
Oatman Arizona
Step back in time in Oatman, Arizona, a historic Route 66 gold mining town famous for its friendly wild burros roaming Main Street.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.

Oatman Arizona
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time in Oatman, Arizona, a historic Route 66 gold mining town famous for its friendly wild burros roaming Main Street.
"Oatman is a living piece of Route 66 history, where wild burros are the main attraction!"

Bring Donkey Treats! :carrot:
Feed the burros! They love carrots or special pellets. Never chase or corner them.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wild Burros of Oatman
Main Street
Meet the friendly, free-roaming burros that are the heart and soul of this unique town. They're a guaranteed delight!

Historic Route 66 Main Street
Main Street
Step back in time exploring authentic Wild West buildings, saloons, and shops that line this iconic stretch of road.

Oatman Hotel
Main Street
Once a honeymoon spot for Clark Gable, this historic hotel is steeped in stories and a must-see for history buffs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Burros!
Historic Route 66 Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Donkey Treats! :carrot:
Feed the burros! They love carrots or special pellets. Never chase or corner them.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
Watch for Flash Floods :warning:
The desert weather can change quickly. Be aware of flash flood warnings, especially when driving to Oatman.
Capture the Wild West :camera_with_flash:
Oatman is incredibly photogenic! Don't forget your camera to capture the burros and historic buildings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Donkey Treats! :carrot:
Feed the burros! They love carrots or special pellets. Never chase or corner them.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
Watch for Flash Floods :warning:
The desert weather can change quickly. Be aware of flash flood warnings, especially when driving to Oatman.
Capture the Wild West :camera_with_flash:
Oatman is incredibly photogenic! Don't forget your camera to capture the burros and historic buildings.
Embrace the Quirky Vibe :sparkles:
Oatman is a unique, eccentric town. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the unexpected!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oatman, Arizona, is a beloved stop for its unique charm, primarily the free-roaming wild burros and its authentic Route 66 atmosphere. Visitors rave about the novelty of interacting with the donkeys and stepping back in time. However, some find the town can be crowded and parking challenging, and the winding mountain roads require cautious driving.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oatman is located on historic Route 66, west of Kingman and east of Laughlin. Many visitors arrive via a scenic drive from Kingman, which involves a winding mountain road. It's also a popular day trip from Las Vegas, about a two-hour drive.
The drive to Oatman, especially from Kingman, involves steep grades and sharp curves as it navigates the Black Mountains. It's a beautiful but challenging drive, often recommended for experienced drivers and motorcyclists.
The most common route from Las Vegas to Oatman is to take US-93 South towards Kingman, then take the historic Route 66 exit towards Oatman. The drive is approximately two hours and offers stunning desert scenery.
Yes, Oatman is accessible from Bullhead City and Laughlin. The drive typically involves taking State Route 68 East towards Kingman, then connecting to Route 66. This route is generally less winding than the Kingman approach.
Parking can be limited in Oatman, especially during peak times. Street parking is available, but it can fill up quickly. Be prepared to walk a bit from where you park to the main attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to visit Oatman, Arizona. The town is a public historic site, and you can wander freely. Any costs would be for shopping, dining, or specific attractions within the town.
Oatman is an open town, so you can visit at any time. However, individual shops and attractions have their own operating hours, typically from morning to late afternoon. It's best to check with specific businesses if you have a particular place in mind.
While there aren't formal guided tours in the traditional sense, you can explore the town at your own pace. Many visitors enjoy the self-guided experience of walking Main Street and interacting with the locals and burros.
Absolutely! Oatman has several shops selling a variety of souvenirs, from Route 66 memorabilia to local crafts and t-shirts. It's a great place to pick up a memento of your visit.
Oatman is often referred to as a 'ghost town' due to its historical significance as a former gold mining camp. While it's not entirely abandoned, it retains a strong sense of its past with many original buildings still standing.
ℹ️ ❓ General Information
Oatman is most famous for its wild burros that roam freely through the town and its status as a historic Route 66 stop. It's a preserved gold mining town with a distinct Wild West atmosphere.
The burros are generally docile and accustomed to people, but they are still wild animals. It's important to approach them with respect, avoid cornering them, and supervise children closely. They can be curious and may try to snatch food.
You can feed and interact with the wild burros, explore historic Route 66 buildings, visit the Oatman Hotel, browse souvenir shops, and experience the unique Wild West atmosphere.
Yes, Oatman is an excellent day trip from Las Vegas. It offers a unique historical and quirky experience that's a refreshing change from the city, and it's conveniently located on the way to or from other Arizona attractions.
Oatman, Arizona, is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,700 feet (about 823 meters) above sea level. This elevation contributes to its desert climate.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Route 66 Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wild Burros: Oatman's Beloved Residents
These burros are more than just a tourist attraction; they are an integral part of Oatman's identity. Their antics and friendly demeanor have been captured in countless videos and photos, solidifying their status as the town's unofficial mascots. Seeing them amble down Main Street, interacting with shops and visitors, is a truly unique sight that sets Oatman apart from other Route 66 towns.
A Journey Through Oatman's Historic Route 66
The history of Oatman, Arizona, is deeply rooted in its gold mining past. It was once a bustling mining camp, and remnants of this era can still be seen. The Oatman Hotel, for instance, is a significant landmark, famously hosting Clark Gable and Carole Lombard for their honeymoon in 1936. Exploring these historic structures and imagining life in the early 20th century is a key part of the Oatman experience. The town's preservation efforts ensure that this piece of American history remains accessible and engaging for visitors.
Navigating the Scenic Drive to Oatman
While incredibly scenic, this road requires careful driving. It's often recommended for those comfortable with mountain driving, and motorcyclists particularly enjoy the challenging curves. Be prepared for a slower pace as you navigate the twists and turns. It's also wise to be aware of potential weather changes, as flash flood warnings can occur in this desert environment. The drive from Las Vegas or Bullhead City offers a slightly less demanding route but still provides beautiful desert views.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit