Today, Bodie is one of the largest and best preserved ghost towns in the West. Its over 200 buildings are maintained in a state of what is termed "arrested decay." Many original items are displayed in these old buildings. When people moved out after the fire of 1932, they packed what they could get in their wagon or truck, and the rest was just left behind. Only about 10% of the original buildings still stand; however what is left looks much the same as it did over 50 years ago when the last residents left.

There are no permanent residents in the town except park employees. In this original ghost town you will find no tourist traps, restaurants, or recreated saloons. The only business is the Bodie Museum, which is free to the public and offers books, postcards and other souvenirs.

Along the west slope of Bodie Bluff, you can see the Standard Mine and Mill. Most of the inner workings are still intact, some of which the public can see during a guided mill tour during summer months.

The Bodie State Park is open year round weather permitting. At an elevation of almost 9,000 some connecting roads may be closed in the winter. The Bodie Museum, located in the old Miner’s Union Hall building, is open from May through October.

Near the Nevada border, Bodie is 50 miles south of Lake Tahoe, California seven miles south of Bridgeport off of Highway 395. Turning on Highway 270, Bodie is 13 miles east. Highway 270 is open only sporadically in the winter time and is not paved for the final three miles to Bodie.

There are several roads leading out of Bodie but these are better left traveled in four-wheel drive vehicles.

© Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, updated August, 2009.

Also See:  Bodie, California Ghost Town Gallery