California’s official state ghost town sits high in the Eastern Sierra with over 100 weathered buildings still standing exactly as they were abandoned. Walk dusty streets past the general store, saloon, and Methodist church while imagining the 10,000 residents who once called this harsh landscape home. Rangers maintain the buildings in ‘arrested decay’ — everything stays exactly as found.
Last 3 miles on rough dirt road that closes with snow, typically November through April. No camping on-site, but plenty of dispersed options nearby in Toiyabe National Forest. Bring layers — it’s genuinely cold even in summer at this elevation.
Authentic gold rush ghost town at 8,375 feet
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | Bypass Road, Bodie, California Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 8375 ft |
| Nearest town | Bridgeport, CA |
| Miles from pavement | 3 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Dirt |
| Cell service | None |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $8.00 / night |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | May-October |
| Land manager | State Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |