Bodie Ghost Town

Peppered with old shacks, wagons and authentic Wild West buildings, Bodie Ghost Town sits frozen in time.

One of California's wildest and roughest mining camps, Bodie is also one of the best preserved. In fact, it sits in a state of "arrested decay," with park rangers maintaining — but not restoring — the historic buildings.

A lonely mountain road leads to this haunting ghost town, where you are free to explore and photograph the buildings. The Methodist Church, stamp mill, and clusters of old shops and residences are remarkably well preserved, considering the harsh winters that Bodie experiences at 8,400 feet.

In fact, if you peek inside the buildings, you'll find many of the original furnishings and belongings of the miners.

During your visit, be sure to check out the Museum & Visitor Center, where you can pick up some books, inquire about daily tours, and learn more about Bodie Ghost Town history.

Though William S. Body discovered gold here in 1859, the town didn't pick up steam until the 1870s. During its heyday, between 1878 and 1881, Bodie's mines and nine stamp mills produced almost $34 million in gold, which was shipped to Carson City, Nevada, and the San Francisco mint.

Bodie was home to about 7,000 residents and 2,000 buildings. It included a red light district, 65 saloons (famous for their brawls and shootings), miner's union hall and bustling Chinatown district. Today, only about 170 buildings are still standing.

Be sure to grab a Bodie Ghost Town map before heading out into the park. Summer is the best time to visit, but if you have a good pair of cross-country skis, snowmobile or snowshoes, you'll enjoy far less crowds during the winter. Still, you'll need a sturdy four-wheel drive, as there are no towing services available.

Bodie State Historic Park is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in October; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the winter. The Visitor Center is closed between mid-October and mid-May. Admission is $7. Children ages 6-16 are $5, and kids 5 and under are free. For more information, call the park at 760-647-6445. View Park Brochure.

A storm moves in from the Sierras on Bodie Ghost Town. Photo by Photographersnature.com

Directions: Bodie Ghost Town CA is located 23 miles north of Lee Vining. From Highway 395, take Highway 270 roughly 13 miles into the park. The last three miles are unpaved.

Editor's Note: Bodie State Historic Park has been in danger of closure. The Bodie Foundation raises money to help support the park, offering several fundraisers and heritage tours of the area. On the second Saturday of August, the group hosts its "Friends of Bodie Day."

For more information, call them at (760) 647-6564.