In Search of Donkeys: The Experience of Route 66 to Oatman, AZ

Visiting Oatman, Arizona

Oatman is located in western Arizona along an old stretch of Route 66 about 45 minutes southwest of the Interstate 40 town of Kingman. It is right in the middle of some of the most rugged desert you will find anywhere, and getting there is definitely part of the fun.

With more than a half million visitors a year, Oatman is not exactly a hidden gem. But considering its harsh surroundings, it can feel like the middle of nowhere. And with just 128 residents, it is not far from being the ghost town it is often billed as.

Oatman is a old mining town on Route 66 in Western Arizona. It's about equal parts touristy kitsch and real, honest-to-goodness Wild West atmosphere.

Getting to Oatman, AZ

We headed off on a day trip to Oatman from Phoenix. Each way the drive was nearly four hours, accounting for some short stops. In total it is about 440 miles round trip and a large segment of the drive will take you along historic Route 66—knocking another thing off the bucket list.

We won’t lie, the drive isn’t overly exciting in of itself. Once you pass through Kingman, AZ the terrain gets more desolate and you get further and further from any substantial town (so make sure you’re prepared for the day before heading out).

Along the way you do travel through a couple different natural ecosystems, from basically desert to beautiful Joshua Tree forests. Eventually you make it into the mountains and hills and you work your way up to Oatman.

The final segment of the drive through the mountains takes the most time. It is slow and you are navigating winding roads, blind turns, switchbacks, and the occasional wild burro in the road holding up traffic. It sounds a bit scary, but it was fun (just a little unnerving).

Things to Experience in Oatman

Once you’re into the historic mining town of Oatman, Arizona there is actually quite a lot to do! There is something for the entire family—beyond just seeing the donkeys!

1. Learn about the Town’s Historic Mining Past

It began as a small mining camp when two prospectors struck a $10 million gold find in 1915, though the vicinity had already been settled for a number of years. Oatman's population grew to more than 3,500 in the course of a year. As of the 2020 census, its population was 102.

History buffs can learn all about Oatman's mining boom days at the Oatman Hotel.

2. Witness a Gunfight

The Oatman Ghost Rider Gunfighters put on mock gunfights in the middle of Oatman, on Route 66, daily at 1:30 and 3:30pm. It is a little bit of history mixed with a little bit of humor as the Ghost Rider Gunfighters and the Red Ridge Marauders perform a wild west shootout for all to see! It was a great way to break up our afternoon. The best part is that the Gunfighters perform for donations that benefit local families in need and other local causes.

3. Shop the Quirky Stores

The stores of Oatman are definitely kitchy, touristy stops. Our personal favorite was the Classy Ass, just because of this signage. But regardless of what type of gift or souvenir you’re looking for, one of Oatman’s shops will have it!

4. See the Town Tortoise

Why? Because it’s there, obviously. Behind the Oatman Jail Convict’s Gift Shop you can visit the local tortoise celebrities… unless they’re sleeping, which was the case for us. Their names are Larry and Moe and it costs $1 per person (cash) to visit them in their enclosure.

5. Enjoy the Burros

Honestly, we were here for the donkeys. The Oatman town burros are wild and they come and go as they please, however there are usually quite a few in town on a daily basis. These burros are direct descendants from the gold miners that brought them to the area as pack animals. Then the coming of World War Two when the gold mines surrounding Oatman and Gold Roads, Arizona was shut down the burros were set free to roam the hills. Today, they like to wander the streets and interact with the visitors and the official welcoming committee.