Bodie begins winter hours

Winter hours go into effect on Thursday for Bodie State Historic Park.

The ghost town, featuring more than 100 buildings in a state of arrested decay, will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through late spring 2010.

At 8,375 feet in altitude, Bodie can be difficult to reach after first snowfall. Park officials suggest visitors call the park at (760) 647-6445, to find out weather conditions. During winter, access to the park may be limited to snowshoe, cross-country skies or snowmobiles. Snowmobiles are not permitted in the town site.

Park admission is $5 per person, Children age 6-16 are $3 and children 5 and younger are free. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must be on a leash. A self-guided tour book of the town is available for $2.

The park turnoff is located seven miles south of Bridgeport off Highway 395. The park is 13 miles from the highway, with the last three miles on rough dirt road.

There are no gas stations, campsites or food at the park. When temperatures drop below freezing, water fountains are turned off.