View from hill above Bodie
Bodie State Historic Park is a genuine California gold-mining ghost town. Visitors can walk down the deserted streets of a town that once had a population of 10,000 people.

The town was founded by Waterman S. Body (William Bodey), who had discovered small amounts of gold in hills north of Mono Lake.
Many homes still line the streets of Bodie
In 1877, the Standard Company struck pay dirt and a gold rush transformed Bodie from a town of 20 people to a boomtown. Only a small part of the town survives, preserved in a state of "arrested decay." Interiors remain as they were left and stocked with goods.

Designated as a National Historic Site and a State Historic Park in 1962, the remains of Bodie are being preserved in a state of "arrested decay". Today this once thriving mining camp is visited by tourists, howling winds and an occasional ghost. Bodie is a ghost town. Today it 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. Be sure to bring plenty of film.
The old smelter can be seen in the distance  
Gas was much cheaper in Bodie
The old church.
You'll find many interesting grave markers.
The shelves are still stocked.
Look into the old school room.
In cooperation with Inyo National Forest