Winter Visits

Winter Visits
Bodie is open all year. However, because of the high elevation (8375 feet), it is accessible only by skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles during winter months. Snowmobiles must stay on designated roads in the Bodie Hills.

Winter weather is often unpredictable. Sub-zero temperatures, strong winds and white-out conditions are common. Many four wheel drive vehicles with chains get stuck each year in powdery snow. In spring, mud can be a problem. Local towing services, when available, can be costly. Check road conditions before traveling. Choose to travel only when safe. 


Snow

How to prepare for a winter trip to Bodie

  • Getting Here: Hwy 270 (Bodie's "main" road) is closed by Mono County for the winter. Other routes to Bodie are dirt roads, that may be impassable in winter due to snow, mud, and wash outs. GPS and Google maps do not provide accurate road conditions and may show these roads as alternate routes. Visitors should always plan ahead and understand the risks of a winter visit. Even 4WD vehicles with snowtires or chains get stuck every year in snow or mud. Bodie may only be accessible during winter months by snowmobile, snowshoe, or ski. 
  • Restrooms: Restrooms are closed during winter months due to freezing temperatures.
    • An outhouse is available across the road from the parking lot near the rock building.
    • Two outhouses are also located in the center of town to the left of of the Wheaton & Luhrs Hotel, the far left corner on Main and Green Street when approaching from the parking lot. 
  • Food and Water:  As ghost town kept in "arrested decay," Bodie has no services. Visitors should bring food and water, especially in winter when park water fountains are turned off to prevent freezing pipes. 
  • Fuel: There are no service stations in Bodie. Visitors should fuel up as needed in the nearby towns of Bridgeport or Lee Vining. Make sure to have plenty of fuel in your vehicle when driving to Bodie. 

  • Clothing:  Appropriate clothing can make or break your trip. Weather can change dramatically in Bodie during the day in all seasons. Layers are adviseable. We recommend warm clothing such as under armor, jackets, hats, gloves, proper foot attire such as snowboots or water proof shoes or hiking boots for winter/spring visits. Sun glasses and sun protection is advised year-round due to the high UV index from Bodie's high altitude. (Senior park aide Matthew says the sun is gnarly up here.) 
  • Entrance Fees: Our kiosk is not staffed in the winter due to extremely cold temperatures. Visitors must pay at the self-payment station in the vistor parking lot. We are unable to take credit card this time of year for self-payment. Please bring cash. Change is not available. $8 per adult ages 18 and over. $5 per child ages 4-17. Free for ages 0-3.
  • Interpretive programs: Talks, tours, and our museum are only avilable seasonally. Self-guided tour brochures are a great way to learn about the park, year round. We try to keep these available in front of the Red Barn across from the church in town. Self-guided brochures are $3 and sales go to Bodie's non-profit, the Bodie Foundation to help fun Bodie stabalization and interpretive programing.