Bodie Ghost Town Level 1 (Day Trip from June Lake)

ABOUT
Explore Bodie State Historic Park, a genuine California gold-mine ghost town. This is not a hike, but is a walking tour of the preserved ghost town. There is an optional guided tour of the stamp mill. Minimal elevation gain.

Visitors can walk down the deserted streets of a town that once had around 2,000 structures and a population of roughly 8,000 people.
The town is named for W.S. Body (or Bodey), who had discovered small amounts of gold in hills north of Mono Lake. In 1875, a mine cave-in revealed a rich vein of ore, which led to purchase of the mine by the Standard Company in 1877. People flocked to Bodie and transformed it from a town of a few dozen to a boomtown. In 1881, Bodie's "bust" began and the town's population declined drastically. The town's population continuing to decline until only a few remained. Mining officially ceased in Bodie in 1942, the final nail in the coffin for Bodie's township. Two large fires in 1892 and 1932 reduced the town's remaining structures down to less than 10% of the 2,000 structures that once stood.
Only a small part of the town survives. 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 who continue to travel to Bodie from all over the world, just as they did back in Bodie's boom years.

Where to Meet: Meet at 9am. We will carpool from the Gull Lake Marina parking lot (47 Granite Ave, June Lake). The drive is 38 miles, very scenic, and takes about 1 hour. Passengers will share in gas costs.

Walking distance: 1-2 miles, depending on how much of the town and its surroundings you choose to explore.

Elevation gain: Minimal, 100 ft gain or less
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Condition: Dirt paths and historic streets through town

Bring: $8 park entry fee (per person). Self-guided tour pamphlet is $3. Optional 45 minute stamp mill tour is $6 and highly recommended. Water/beverage, snacks/lunch. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring a hat, layered clothing according to weather forecast.
General Rating: Level (1 - Easy) Click the hike RATING TABLE for more info about hiking levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating
About the hike: You will be walking on unpaved town streets and paths. Some boardwalks and a few wooden steps to access buildings. The optional tour of the mill requires climbing and descending stairways, (approproximately 3 stories).
Parking: Free with paid entry
Reminder:
By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
>>>YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
>>>YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY
***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks and snake bites. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***