Step back in time to the Wild West with a trip to Oatman, Arizona. Once a booming gold mining town on Route 66, this is now a “living ghost town.” It offers a quirky, unforgettable experience. Some of the best things to do in Oatman include staged gunfights, historic buildings, and the famous wild burros.
The best way to explore Oatman is by renting a car. There are not many comprehensive travel packages or guided tours specifically focused on the Oatman ghost town experience. Renting a car allows for flexibility in exploring the town’s attractions at one’s own pace. It also provides the freedom to venture into the surrounding scenic areas.
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Where is Oatman?
Oatman is a historic census-designated place (CDP) nestled in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona. It is situated along Historic Route 66, nestled between the cities of Kingman (Arizona) and Laughlin (Nevada). For those planning a visit to the region, booking a night at the nearby Avi Resort & Casino is often recommended as a more affordable alternative to hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.
History of Oatman
Oatman is a town steeped in the rich history of the American West. It transformed from a remote prospector’s camp into a bustling gold-producing district. Oatman origins trace back to 1863 when prospector John Moss discovered gold in the Black Mountains. He staked claims, one of which he named after Olive Oatman. Its harrowing survival story as a captive of Native Americans was already legendary in the region.
The success of mines like Tom Reed and United Eastern, which collectively produced millions in gold, cemented Oatman’s status as a major gold producer in the American West. However, Oatman’s prosperity was short-lived. A devastating fire in 1921 destroyed many buildings, though the historic Oatman Hotel survived.
The town nearly became a true ghost town. However, it reinvented itself as a tourist destination in the 1960s. Oatman capitalized on its Wild West heritage, Route 66 nostalgia, and its famous wild burros, descendants of the miners’ pack animals.
Oatman Parking
Parking in Oatman (Arizona), particularly on weekends and holidays, can be challenging due to the town’s popularity and limited infrastructure. The main street, which serves as the central hub for attractions and businesses, frequently experiences congestion. Visitors should anticipate potential difficulties in finding a parking spot. Especially during peak hours or around scheduled events like the town’s famous gunfights.
Several parking options are available:
- Street Parking: Limited street parking is available directly along the main thoroughfare of Oatman. Due to high demand, securing a spot often requires patience and may involve waiting for another vehicle to depart. This is particularly true if arriving close to scheduled gunfight performances, which draw significant crowds.
- Designated Areas: Visitors may find designated dirt or gravel parking lots situated on the periphery of the main town area. These informal lots can offer additional parking capacity when street parking is full.
Driving Note and RV/Trailer Restrictions:
- The road leading into Oatman, often referred to as the Oatman Highway (part of historic Route 66), is characterized by its narrowness, winding turns, and numerous switchbacks. This challenging terrain makes it unsuitable for larger vehicles. Large RVs and vehicles towing trailers are strongly discouraged from using the scenic mountain route into Oatman due to safety concerns and the difficulty of navigation.
Hotels in Oatman Arizona (Things to do in Oatman)
Oatman itself is a small, remote community and does not have major hotels or lodging options available for tourists seeking an overnight stay in the town proper. The nearest major hotel accommodations are typically found in the surrounding larger cities, which make Oatman an excellent day trip destination.
We drove to Oatman from Sedona, stopping at famous Route 66 Seligman before heading to Oatman. After exploring this ghost town, we were just 30 minutes drive from Avi Resort & Casino where we had booked our accommodation.
Things to do in Oatman
Feed the Burros (Things to do in Oatman)
The wild burros in Oatman are descendants of the burros brought by the miners to haul equipment and were released when the mines closed. Today, these friendly (though still wild) animals roam freely through the streets. You can purchase approved burro food pellets from the local shops to feed them safely.
Watch a Gunfight (Things to do in Oatman)
For an authentic dose of the Wild West, don’t miss the daily gunfight reenactments put on by the Oatman Ghost Rider Gunfighters.
- When: Gunfights typically occur on the main street daily, often at 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. Traffic is halted for the show.
- What: Enjoy a theatrical, mock shootout featuring local actors in full Western gear.
Explore Shops and Museums (Things to do in Oatman)
The Oatman Hotel: Built in 1902, this is the oldest two-story adobe structure in Mohave County. It’s famous for being the honeymoon spot of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard in 1939 and is allegedly home to a friendly ghost named “Oatie.” The walls of the bar and restaurant are covered in thousands of signed dollar bills left by visitors.
Shops: Browse for Route 66 souvenirs, Native American jewelry, antiques and leather goods. You can find some truly unique souvenirs in Oatman, but keep in mind that they can be pricey.
Oatman Route 66
Oatman is an essential stop on the longest remaining continuously-paved stretch of Historic Route 66 in Arizona. The town’s survival is largely attributed to its location on the Mother Road, even after the route was realigned in 1953. The road leading into and out of Oatman is the Historic Route 66 alignment from 1926-1952. Driving this scenic segment is a highlight of any Route 66 journey.
Stops Along Historic Route 66
I’m so excited to share my experiences from our recent road trip along Historic Route 66! This iconic highway, often called “America’s Main Street” or “the Mother Road,” spans 2,448 miles across eight states, from Chicago (Illinois), to Santa Monica (California).
Established in 1926, it was a pivotal part of the United States’ first major highway development, playing significant roles in westward migration, World War II mobilization, and the post-war tourism boom. Although officially decommissioned in 1985, much of its original alignment remains, offering a nostalgic journey through American history and culture.
Arizona
- Oatman: This former mining town is famous for its wild burros that roam the streets. Visiting Oatman is an amazing experience!
- Seligman: Often considered the “birthplace of Historic Route 66,” Seligman is full of classic diners, gift shops, and vintage cars. It truly feels like stepping back in time.
- Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert: This national park offers stunning landscapes of petrified wood and colorful badlands. You can spent hours hiking and marveling at the vibrant hues of the Painted Desert.
- Wigwam Motel (Holbrook): Staying in a teepee-shaped room at the Wigwam Motel is an unforgettable experience. It’s a classic example of Route 66 kitsch and a must-do for any road tripper.
- Winslow, Arizona (“Standing on the Corner”): Of course, you have to stop in Winslow to “stand on the corner” made famous by the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.” It’s a fun photo opportunity and a great way to connect with pop culture history.
- Meteor Crater Natural Landmark: Just off Route 66, this privately owned impact crater is incredibly impressive. The sheer scale of it is breathtaking, and the visitor center provides fascinating insights into its formation.
- Hackberry General Store: This iconic general store is packed with Route 66 memorabilia and makes for a fantastic photo stop. It’s a quirky and charming piece of history.
California
- Bagdad Cafe (Newberry Springs): Made famous by the 1987 film, the Bagdad Cafe is a quirky and charming stop on Route 66.
- Barstow: Home to the Route 66 Mother Road Museum and the Western America Railroad Museum.
- Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch (Oro Grande): This eccentric art installation is a truly unique sight.Thousands of bottles on metal trees create a whimsical and colorful landscape.
- Santa Monica Pier: The official western terminus of Route 66. Standing at the “End of the Trail” sign on the pier, looking out at the Pacific Ocean, is the perfect culmination of Route 66.
How Far is Oatman from Laughlin and Las Vegas?
The distance from Oatman to Laughlin is approximately 30 miles, with a driving time of about 50 minutes. Be aware that Oatman is in the Mountain Standard Time (MST) zone, which does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so it may be an hour ahead of Laughlin during part of the year.
Oatman is a quick and popular day trip from the casino town of Laughlin (Nevada). You can stay there at Avi Resort & Casino hotel with private beach for affordable price. Oatman is also a feasible day trip from Las Vegas, Nevada. The distance is approximately 130 miles, with a driving time of roughly 2 hours 25 minutes one-way.
Oatman Restaurants
If you are looking for unique dining experience, the Oatman Hotel should be at the top of your list. While the town may not boast a plethora of dining options, the Oatman Hotel consistently upholds high standards, ensuring that every visitor enjoys a memorable meal.
The restaurant’s interior is adorned with an eclectic collection of dollar bills, which patrons have pinned to the walls over the years. Even if you’re not particularly hungry, a visit to the Oatman Hotel is still worthwhile for the experience alone.
If you’re interested in exploring the United States on your own, I encourage you to check out our other articles. During our two-week trip through California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, we visited incredible places. Among them were Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Valley of Fire, and Death Valley.