Where does Bodie Masonic Road start and end?

Where does Bodie Masonic Road start and end?

Usa, north-america

Length

40.39 km

Elevation

2,831 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Bodie Masonic Road, straddling the California-Nevada border in the eastern Sierra Nevada. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! We're talking about one of California's highest roads, hitting a whopping 9,288 feet above sea level.

This incredible unpaved trail winds through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, cutting through Mineral and Lyon Counties in Nevada, and Mono County in California. The whole shebang stretches for about 25 miles (40 km) via NF-028, NF-046 and NF-169, a north-south route from NV-338 to CA-270 (Bodie Road), taking you to Bodie, that awesome abandoned gold-mining town.

Heads up, this is a remote adventure! Cell service is pretty much non-existent. The old-timers called it the Geiger Grade, and you might have to splash through a stream or two. A stock SUV with 4-wheel drive is your best bet. Keep in mind the elevation and isolation โ€“ it adds to the thrill, but be prepared!

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
40.39 km
Max Elevation
2,831 m
Difficulty
moderate

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