Bodie Ghost Town Road — US-395 to Bodie State Historic Park
Ghost town at 8,375 feet — earn the dust.
The Bodie Road junction off US-395 north of Lee Vining is easy to miss, but what’s waiting at the end of 13 miles of washboard gravel and wind-scoured sagebrush is not. Bodie State Historic Park holds over 200 original structures from a gold mining boomtown that peaked in 1879 with a population of 10,000 and burned, froze, and slowly collapsed into its current arrested-decay state. The road climbs steadily through open range, crosses a cattle guard or two, and arrives at a windswept basin where the buildings just appear out of nowhere — Methodist church, jail, stamp mill, and a main street that looks like the miners just stepped out for lunch. Afternoon winds are brutal; plan accordingly.
High-clearance 2WD handles this road in dry summer conditions, but shoulder seasons bring frost heaves, mud, and the occasional snow squall at elevation. Budget a minimum of two hours on-site — the park is genuinely huge and the detail in each preserved structure rewards slow walking. Day-use fee required at the gate. No water, no food, no fuel anywhere near here — top off in Bridgeport (25 miles north) or Lee Vining (30 miles south). Cell service disappears before you reach the turnoff. Worth every mile.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 13 mi / 20.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8375 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD (4WD recommended off-season) |
| Nearest town | Bridgeport, California |
| Land manager | California State Parks |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | parks.ca.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this road, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 2WD truck or SUV is fine in summer conditions. The road is graded gravel — no rock crawling, no serious obstacles. A lifted rig adds zero advantage here.
When does the road to Bodie open after winter, and can you run it in snow?
The road typically opens in late May or June depending on snowpack. Winter access is possible in a 4WD with snow tires or chains, but it's unplowed and conditions can close it without warning — call Bridgeport Ranger Station before you go.
Is there an entrance fee, and do you need a permit in advance?
Yes, California State Parks charges a day-use fee — currently $8 per vehicle. No advance reservation needed, just pay at the gate. The park is open daily when the road is passable.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually watch for?
The trail itself is easy — the challenge is the altitude and washboard sections that can get rough between grading cycles. Soft shoulders after rain can catch you off guard, and that last mile into the park sits above 8,000 feet, so don't push a borderline-overheating rig.
Is there any gas or water available at Bodie, and how far is the nearest fuel?
There is zero fuel, water, or services at Bodie — it's a preserved ghost town, not a trailhead with amenities. Fill up and top off your water in Bridgeport, 13 miles back, before you head out.
Trail track
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