories, and surrounded by other great destinations like Mono Lake, Yosemite’s eastern entrance, and the towns of Bridgeport and Lee Vining.
For those seeking more than just a pretty view, Bodie delivers a haunting beauty and a rich narrative of the American West.