Nestled into the northwest corner of Arizona just before you cross into California on Route 66, you find the rugged town of Oatman. It may be one of the most overlooked towns along the famous road trip, but it may have the most famous burros. While the burros’ pushy demeanor demands attention, you won’t want to miss all this historic town has to offer. The namesake story, gold mining strikes, and place in Americana history along Route 66 make this town so much more.
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Oatman Trivia
- Oatman is home to more burros than humans.
- The town hosts an annual Burro Biscuit Toss. Yes, it is just like it sounds. Participants compete to see who can throw a dried-out, gold-painted burro dropping the furthest.
- In 1915, two miners struck a $10 million cache and within just a year the town’s population expanded to more than 3,500.
- The town was nearly wiped out when a fire burned most buildings in 1921.
- Eagle-eyed movie buffs may recognize the town from movies like How the West Was Won, Foxfire, and Edge of Eternity.
Things to do in Oatman, Arizona
Oatman Ghost Rider Gunfighters
Held twice a day (on weekends), performers of this free show ask the crowd to gather around as they perform their “heist.” More of a comedy show than an old west gunfight, the “cowboys” trade insults and make off with their bag of loot.
Take in the History
Whether you are listening to the (maybe) tall tales told by the few locals, wandering into the mine shaft, visiting the jail, or strolling along the street, you cannot help but take in the deep history of the area.
Add a Dollar to the Wall of the Oatman Hotel
The historic hotel allows you to roam the grounds to see the Clark Gable/Carole Lombard honeymoon suite. While the hotel no longer offers accommodations you can grab a drink in the bar. The dollars have been placed one by one for decades.
The hotel is the oldest two-story adobe structure in the county (Mojave).
Hang with the Burros
The “wild” burros are the descents of the burros originally brought to the town for mining. When the miners no longer needed the burros, they were set free. Today they roam into the town looking for food. Most storefronts have food that you can purchase to feed the burrows. The “wild” burrows may even stick their heads in the doors of the stores. Around sunset, every night the burros wander back to their home in the mountains.
Keep in mind the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) can fine you for feeding wild burros. This fine may be ignored in the town of Oatman 🤷🏼♀️, but it is at your own risk.
Please do not feed the burros on the roadways into town. It will teach the animals to come to the road and could result in accidents.
Explore the Mines
Founded in 1906, the area’s mines produced more than 1.8 million ounces of gold. Its gold rush spanned 1915 to 1917 and the mine was ordered closed in 1941 due to World War II. Wander to the Oatman Mine Museum to wander (a short distance) into the mine shaft.
Get Your Kicks on Route 66
The main street of Oatman is the historic Route 66. As you stroll the town you are walking on what once was America’s Main Street.
Head into the Surrounding Desert
Nestled into a valley between the Black Mountains, Oatman is the perfect starting point for a hike to Thimble Mountain or Elephant’s Tooth.
Olive Oatman
The namesake of Oatman, Olive was a young girl when she was kidnapped by an Apache tribe. The tribe killed her pioneer family in 1851 and later sold her to Mojave Indians with whom she lived for several years. The Mojave people reportedly tattooed her face with the blue lines shown in photos and raised her as their own. She was later rescued in a trade in 1857 near the site of the current town of Oatman. Olive became an instant celebrity due to the circumstances. You will see Olive’s photos throughout the town. The chin tattoos given to her by the Mojave make her recognizable.
You can read more about Olive’s story in the book The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman.
Tips for Your Visit to Oatman
- Summer months are HOT! October through April offers the best temperatures for the area.
- There were signs throughout the town warning that the burros may attack dogs. This is a visit best to leave your dog at home or somewhere safe.
- Parking is extremely limited. Weekend parking will fill up by noon. Arrive by 10 or 11 a.m. and staying a few hours will give you time to wander, catch a gun show, and have lunch.
Disclosure: Some links on our site are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, we will make a commission, at no extra charge to you.
