A Trip to Oatman: Burros, Route 66, and Old West Charm
Out in the Black Mountains along historic Route 66, Oatman, Arizona, feels like stepping into another time. Once a bustling mining town, today it’s famous for its roaming burros, staged gunfights, and weathered wooden storefronts that look straight out of a Western.
A visit to Oatman is more than just a stop on the road. It’s part roadside attraction, part living history, and part quirky desert experience.
The Road to Oatman
The drive into Oatman is half the adventure. Route 66 winds through rugged desert hills, with twists and turns that give you glimpses of the wide Arizona landscape. This stretch is known as the “Oatman Highway,” and it’s as iconic as the town itself.
Pull over at a turnout and you’ll see what travelers a century ago faced: isolation, desert heat, and the kind of beauty that makes the Wild West legendary.
The Burros of Oatman
The town’s true celebrities aren’t the reenactors or the shops. They’re the burros. Descendants of pack animals once used in the mines, they now wander freely through the streets.
You’ll spot them nuzzling tourists for snacks (though the town asks you to only feed them the approved burro cubes sold locally). Babies wear “Do Not Feed” stickers so they don’t get sick. They’re friendly, photogenic, and unapologetically in charge of Oatman’s main drag.
Main Street & The Old West Atmosphere
Wooden sidewalks, swinging saloon doors, and shops full of Route 66 souvenirs make up Oatman’s main street. Twice a day, costumed gunfighters stage Old West shootouts, drawing a crowd of visitors.
Whether you’re after quirky trinkets, cold drinks, or just people-watching, the strip offers plenty to fill a few hours. It’s a mix of kitschy roadside fun and genuine history, and that’s what makes Oatman so memorable.
A Glimpse at Oatman’s Past
Walking the streets, you’ll see plaques and signs marking the town’s history. The Oatman Hotel still stands, famous for Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooning there in 1939. Today, the hotel doubles as a restaurant and museum. Step inside and you’ll notice something unusual. The walls are covered with thousands of signed dollar bills left by visitors over the years. It’s become a quirky tradition, and nearly every inch of wall space is plastered with money, giving the place a character you won’t forget.
The West Still Lives
Oatman isn’t polished or modern, and that’s the point. Between the braying burros, the creak of old wooden floors, and the backdrop of the Black Mountains, the town delivers a unique slice of Arizona.
If you’re traveling Route 66 or exploring northwestern Arizona, carve out a few hours for Oatman. It’s one of those places that reminds you the West was never just history. In spots like this, it’s still alive.
