Bodie, California USA • A California Ghost Town
Jesús Manuel Mena Garza

In 1859, W.S. Bodie discovered gold in Bodie. Unfortunately he died in a snow storm that winter and never saw the town that took on his name.

Over the years, Bodie has seen numerous booms and busts. There were some huge gold strikes and at one point, the town had nearly 10,000 residents. By 1882, the big strikes were history and folks began to go elsewhere.

Bodie is one of the largest and best preserved ghost towns in the West. Over 170 buildings remain in what the California Department of Parks and Recreations calls a state of "arrested decay." It is, without a doubt, a photographer's paradise. History buffs and fans of the old West will find walking through Bodie a remarkable experience.

You won't find the trappings of a tourist destination. Only three water fountains and the Bodie Museum. The museum is free to the public and offers postcards, books, film and a few other items. Bodie is a California State Park and is open year round weather permitting.

Bodie is 13 miles east of Highway 395 on Highway 270, which is 6 miles south of Bridgeport (some of the soggiest cattle range I have ever seen). Highway 270 is open sporadically in the winter and is not paved the final 3 miles to Bodie. Make sure to bring a warm jacket, lunch, camera and tripod. If you are planning a trip to Bodie, give me a ring, I may have time to tag along.

Bodie Photography Links

Friends of Bodie Photo Day
A Journey Through Bodie Ghost Town
Apogeephoto.com
Bodie.net

Updated May 3, 2007

(909) 557-7151

Some text derived from diverse sources. Photos copyright 2007 Jesús Manuel Mena Garza. All rights reserved.