This historic gold mining town could have easily become a ghost town like so many others. It’s saving grace was being situated center stage on a very scenic stretch Historic Route 66 connecting Kingman, Arizona to Needles, California.

Before we walk about, let’s take a moment to admire the Black Mountain Range that cradles this bastion of beautiful asses. The drive in from the south brings you right around the base of the beautiful Boundary Cone, the frozen neck of an ancient volcano. This stunning stone-faced behemoth stands watch over a thriving desert of Cholla Cacti.

 There are at times over 2000 wild burros in the Black Mountain Habitat. Oatman is widely known as a hotbed of burro activity. While kind of still being considered “wild”, locals have told us that most of these Rocky Mountain Canaries have names well known to everyone in town. They are friendly, easily approachable, and always hungry despite constantly being fed snacks by the locals and half a million yearly visitors.

 The town itself is based around a main drag full of old rustic storefronts offering a wide variety of goods and services. A great place to find antiques, leather goods, handmade jewelry, art, candy, or ice cream. Maybe blow the froth off a couple beers at one of the local saloons, or head up the road to throw some axes, and grab a coffee. If you time it right you might catch a shootout in the streets courtesy of The Oatman Ghost Rider Gunfighters.

If you choose to visit during summer, you will find that some businesses close for the season as the temps can peak around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A dry heat yes, but still 120. Some advantages of going during the hottest season are better parking, fewer visitors, and more time petting and feeding the burros. Also, there is a higher likelihood of getting chased if they sense you have candy in your bags.