When you plan a trip to Mammoth Lakes, you’re sure to plan for plenty of fun activities and sightseeing. Get some thrills and chills to balance out all of the relaxation with a trip to Bodie Ghost Town. The town is designated as a state historic park and offers hours of exploration.
The Park
Operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Bodie State Historic Park is a genuine gold-mining ghost town. Walk down the deserted streets of the town that used to host up to 10,000 gold miners and their families. The town was named for Waterman S. Body (William Bodey) – who discovered small amounts of gold in hills north of Mono Lake. In 1875, a mine cave-in revealed a pay-dirt, and the Standard Company bought the mine in 1877, causing people from all over to flock to Bodie. Only a small part of the Bodie Ghost Town Mammoth remains, with interiors of buildings are frozen in time – still stocked with the goods townspeople left behind. It produced over $35 million in gold and silver.
Buildings
The buildings of Bodie are a true representation of life in a mining town during the California Gold Rush of the 1800s. There are nearly 200 abandoned wooden buildings sitting in a state of “arrested decay” for you to explore. See the remnants of local church, schoolhouse, barbershop, and saloon. Many of these places were abandoned as they were and still hold relics like alcohol bottles, desks, chairs, and other tools of the trades.
When to Visit
While the park itself is technically open year-round, the roads to get there close with the first snowfall of the year. You’ll want to make sure to check road conditions and Bodie’s hours of operation before setting out on your ghost-hunting adventure. Official hours are 9 AM-6 PM in the summer season (May 15-October 31) and 9 AM-3 PM in the winter (November 1-May 14). It’s best explored in the warmer weather of summer and fall.
What to Bring
Bodie State Historic Park does not offer any services other than restrooms. You may bring your own snacks and drinks. Don’t forget other essentials like your camera, sunscreen, and jacket – even in the summer months. Keep in mind Bodie Ghost Town Mammoth is at an elevation of 8,375 feet. While you can bring your cell phone, there is limited service and signal, so make sure to stay together with your group while you explore!
Spirited Fun at Bodie Ghost Town
Much like making Bodie Ghost Town a part of your Mammoth vacation, you’ll want to make a vacation rental from Five Star Lodging a part of it too! Choose from comfortable and fun mountain-themed homes as well as elegant and stylish spaces to fit any vacation style or budget. Enjoy open floor plans that combine living, kitchen, and dining for spaces where everyone can come together to enjoy a meal, game, TV show, or relaxing time, as well as private bedrooms where everyone can enjoy a space of their own at the end of the day. Pick from your choice of two-bedroom units for a smaller family or group all the way up to four bedrooms for a larger group or family gathering. Choose an upgraded unit for perks and bonuses like flat screen TVs, Blu-ray or DVD players, stainless steel appliances, and more.
Contact us today to book your Mammoth vacation full spooky of memories to last a lifetime!
