Oatman Gold Mining Town
Step back in time at this living ghost town along historic Route 66, where wild burros roam the streets and daily gunfights bring the Old West to life. Once a booming gold mining camp, it now offers a delightfully quirky slice of Arizona history.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Daily, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Duration
- 2-3 hours
- Parking
- Free dirt parking lots located at both ends of the town, as well as limited street parking along Route 66.
- Access
- Uneven wooden boardwalks and dirt roads may pose challenges for wheelchairs; some historic shops have steps at their entrance.
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Tucked into the rugged Black Mountains of Arizona along historic Route 66, Oatman Gold Mining Town is a living time capsule of the American West. Originally a bustling gold-mining camp in the early 1900s, this dusty outpost has survived as a vibrant roadside destination where the past feels remarkably close at hand.
The town's most famous residents are its wild burros, descendants of the pack animals used by early miners. These friendly, free-roaming donkeys wander the wooden boardwalks and paved streets daily, eagerly greeting tourists in search of a snack.
Beyond the wildlife, visitors can explore historic buildings like the 1902 Oatman Hotel, browse quirky local shops, and witness daily staged wild west shootouts. The scenic, winding drive through Sitgreaves Pass to reach the town offers breathtaking desert vistas that enhance the nostalgic adventure.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Carry cash, as several of the historic shops and street vendors do not accept credit cards.
- ◆ Purchase approved 'burro chow' alfalfa cubes from local shopkeepers if you want to feed the donkeys safely.
- ◆ Arrive in the morning before the midday desert heat sets in and the parking areas fill up.
- ◆ Plan to stay for the daily high-noon comedy gunfight performances staged right on the main street.
Heads Up
- ◆ The burros are wild animals; watch your fingers while feeding them and be aware they may bite or kick if startled.
- ◆ Do not feed the burros anything other than the designated feed cubes sold in town; human food is highly toxic to them.
- ◆ The section of Route 66 leading into Oatman is incredibly steep, narrow, and winding with sharp drop-offs and no guardrails.
Common questions
Can you feed the wild burros in Oatman?
Yes, you can feed the wild burros alfalfa pellets, which are sold by local shopkeepers in town. Visitors are advised not to feed them outside food and to be cautious as they are wild animals.
Is the road to Oatman safe for RVs?
The portion of Route 66 leading to Oatman through Sitgreaves Pass is very narrow, winding, and steep, making it unsafe and not recommended for large RVs or vehicles towing trailers.
What time are the gunfights in Oatman?
The Oatman Outlaws perform daily wild west gunfight shows in the middle of the street at 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. These shows are free to watch, though donations are appreciated.