Bodie was named after Waterman S. Body (also known as William S. Bodey), who discovered gold here in 1859. This ghost town looks much the same as it did over 50 years ago when the last residents left. To preserve the ghost town atmosphere, there are no commercial facilities at Bodie, so be sure to bring plenty of film, food & water.

Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Bodie is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The remainder of the year Bodie is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or as posted. Hours may vary due to unpredictable weather, so call the park to verify. From U.S., take State Route 270. Go east 10 miles to the end of the pavement and continue 3 miles on an unsurfaced (that’s correct!) road to Bodie.

By 1879, Bodie boasted a population of about 10,000 and was second to none for wickedness, badmen, and "the worst climate out of doors." One little girl, whose family was taking her to the remote and infamous town, wrote in her diary: "Goodbye God, I'm going to Bodie." This phrase came to be known throughout the west.

Go to www.desertusa.com/bodie source for photos and map.