BODIE NEWS | MONO COUNTY — Updated October 14, 2026. Bodie State Historic Park is one of California’s most recognizable gold-rush towns. But a visit requires more planning than an ordinary museum stop: the preserved settlement sits at high elevation, part of the approach road is unpaved, and the park’s opening hours change with the season. Here is what the official park information tells visitors — and what to check again before leaving home.
Getting to the historic town
California State Parks identifies State Route 270 (Bodie Road) as the preferred approach from US Highway 395. Its May 2026 road update described approximately 10 miles of pavement and 3 miles of dirt along that route and said SR 270 was open at the time of the notice. Conditions in the Eastern Sierra can change, particularly after storms. Check Caltrans’ live information for Route 270 before traveling. The park says the SR 270 approach normally takes roughly 30–40 minutes from US 395; leave extra margin for road conditions and traffic.
Opening hours and admission
The official Bodie State Historic Park page, checked October 14, 2026, listed summer hours as 9 a.m.–6 p.m. from May 1 to November 1 and winter hours as 9 a.m.–4 p.m. from November 1 to May 1. The same page listed general admission at $8 for adults, $5 for youth, and free for children three and under, subject to changes and special rates. The separate trip-planning page uses a slightly different seasonal-hours description, so rely on the current official park notice shortly before arrival rather than a copied schedule.
What to expect on arrival
State Parks preserves Bodie in a condition it calls arrested decay. Visitors can walk the historic streets and look into some buildings, but access to structures is restricted. The official accessibility information warns that the town stands above 8,300 feet and can be sunny, windy and cold; bring layers, sunscreen and drinking water. It notes that food is not sold inside the park. There is no conventional campground or lodging reservation at Bodie, so plan accommodations separately.
Dogs, photography and historic preservation
The park allows dogs on the grounds but not inside historic buildings, the museum or the Stamp Mill. Please respect barriers, stay out of closed structures and leave historic objects where they are. Bodie’s appeal depends on safeguarding the town rather than treating it like a film set that can be rearranged.
Before you drive
- Confirm the latest Bodie park advisory, fees and hours.
- Check Caltrans SR 270 road conditions immediately before the trip.
- Allow ample time: State Parks’ trip-planning guide recommends about one to three hours on site, excluding travel.
- Bring water, a jacket and sturdy shoes. High-altitude weather can change rapidly.
Sources: California State Parks — Bodie SHP; SR 270 notice, May 1, 2026; Bodie accessibility information. Schedules, fees and road status must be verified with the agencies directly.
Local coverage: More regional context is available in the Mono County Travel Guide and at Bodie News. Residents and park visitors can send a correction or local news tip.
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