
Route 66 Oatman Highway
Journey back in time on a legendary stretch of Route 66, encountering wild burros and historic gems amidst stunning desert vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

Route 66 Oatman Highway
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Journey back in time on a legendary stretch of Route 66, encountering wild burros and historic gems amidst stunning desert vistas.
"This trip transports you!! The views are spectacular and the shop is everything! "

Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Get offline maps before you go! :iphone:
Bring Cash for Burros
Buy burro feed from local shops to interact with the friendly locals. :moneybag:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oatman's Wild Burros
Oatman
Meet the friendly wild burros roaming freely through this historic mining town. A truly unique encounter!

Cool Springs Station
Historic Route 66
A perfectly preserved Route 66 stop with incredible views, unique souvenirs, and a chance to meet local kitties.

Historic Oatman Jail
Oatman
Step back into the Wild West at this preserved jail, a relic of Oatman's mining town past.

'Cars' Movie Magic
Oatman
Find 'Radiator Springs' with Mater and Lightning McQueen figures, a delight for 'Cars' movie fans.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Detour
Prepare for the Unexpected
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Get offline maps before you go! :iphone:
Bring Cash for Burros
Buy burro feed from local shops to interact with the friendly locals. :moneybag:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring in Oatman's historic streets. :athletic_shoe:
Stop at Cool Springs
Don't miss this iconic Route 66 stop for souvenirs and amazing views. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Get offline maps before you go! :iphone:
Bring Cash for Burros
Buy burro feed from local shops to interact with the friendly locals. :moneybag:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring in Oatman's historic streets. :athletic_shoe:
Stop at Cool Springs
Don't miss this iconic Route 66 stop for souvenirs and amazing views. :gift:
Watch for Road Hazards
Be aware of gravel patches and sharp turns on the highway. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Route 66 Oatman Highway for its authentic, nostalgic charm and breathtaking desert scenery. The wild burros of Oatman and the preserved Cool Springs Station are standout highlights, offering unique experiences. While the winding roads and limited services require preparation, the journey is widely considered a worthwhile adventure into America's past.
"Cool Springs is worth the drive!!
The trip here makes you take your time on the historic Route 66. It transports you!!
The views are spectacular! The shop sits atop the edge of a ravine that overlooks a mountain scape that takes your breath away.
The shop is everything! The perfect route 66 stop. It has all the necessities and all the tourist needs and wants. Plus, unique gifts, crystals, rocks, and super cool scrap metal art.
If you're lucky, you'll get to meet the owners' sweet kitties, Junior was super cuddly and loved on us the whole time we were there.
Again, it is worth the stop. It has a place in my heart forever.
You will lose cell service until after you pass through Oatman (the next stop that you can not miss after cool Springs)."
Nicole D
"A great places to stop and it's famous from the movies. Inside is a ton of souvenirs everything you would want. If your looking for a route 66 pins stop here."
Stuart Gates
"Big thanks to Geneva. Her heads up about the road ahead likely saved me from the giant patch of gravel, and her mention of the hill above the 90° kickback had breath taking views. Stop in and take a cool drink and get the heads up!"
John Hollar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Oatman Highway is a section of historic Route 66 in Arizona, often accessed from Kingman or Oatman. It's known for its dramatic mountain scenery and winding roads. Be prepared for a slower pace and limited services.
Yes, the main highway is paved, but it features many sharp curves and steep grades. Some sections might have gravel patches, so drive cautiously.
Many travelers recommend driving it from west to east (Oatman to Kingman) to better navigate the curves and enjoy the views. However, either direction offers a unique experience.
Gas stations are scarce on this stretch. It's highly recommended to fill up your tank in Kingman or Lake Havasu City before heading onto the Oatman Highway.
The road is scenic but challenging, with many hairpin turns and steep inclines. It's best suited for experienced drivers who enjoy a scenic drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to drive the Route 66 Oatman Highway itself. It's a public road. However, attractions within Oatman may have their own entry fees or costs for activities.
Oatman is a historic town, and there are no general entrance fees to walk around. However, individual shops or attractions within Oatman might charge for specific experiences.
Operating hours for shops and attractions in Oatman can vary, especially outside of peak season. It's best to check individual business hours before your visit, though many are open daily.
Seeing the wild burros is free, as they roam freely through town. If you wish to feed them, you can purchase special burro feed from local shops.
You are welcome to stop and explore Cool Springs Station. While they offer many souvenirs and necessities, browsing is encouraged, and the views alone are worth the stop.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Oatman offers a unique step back in time with its wild burros roaming the streets, historic buildings, old jail, and souvenir shops. It's a quirky and memorable stop.
The wild burros are descendants of miners' pack animals and are very accustomed to people. They are generally friendly and will approach visitors, especially if you have feed.
You'll find classic Route 66 memorabilia, local crafts, crystals, rocks, scrap metal art, and unique gifts at places like Cool Springs Station and shops in Oatman.
Yes, Oatman is a hit with families, especially thanks to the wild burros and the 'Cars' movie-themed figures. It's a fun and engaging experience for kids.
The views are spectacular! You'll experience dramatic mountain landscapes, rugged desert scenery, and breathtaking vistas, especially from overlooks like Cool Springs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are limited directly on the highway. Oatman has a few historic saloons and diners offering classic American fare. Cool Springs offers refreshments.
Expect classic diner-style food, burgers, sandwiches, and local specialties in Oatman's historic eateries. It's a taste of old-school Americana.
Yes, Cool Springs Station offers cold drinks and snacks. Oatman also has several establishments where you can grab refreshments.
While there aren't many designated picnic areas, you can find scenic spots to pull over safely. Be sure to pack out all your trash.
Many visitors enjoy the unique atmosphere of dining in Oatman's historic saloons. It's part of the overall Route 66 experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The winding mountain roads, the historic buildings of Oatman, the wild burros, and the panoramic views from Cool Springs Station are all fantastic photo opportunities.
Only stop in designated pull-offs or safe areas away from traffic. The road is narrow and winding, so prioritize safety over a quick photo.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most dramatic and flattering light for landscape and architectural photography.
Yes, you can take photos of the burros, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid startling them. Never feed them human food.
Cool Springs Station offers incredible panoramic views. There are also numerous unmarked pull-offs along the highway that provide stunning vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
📸 Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit