Oatman Ghost Town, Oatman, Arizona.
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Oatman Ghost Town Arizona

4.7
·5k reviews·Oatman, United States

Oatman, Arizona: A living ghost town on Route 66 where wild burros roam Main Street and the spirit of the Old West thrives.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-morning

Catch the shootout & avoid midday heat

CrowdMedium
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Oatman Ghost Town, Oatman, Arizona.

Oatman Ghost Town Arizona

Best Time

Mid-morning

Catch the shootout & avoid midday heat

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Oatman, Arizona: A living ghost town on Route 66 where wild burros roam Main Street and the spirit of the Old West thrives.

4.7
(5k reviews)

"Oatman is a ghost town that's still alive, with burros, desert views, and Route 66 charm."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive Carefully on Route 66

The road to Oatman is winding and steep. Take your time and enjoy the views!

💰 Bring Cash for Feed

Buy special burro feed from shops to interact with the donkeys. Don't feed them human food!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 4,680 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wild Burros of Oatman

Wild Burros of Oatman

Main Street

These friendly, free-roaming burros are the stars of Oatman, often wandering into shops and greeting visitors.

Historic Route 66 Drive

Historic Route 66 Drive

Kingman to Oatman

Experience a thrilling, scenic drive on a classic stretch of Route 66 with dramatic mountain views.

Wild West Shootout Show

Wild West Shootout Show

Main Street

Catch a live, reenacted Wild West gunfight that brings the town's history to life.

Oatman Hotel

Oatman Hotel

Main Street

A historic hotel with a storied past, once frequented by Hollywood stars like Clark Gable.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Burros!

Oatman is famous for its wild burros roaming freely. While they're a major draw, remember they are wild animals. Keep a safe distance and avoid feeding them human food. Purchase special feed from shops if you want to interact.

Route 66 Adventure

The drive to Oatman, especially the stretch between Kingman and Oatman on Route 66, is a highlight. Be prepared for winding, narrow roads with steep drop-offs. It's an iconic part of the journey, but drive cautiously.

Best Times

When
Mid-morning
Why
Catch the shootout & avoid midday heat
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

• “Oatman, Arizona — where the burros run the town.” • “Old West vibes on Route 66.” • “Wild burros, desert views, and that Route 66 charm.” • “Oatman, AZ: A ghost town that’s still alive.” #sightseeing #roadtrip #cowboy #history #biker
roadtrip403
2.3K likes • 38.7K views

🚗 Drive Carefully on Route 66

The road to Oatman is winding and steep. Take your time and enjoy the views! Instagram

💰 Bring Cash for Feed

Buy special burro feed from shops to interact with the donkeys. Don't feed them human food! Reddit

⁣ 📍 Oatman, Arizona⁣ ⁣ We took the historic Route 66 from Topock, AZ through Oatman, AZ and finished in Kingman, AZ. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ We spent the afternoon perusing the village of Oatman and felt like we were transported back in time! We even watched a “Wild, Wild West shootout” in the streets! ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ It was quite a treat after driving through the twists and turns of the barren, but amazing, Black Mountains....
thewanderingweavs
52 likes • 1.8K views
Oatman, AZ. An old ghost town with a mine, shops, gun fights, and most importantly wild burros! 🐴 . . #oatman #ghosttown #arizona #burros #route66 #lifeontheroad #travelgram #fulltimetravel #travelcouple #getoutandexplore
the_path_we_take
19 likes • 266 views

🤠 Watch the Gunfight

Don't miss the daily Wild West shootout reenactment for a dose of history. Instagram

🛍️ Explore Unique Shops

Browse quirky souvenir shops and art galleries along Main Street. Instagram

🤠 Oatman, Arizona on Route 66 is an absolute must stop spot. With its 🫏 burros walking down Main Street, saloon doors, and ghost town history, it is straight out of a Wild West classic. Oatman is one of the most special and eccentric stops during this portion of the southwestern route. (additional 📸 Getty) Of note: the Oatman Hotel was once the Durlin Hotel, and it is where Clark Gable and Carol...
amazingamericatv
163 likes • 3.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive Carefully on Route 66

The road to Oatman is winding and steep. Take your time and enjoy the views! Instagram

💰 Bring Cash for Feed

Buy special burro feed from shops to interact with the donkeys. Don't feed them human food! Reddit

🤠 Watch the Gunfight

Don't miss the daily Wild West shootout reenactment for a dose of history. Instagram

🛍️ Explore Unique Shops

Browse quirky souvenir shops and art galleries along Main Street. Instagram

🍦 Cool off with Ice Cream

Beat the desert heat with a delicious ice cream from one of the local shops. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Oatman is a charming and quirky ghost town that truly brings the Wild West to life, largely thanks to its free-roaming burros and daily shootout reenactments. While some find the tourist-centric nature detracts slightly from authenticity, most visitors enjoy the unique atmosphere, historic sites, and scenic Route 66 drive.

"I took hubby for 66th bday to Route 66 and Oatman. He had never been Before and had so much fun feeding and petting the donkeys. Oliver (i believe was his name) brayed at him like dude im here!
We went and saw the Tortoises Paul,George,Ringo,John over by the jail.
Feeding was so fun"

Lori Geuy

"It was a very warm but enjoyable day in Oatman AZ shared with the company with a life long friend, a new friend and birthday girl, and birthday girl's son... It had been years since my last visit and I saw many changes. There were businesses that were gone and new ones operating in their space. The souvenirs were fun to look and were moderately priced.... I bought a few items... It was still off season and Oatman was not crowded but moderately busy this time of year (mid-October)."

Adrienne D Lujan

"The road is kinda scary on the way up but fine going down. The donkey tried to steal my bag but I had a blast . Great little stores. Amazing ice cream, different kinds of artists and a shootout at 12:30. Lots of fun. Lots of donkeys.Worth the drive. The views were amazing and you can see some really cool mines."

Shannon Kelley (A Hidden Treasure Estates)

What People Like

Friendly wild burros
Historic Route 66 drive
Wild West shootout show

What People Dislike

Limited dining options
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Oatman is accessible via historic Route 66. The drive from Kingman, AZ, is particularly scenic but winding. From Las Vegas, it's about a 2-hour drive. Be prepared for narrow roads and steep inclines. Instagram+1

The road, especially the stretch of Route 66 between Kingman and Oatman, is known for its sharp turns and steep drop-offs. Drive cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. Reddit

The most direct route from Las Vegas to Oatman, AZ, is typically via US-93 S and then taking the historic Route 66. It offers stunning desert scenery. TikTok

Yes, Oatman is a popular day trip from Laughlin, NV. The drive is relatively short and takes you through scenic desert landscapes. Instagram

Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Street parking is available, but be prepared to walk a bit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Oatman Ghost Town itself does not have an entrance fee. Most attractions, like the shops and the shootout show, are free to observe, though you may want to purchase souvenirs or feed for the burros. Reddit

While the town is always accessible, most shops and attractions operate during daylight hours, typically from around 9 AM to 5 PM. The shootout show usually happens daily around midday. Instagram

No, the Wild West shootout reenactment is generally a free event for visitors to watch. It's a highlight of the Oatman experience. Instagram+1

Accommodation options directly in Oatman are limited. The historic Oatman Hotel is a notable place to stay, offering a unique experience. Reddit

Oatman was a bustling gold mining town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was named after Olive Oatman, a pioneer girl captured by Native Americans. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the iconic wild burros, the historic Route 66 signs, the old-timey storefronts, and the dramatic desert landscapes. The shootout show also makes for dynamic photos. Instagram+1

Yes, you can take photos of the burros, but always maintain a safe distance. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Instagram

The Oatman Hotel, the old jail, the Route 66 signs, and the general store facades are great spots for photos. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Reddit

It is not safe to take photos while driving on the winding Route 66. Pull over at designated safe spots if you wish to photograph the scenery. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Oatman has a few dining options, including the Oatman Hotel Restaurant & Saloon, which offers classic American fare. There are also smaller cafes and diners. Reddit

While Oatman is a small town, you can find decent food, particularly at the historic Oatman Hotel. Reviews mention good hamburgers. Reddit

Expect typical diner-style food, including burgers, sandwiches, and American classics. Ice cream is also a popular treat. Reddit

Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you plan to picnic. However, be mindful of the burros and don't leave food unattended. Reddit

Options may be limited in such a small, historic town. It's best to check with individual establishments beforehand or pack your own suitable snacks. Reddit

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