Bodie State Historic Park

Bodie State Historic Park is, to quote the California State Park website, "a genuine California gold-mining ghost town... preserved in a state of arrested decay." Although there is some debate about it, the California State Park system has claimed that, in 1880, Bodie was the second or third largest city in California, with 5,000-7,000 people and over 2,000 buildings. As the gold began to dwindle, the Wild West boom town began to decay; after a devastating fire in 1932 (which burned 90% of the structures of the city), Bodie was doomed. The last residents left in the 1940s, and it became a state park in 1962.

Directions to the State Historic Park: From U.S. 395, seven miles south of Bridgeport, take State Route 270. Go east 10 miles to the end of the pavement and continue 3 miles on a dirt road to Bodie. The last 3 miles are quite rough! This is a fee area, and they do not accept most state park vehicle passes. The cost is $8 per person and $2 for the guide (I recommend getting it).

As you can see, there are a lot of buildings to check out (even though only 10% of the town survived the fire!), so you can dial in your walking to your comfort level. There are restrooms and water fountains, but not much else. The town is relatively flat; however, there is almost no shade. Wear a hat, bring some sun screen, and enjoy stepping back in time!