Bodie
Gold was discovered in Bodie in 1859, and by the 1870's it boasted three breweries and 65
saloons and dance halls. There was more drinking, gambling, and shooting than any other mining
town. Killings occurred regularly, sometimes becoming almost daily events. Robberies, stage
holdups, and street fights were a regular occurrence. Bodie reached a population of about
10,000 by 1879, and today is left very much intact, the way that it was when the gold mining
ceased. The people left, leaving the store shelves stocked and writing on the school's blackboard. The park is 32 miles from the Lake View Lodge, 22 miles north on 395, then take State Route 270. Go east 10 miles to the end of the pavement and continue 3 miles on an unsurfaced road to Bodie. The last 3 miles can at times be rough. Reduced speeds are necessary. An entrance fee is charged, and a small museum sells some souvenirs. Bring cold drinking water and film - there are no services within 14 miles of the park.
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