Oatman AZ — Wild Burros and Historic Route 66

Why Oatman Belongs on Your Arizona Bucket List

Tucked into the Black Mountains along Historic Route 66, Oatman is one of Arizona's most genuinely quirky destinations. Wild burros — descendants of pack animals used by gold miners in the early 1900s — wander freely down Main Street, poking their heads into shops and accepting handouts from visitors. It is the kind of place that feels completely out of time, in the best possible way.

From the Goodyear or Surprise areas, Oatman is roughly a 2.5-hour drive west on I-40, then south through Kingman on historic Route 66. It makes a perfect long day trip, especially in the cooler months from October through April.

What to Do in Oatman

The main draw is simply walking Main Street and meeting the burros. Buy a bag of burro pellets from any of the storefronts along the strip and you will have a four-legged entourage within seconds. The animals are friendly, well-accustomed to people, and completely free — they wander in from the surrounding desert every morning on their own schedule.

• Gunfight shows: On weekends, the Oatman Gunfighters stage theatrical Old West shootouts in the middle of Main Street — free, loud, and family-friendly.
• Oatman Hotel: Built in 1902, this is where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned after their 1939 wedding in Kingman. The hotel still displays memorabilia from their visit, and the bar is open to the public.
• Gold panning: Several shops offer gold panning demonstrations, a nod to the town's mining heritage that produced millions of dollars in gold before the mines closed in the 1940s.
• Route 66 driving: The stretch of Route 66 between Kingman and Oatman twists through the mountains with dramatic views — this section of the Mother Road is among the most scenic in the country.

Where to Eat and Drink

Oatman is a small town, so dining options are limited but charming. The Oatman Hotel Restaurant and Saloon serves burgers, sandwiches, and cold drinks in a setting dripping with history. Several other casual spots along Main Street offer snacks and ice cream — stock up before the mountain drive back.

A pro tip: bring cash. Many Oatman vendors and shops are cash-preferred or cash-only.

Best Time to Visit

Oatman summers are brutal — temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees. The sweet spot is November through March, when highs are in the 60s and 70s and the burros are especially active. Spring weekends draw the largest crowds if you enjoy the energy; weekday visits in winter offer a quieter, more atmospheric experience.

If you are planning a broader Arizona day trip loop, Oatman pairs well with a stop in Kingman for lunch and a drive along the Colorado River through Bullhead City. For more West Valley weekend ideas, check out what's happening in the West Valley this season or browse events this weekend before you head out.