Bodie State Historic Park
Mono County, California, USA
“A hauntingly beautiful look at life (and death) in the Old West … ”
A real California ghost town
Deep in the windswept hills of the Eastern Sierra lies Bodie, one of California’s most fascinating — and spookiest — ghost towns.
Once a thriving gold rush settlement filled with miners, misfits, and fortune seekers, Bodie now stands frozen in time.
Its creaky buildings, silent streets and tragic past offer a hauntingly beautiful look at life (and death) in the Old West.
Where is Bodie?
Bodie is tucked away in Mono County in northeastern California, about 120 km southeast of Lake Tahoe and 110 km northwest of Mammoth Lakes. It’s just off Highway 395 near the town of Bridgeport. The last 5km stretch is a bone-shaking, unsealed dirt road, so drive carefully — especially after rain.
More than 100 buildings still stand in a state of “arrested decay” — preserved, but not restored.
Wander the dusty streets and you’ll find:
Homes still furnished with beds, chairs, and toys
A schoolhouse, chalk still on the blackboard
The Bodie Hotel, said to be one of the town’s most haunted spots
A Methodist Church, weather-beaten but still standing strong
Saloons, shops, and a bank vault, all echoing with stories of the past
No actors. No staged scenes. Just the eerie stillness of a town abandoned to time.
The Murder That Left a Ghost Behind
In Bodie’s heyday, life was wild and often dangerous. One of the most infamous events was the murder of Tom Treanor, a well-liked local who was gunned down by a fellow miner during a dispute.
Locals believed his spirit lingered — and still does.
Visitors have reported cold spots, mysterious voices, and strange shadows near the spot where the murder occurred.
His story is just one of many ghostly legends tied to the town’s violent past.
Don’t take ANYTHING!
Bodie may be beautiful, but it doesn’t take kindly to theft. Park rangers and visitors alike swear by “The Bodie Curse” — a string of misfortunes that befalls anyone who dares to take home even the tiniest souvenir.
From unexplained illnesses and financial ruin to relentless bad luck, the stories are chilling. Some people have even mailed back rocks, nails, and pieces of wood with apology notes begging for forgiveness and a break in their cursed streak.
So take all the photos you want — but leave every single piece of Bodie behind as they are protected by law.
Why Bodie still matters
In the late 1870s, Bodie boomed with nearly 10,000 residents, 60 saloons, and more than its fair share of chaos. But as the gold dried up, the population dwindled. By the 1940s, it was a true ghost town.
Today, Bodie offers a rare glimpse into the raw, unpolished reality of life in the Wild West.
It’s a time capsule of grit, resilience and survival — and a sobering reminder of how fast fortunes could rise and fall.
Want to visit?
Bodie State Historic Park, Mono County, CA
🕰️ Open year-round (weather permitting)
🎟️ Entry fee applies – check the official site before heading out
Bring water and snacks – there are no cafes in Bodie
Wear sturdy shoes – lots of uneven ground and broken boardwalks
Check road conditions – the last stretch is dirt and can get rough
Most importantly: Take nothing but photos and memories or prepare for the consequences!