How to have the ultimate road trip to Bodie, a ghost town in California

Ever dreamed of stepping back in time? Head to Bodie, a real-deal ghost town nestled high in California's Sierra Nevada, near Yosemite. This once-thriving gold-mining town sits at a whopping 8,379 feet above sea level!

The journey itself is part of the adventure. You'll find Bodie tucked away in east-central California. The road in, Bodie Road (CA-270 W), starts near Dog Town (another ghost town!) off US-395. It’s about 12.5 miles long, and while most of it is paved, the last 3 miles are a bumpy, dusty dirt road. Think slow and steady! It'll take you between 35 and 45 minutes to drive, so buckle up. Most vehicles can make it, but be extra cautious after rain or snow.

Bodie was named after Waterman S. Body, who found traces of gold near Mono Lake. Back in its heyday (1877-1882), nearly 10,000 people called this place home, and the mines churned out over $38 million in gold and silver. Now, only about 5% of the town remains, but it’s an incredibly preserved glimpse into the Old West.

Keep in mind this road can be closed from November to May due to unpredictable winter weather. Think sub-zero temps, strong winds, and white-out conditions! Even in summer, it can get scorching hot. Layering your clothing is key! And if you're heading there in winter, be prepared to ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile in, as the road often gets buried in deep, powdery snow. Legend has it that the ghosts of Bodie protect their town so leave everything as you find it!