A Secluded Mountain Town With Stunning Winter Views Is Known As The 'Antarctica Of California'

Sophisticated travelers have put the "polar continent" of Antarctica at the top of their bucket lists, intrigued to explore its vast open spaces and spot wildlife like frolicking penguins in their natural habitat. There is no question, however, that visiting the South Pole is costly and involves traveling far distances to get there.

Did you know there's a mountain town in the continental USA that has often been referred to as the "Antarctica of California"? Yes, here in Bridgeport, you can experience the same type of snow-capped mountains, breathtaking landscape, and frozen tundra without having to break the bank or plan a 3-day trip to the end of the earth.  

Located at an elevation of over 6,000 feet, the small town of Bridgeport is one of California's picture-perfect mountainside destinations. It's a desirable spot that provides outstanding recreational activities, especially in the winter months. Over 500 miles of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding, snowmobiling, and multi-use trails can be accessed in the area. Bridgeport is located in Mono County — nicknamed "California's Great Beyond" because of its laid-back lifestyle and stunning natural landscapes. About 20 minutes northwest of the city of Bridgeport is the remote Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area. Open from December to April, you'll find world-class ice-climbing, sledding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The best part is permits are free.  

Bridgeport is located in Mono County, named for the fascinating saline Mono Lake and the county's original Native American inhabitants — the Mono Tribe. Mining also played a role in the town's growth during the California Gold Rush in the middle of the 1800s. History enthusiasts can find out more about Bridgeport's colorful history at the Mono County Museum.

Just 20 miles from Bridgeport, take a step back in time at Bodie — one of the best historic sites in California for history buffs. Located in the Bodie State Historic Park, this authentic gold-mining ghost town was once inhabited by over 8,000 rushers in search of elusive riches with almost 2,000 wooden buildings, Bodie was a boomtown between 1877 and 1882. Experience this historic site when it was a bustling city and explore the 200 remaining buildings like the church, school, and of course, the traditional saloon, now listed as a National Historic Site. Today, the town is just how the inhabitants left it in 1942 and is considered deserted, save for the tourists who come from all across the globe to see the remnants of a bygone era. 

While you won't spot penguins in Bridgeport, you can count on seeing ducks, geese, and bald eagles at one of the best bird-watching destinations in America. The East Walker River Wildlife Area near the Bridgeport Reservoir features more than a thousand acres of wetlands and pristine wilderness perfect for sighting deer, black bears, and river otters. Other nearby locations for seeing wildlife include Mono Lake Park and Tioga Lake.