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Explore Oatman

Historic Mining Town

Tucked high in the rugged Black Mountains of Mohave County at an elevation of 2,710 feet, Oatman, Arizona, is a captivating blend of Old West grit, gold rush history, and quirky charm. Once a booming gold mining camp in the early 1900s, Oatman is now a beloved stop along the historic Route 66, drawing travelers from around the world who come to experience a town where the past truly comes alive.

Named after Olive Oatman, a young pinoeer woman famously captured and later adopted by a Native American tribe in the 1850s, the town's namesake is just the beginning of a deep and colorful legacy. From its early days as a tent city for prospectors to becoming home to some of Arizona's most prosperous gold mines – including Gold Road, Tom Reed, and United Eastern – Oatman was once the beating heart of mining wealth in the American Southwest.

Today, Oatman is better known for its wild burros than its gold. These charming and mischievous descendants of the miners' pack animals roam the streets freely, often peeking into storefronts or nuzzling up to visitors in hopes of a treat. Protected under the Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971, the burros have become the town's most iconic residents – and with fewer than 100 human residents as of 2022, they just might outnumber the people.

Strolling along Oatman’s wooden boardwalks, visitors transported to a bygone era. The town's preserved 1900s-era buildings now house an eclectic mix of gift shops, saloons, and general stores filled with Wild West memorabilia, handmade crafts, and Route 66 souvenirs. The Oatman experience includes staged Old West gunfights – complete with costumed outlaws and shootouts (during peak season) that thrill visitors of all ages.

Oatman's remote and scenic location makes it a natural oasis for photography, hiking, and scenic drives. The winding stretch of Route 66 that cuts through town offers sweeping vistas of jagged mountain peaks, desert canyons, and open sky – making it one of the most photographed segments of the Mother Road. Just outside of town, the Sitgreaves Pass overlook provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Mojave Desert.

Oatman's sense of community and fun is on full display during local events. The most notable is the annual Oatman Bed Races in January, where costumed teams race decorated beds down Main Street in a hilarious and spirited competition. Other seasonal events often include holiday celebrations, classic car rallies, Route 66 festivals, and more. Whether you're exploring the town, enjoying a sarsaparilla in an old saloon, or feeding a friendly burro, Oatman delivers a memorable and authentically Arizonan experience.

 

With its timeless character, rich mining history, and loveable four-legged locals, Oatman offers a truly immersive taste of the Wild West – one that continues to charm visitors year after year.

Find Oatman Events Here!

 

 

 

 

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