Cool Springs Station - Image 1
1 / 3

Route 66 Oatman Highway

4.7
·1k reviews·Golden Valley, United States

Journey back in time on a legendary stretch of Route 66, encountering wild burros and historic gems amidst stunning desert vistas.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Cool Springs Station - Image 1

Route 66 Oatman Highway

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Journey back in time on a legendary stretch of Route 66, encountering wild burros and historic gems amidst stunning desert vistas.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"This trip transports you!! The views are spectacular and the shop is everything! Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Download Offline Maps

Cell service is unreliable. Get offline maps before you go! :iphone:

Bring Cash for Burros

Buy burro feed from local shops to interact with the friendly locals. :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oatman's Wild Burros

Oatman's Wild Burros

Oatman

Meet the friendly wild burros roaming freely through this historic mining town. A truly unique encounter!

Reddit
Cool Springs Station

Cool Springs Station

Historic Route 66

A perfectly preserved Route 66 stop with incredible views, unique souvenirs, and a chance to meet local kitties.

Reddit
Historic Oatman Jail

Historic Oatman Jail

Oatman

Step back into the Wild West at this preserved jail, a relic of Oatman's mining town past.

Reddit
'Cars' Movie Magic

'Cars' Movie Magic

Oatman

Find 'Radiator Springs' with Mater and Lightning McQueen figures, a delight for 'Cars' movie fans.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Detour

This stretch of Route 66 is a journey back in time. Expect winding roads, limited cell service, and a slower pace. Plan for stops like Oatman and Cool Springs to truly soak it in. Reddit

Prepare for the Unexpected

Cell service is spotty to non-existent until Oatman. Download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans. Keep an eye out for wild burros in Oatman! Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Mid-day, especially weekdays
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Route 66 Road trip ⛽️🇺🇸🤩 #route66 #usaroadtrip #seligman #oatman #kingman #historicroute66 #america #usa #route66roadtrip #roadtrip
loicexplore
192.8K likes • 2M views

Download Offline Maps

Cell service is unreliable. Get offline maps before you go! :iphone: Reddit

Bring Cash for Burros

Buy burro feed from local shops to interact with the friendly locals. :moneybag: Reddit

Old Route 66 Highway outside of Oatman, AZ. Where the burros ALWAYS have the right-of-way!😉
nomadic_photo_safaris
32 likes • 152 views
The beauty of traveling the Mother Road. You just never know what you will find around the next bend! The Oatman burros playing the welcome party on the Oatman highway. Classic Route 66. . . . . #oatmanhighway #oatmanburros #ghostown #ghosttownsofarizona #coolsprings #oatmanarizona #route66 #aroundthebend #ipulledoverforthis #roadsideoddities #roadsideamerica
brennen.matthews
23 likes • 347 views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of exploring in Oatman's historic streets. :athletic_shoe:

Stop at Cool Springs

Don't miss this iconic Route 66 stop for souvenirs and amazing views. :gift: Reddit

Day 5-7🇺🇸💫 San Diego 👉🏽 Arizona (oatman City, Route 66 - 160km Outback) 🤍 Insgesamt auf 8 Stunden 700 km🤟🏽 #sandiego #8hoursdrive #arizona #oatmancity #westerncity #highway #route66 #donkeycity #grandcanyon
moniquee.stark
34 likes • 651 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Download Offline Maps

Cell service is unreliable. Get offline maps before you go! :iphone: Reddit

Bring Cash for Burros

Buy burro feed from local shops to interact with the friendly locals. :moneybag: Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of exploring in Oatman's historic streets. :athletic_shoe:

Stop at Cool Springs

Don't miss this iconic Route 66 stop for souvenirs and amazing views. :gift: Reddit

Watch for Road Hazards

Be aware of gravel patches and sharp turns on the highway. :warning: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Route 66 Oatman Highway for its authentic, nostalgic charm and breathtaking desert scenery. The wild burros of Oatman and the preserved Cool Springs Station are standout highlights, offering unique experiences. While the winding roads and limited services require preparation, the journey is widely considered a worthwhile adventure into America's past.

"Cool Springs is worth the drive!!

The trip here makes you take your time on the historic Route 66. It transports you!!

The views are spectacular! The shop sits atop the edge of a ravine that overlooks a mountain scape that takes your breath away.

The shop is everything! The perfect route 66 stop. It has all the necessities and all the tourist needs and wants. Plus, unique gifts, crystals, rocks, and super cool scrap metal art.

If you're lucky, you'll get to meet the owners' sweet kitties, Junior was super cuddly and loved on us the whole time we were there.

Again, it is worth the stop. It has a place in my heart forever.

You will lose cell service until after you pass through Oatman (the next stop that you can not miss after cool Springs)."

Nicole D

"A great places to stop and it's famous from the movies. Inside is a ton of souvenirs everything you would want. If your looking for a route 66 pins stop here."

Stuart Gates

"Big thanks to Geneva. Her heads up about the road ahead likely saved me from the giant patch of gravel, and her mention of the hill above the 90° kickback had breath taking views. Stop in and take a cool drink and get the heads up!"

John Hollar

What People Like

Wild burros in Oatman
Historic Cool Springs Station
Spectacular desert views

What People Dislike

Limited cell service
Winding, challenging roads

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Oatman Highway is a section of historic Route 66 in Arizona, often accessed from Kingman or Oatman. It's known for its dramatic mountain scenery and winding roads. Be prepared for a slower pace and limited services. Reddit

Yes, the main highway is paved, but it features many sharp curves and steep grades. Some sections might have gravel patches, so drive cautiously. Reddit

Many travelers recommend driving it from west to east (Oatman to Kingman) to better navigate the curves and enjoy the views. However, either direction offers a unique experience. Reddit

Gas stations are scarce on this stretch. It's highly recommended to fill up your tank in Kingman or Lake Havasu City before heading onto the Oatman Highway. Reddit

The road is scenic but challenging, with many hairpin turns and steep inclines. It's best suited for experienced drivers who enjoy a scenic drive. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to drive the Route 66 Oatman Highway itself. It's a public road. However, attractions within Oatman may have their own entry fees or costs for activities. Reddit

Oatman is a historic town, and there are no general entrance fees to walk around. However, individual shops or attractions within Oatman might charge for specific experiences. Reddit

Operating hours for shops and attractions in Oatman can vary, especially outside of peak season. It's best to check individual business hours before your visit, though many are open daily. Reddit

Seeing the wild burros is free, as they roam freely through town. If you wish to feed them, you can purchase special burro feed from local shops. Reddit

You are welcome to stop and explore Cool Springs Station. While they offer many souvenirs and necessities, browsing is encouraged, and the views alone are worth the stop. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Oatman offers a unique step back in time with its wild burros roaming the streets, historic buildings, old jail, and souvenir shops. It's a quirky and memorable stop. Reddit

The wild burros are descendants of miners' pack animals and are very accustomed to people. They are generally friendly and will approach visitors, especially if you have feed. Reddit

You'll find classic Route 66 memorabilia, local crafts, crystals, rocks, scrap metal art, and unique gifts at places like Cool Springs Station and shops in Oatman. Reddit

Yes, Oatman is a hit with families, especially thanks to the wild burros and the 'Cars' movie-themed figures. It's a fun and engaging experience for kids. Reddit

The views are spectacular! You'll experience dramatic mountain landscapes, rugged desert scenery, and breathtaking vistas, especially from overlooks like Cool Springs. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options are limited directly on the highway. Oatman has a few historic saloons and diners offering classic American fare. Cool Springs offers refreshments. Reddit

Expect classic diner-style food, burgers, sandwiches, and local specialties in Oatman's historic eateries. It's a taste of old-school Americana. Reddit

Yes, Cool Springs Station offers cold drinks and snacks. Oatman also has several establishments where you can grab refreshments. Reddit

While there aren't many designated picnic areas, you can find scenic spots to pull over safely. Be sure to pack out all your trash. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy the unique atmosphere of dining in Oatman's historic saloons. It's part of the overall Route 66 experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The winding mountain roads, the historic buildings of Oatman, the wild burros, and the panoramic views from Cool Springs Station are all fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

Only stop in designated pull-offs or safe areas away from traffic. The road is narrow and winding, so prioritize safety over a quick photo. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most dramatic and flattering light for landscape and architectural photography. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos of the burros, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid startling them. Never feed them human food. Reddit

Cool Springs Station offers incredible panoramic views. There are also numerous unmarked pull-offs along the highway that provide stunning vistas. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Route 66 Oatman Highway is a fantastic adventure for families. The star attraction is undoubtedly the wild burros in Oatman, which kids find absolutely fascinating. Reddit Don't miss the 'Radiator Springs' area with figures of Mater and Lightning McQueen, a guaranteed hit for 'Cars' movie fans. Reddit Cool Springs Station offers fun souvenirs and a chance to stretch legs. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as services are limited, and download offline entertainment for the drive. The unique atmosphere of Oatman provides a memorable, hands-on history lesson.

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

For those who live for the open road, the Oatman Highway is a must-drive. This iconic stretch of Route 66 offers a true taste of classic Americana, complete with winding mountain passes and historic roadside attractions. Reddit Cool Springs Station is a prime example of a perfectly preserved stop, offering both necessities and a glimpse into the past. Reddit The challenging curves and dramatic scenery make for an engaging driving experience. Be sure to embrace the slower pace, stop frequently at pull-offs for photos, and prepare for the unique charm of Oatman and its wild inhabitants.

📸 Photography Buffs

The Oatman Highway is a photographer's dream, offering a diverse range of subjects. The dramatic desert landscapes and winding mountain roads provide stunning backdrops, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Reddit Oatman itself, with its historic buildings and the ever-present wild burros, offers endless candid and posed photo opportunities. Reddit Cool Springs Station is a particularly photogenic spot, boasting incredible panoramic views and unique architectural details. Remember to prioritize safety when stopping for shots and explore the various pull-offs for unique perspectives.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Oatman's Wild Burros

Oatman, Arizona, is famously known as the 'Town of the Wild Burros.' These descendants of miners' pack animals now roam freely through the streets, interacting with visitors. They are a unique and beloved part of the town's character. Travelers often describe them as friendly and curious, approaching people for attention and sometimes for the special burro feed available for purchase at local shops. Reddit It's a truly memorable experience to have these gentle creatures wander right up to you, making for fantastic photo opportunities and a genuine connection to the wild spirit of Route 66. Remember to always observe them from a respectful distance and avoid feeding them anything other than approved feed. Reddit

Cool Springs Station: A Route 66 Gem

Cool Springs Station is a meticulously restored historic gas station and trading post that serves as a quintessential Route 66 stop. Perched on the edge of a ravine, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding desert mountains. Reddit Visitors rave about the unique souvenirs, including crystals, rocks, and intricate scrap metal art, as well as the friendly staff and the chance to meet the owners' beloved cats. Reddit It's more than just a shop; it's a place that embodies the spirit of preservation and offers a welcoming respite for travelers. The advice from locals about the road ahead and the best viewpoints is invaluable. Reddit

Navigating the Historic Oatman Highway

The Oatman Highway, a segment of the legendary Route 66, is renowned for its dramatic scenery and challenging driving conditions. This stretch is characterized by steep grades, sharp hairpin turns, and stunning desert vistas. Reddit It's crucial for drivers to be prepared for a slower pace and to exercise caution, especially when navigating the curves. Many travelers recommend downloading offline maps as cell service is virtually non-existent until you reach Oatman. Reddit The road is paved but can have gravel sections, so maintaining a safe speed and being aware of your surroundings is paramount. The reward for this adventurous drive is an immersive journey through a landscape that time seems to have forgotten. Reddit