How to have the ultimate road trip to Bodie, a ghost town in California
Situated high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Bodie is a ghost town in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California. The town sits at an elevation of 2,554m (8,379ft) above sea level.
Where is the ghost town of Bodie?
The town is tucked away in the east central portion of California, within the Bodie State Historic Park, northeast of Yosemite.
Why is it called Bodie?
The town derives its name from Waterman S. Body, also known as William Bodey, the individual credited with discovering traces of gold in the hills situated to the north of Mono Lake.
Can you drive to Bodie, a ghost town in California?
The road to the town is mostly paved. Only the last 3 miles are a rough dirt road, dusty, bumpy, and slow. Reduced speeds are necessary. It can be difficult at times, especially after rain or snow. The road is suitable for most vehicles. To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 35 and 45 minutes.
How long is the road to Bodie in California?
The road to the gold-mining ghost town, a true piece of history in the middle of nowhere, is called Bodie Road (CA-270 W). Starting at Dog Town, a ghost town on US-395, it’s 20.11km (12.5 miles) long.
Why did Bodie become a ghost town?
The ghost town of Bodie is one of the most authentic abandoned gold-mining towns of the Old West. Located near the Nevada border, the bustling town that once had a population of nearly 10,000 people (from 1877 to 1882) produced more than $38 million in gold and silver. The town was abandoned when the gold ran out. Only 5% of the town remains but what is left is very impressive.
Is the town of Bodie haunted?
The ghost town of Bodie, California, is renowned as one of the most authentic abandoned gold-mining towns of the Old West. Legend has it that Bodie is inhabited by ghosts who guard the town against pilferers. Some claim, according to reports, that removing any artifact from Bodie can result in the dreaded "curse of Bodie."
When is the best time to drive to Bodie ghost town?
Set high on the eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range, the road is open to traffic throughout the year, but may be closed from November through May. Winter weather is often unpredictable. Sub-zero temperatures, strong winds, and white-out conditions are not uncommon. It can be righteously hot by midsummer and buried in snow in wintertime. The weather can be changeable and layered clothing is recommended. Many four-wheel-drive vehicles get stuck each year in the powdery snow that is deeper than it first appears. If you are traveling in the winter, due to the high elevation, the park can only be accessed via skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles. In spring, mud can be a problem.
Pic: David Goulart