Hey there, I am thinking of taking the back way into Bodie Ca this coming weekend...just a quick day run. I have never done this route (never been to Bodie), so was wondering:

1) Any suggestions from those who have made this run?
2) Anyone else going to be doing the same?

I always get nervous about going it alone...don't want to get stuck without a buddy to pull me out.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks.

 

what i can tell you is that a jeeper who tried doing this exact same trip a few years back, solo and with his doors and top off died when he got stuck in some deep snow. having said that, i don't think you'll encounter any snow this time of year and, i think you'll have a great time. some nice mining ruins and towns to see along the way and it's real pretty up there. i wish i could join you

 

Hi Way of Life,

Nice to hear from you. Have seen all the videos and look forward to meeting you in person some day. I was coming back (in traffic) from Tahoe two weeks ago and ran along Mituk in his green JK 4dr...and he said he had been on the Rubicon with you and others....and thank weekend I had gone into the Rubicon about 3 miles from the Tahoe side...but missed all the action (wanted to get out of the way before the crowd came through).

Anyway, I have read about the guy who died on his way to Bodie...one reason I'm hoping for others to be out there.

You heading anywhere this weekend?

 

What altitude does the back way hit? If its under 8k ft, you should be fine (ie: no snow). But there is still snow above 9k. Although not a whole lot, its not solid like it was a month or so ago. Mostly patches now. But I have not been to the east side of the mountains since early June (when there was about 12ft of snow at 9500ft).

 

Hi Stuka,

Have to research that...don't know.

How is Twain Hart? Nice town. Have looked at Cabins up there. Used to go to Pinecrest all the time growing up...Grandfather built a cabin on Meadowview.

 

If you are taking Aurora Canyon out of Bridgeport- This is an easy trail, 4wd not necessary this time of the year.
We took the same route July 4th weekend and hit only one snow drift on the way. It is a nice drive in the summer. But can be a killer in the early spring. Way of Life mentioned a guy who died out there. I found a dead guy out there Memorial Day weekend in 2007.

 

If you like history, you'll love bodie!

 

Twain Harte is an awesome little town. Born and raised in the area, and still love living up here

Oh, and Bodie is awesome!

 

I went to Bodie in July and it was fine. Took the road as described in Charles Wells' book about Northern California. It's called Masonic Road.
A very easy trail. I didn't put the Jeep in 4WD until I had to get around some snow patches. There were two big snow patches and other vehicles had created a path around them already. There was one water crossing. Great fun in all.

It's very scenic and really great to go around the last bend and see Bodie.



P.S. park in the parking lot and pay the entrance fee... I though I could pay when exiting via the normal road and the booth there, but I already had a ticket by then.