Oatman, Arizona is a charming mining ghost town nestled in the Black Mountains of Mohave County.
While it once was a bustling place with thousands of inhabitants seeking the promise of finding gold, it now lies as a tranquil town where the wild burros (donkeys) outnumber the people. The buildings that remain, and the vastness of the mountains that surround it, have made it a popular tourist destination for those who want to experience a taste of the old west.
Is Oatman, AZ worth visiting?
Absolutely! Oatman still retains much of its Wild West character. The town’s historic buildings, wooden sidewalks, and classic cars make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the early 1900s.
But what really makes Oatman special is its wild burros. These pack animals are descendants of the burros that were used by local miners during the gold rush, and they now roam the streets of Oatman freely. They’re friendly and love to be fed, making them a unique attraction that you won’t find anywhere else.
In this article, we’ll discuss the town’s brief history, 14 must-do’s, the best time to visit, and more!
| Location coordinates | 35.0264° N, 114.3836° W |
|---|---|
| Size | 122 acres |
| Elevation | 2,710 ft. |
| Time zone | Mountain Standard Time (MST) |
| Annual visitors | 500,000 people |
| Best time to visit | Fall and Spring months |
| Handicap accessible? | A few areas are wheelchair accessible but not all. |
| Closest city | · Needles, CA – 22 miles · Bullhead City, AZ – 28 miles · Kingman, AZ – 29 miles |
Historical timeline of Oatman
1863: The area where Oatman lies today is discovered by a man named Johnny Moss. Upon finding gold in the Black Mountains of the Mojave Desert, he creates a small mining camp. He establishes two mines, one of which he names Moss and the other Oatman, in honor of Olive Oatman (more on this in a minute).
1902: John Durlin builds the Durlin Hotel, an eight-room hotel that primarily caters to the gold rush miners. At around the same time, Ben Paddock discovers the Vivian Mine.
1904: Vivian Mining Company begins operations in the area, and the town of Vivian is born. Miners begin flocking to the area.
1906: Vivian is founded. By this time, the small town includes several stores, a Chamber of Commerce, a post office, two banks, and around 150 people.
1907: Since 1904, the town has mined over $3 million worth of gold.
1908: A large gold deposit is discovered at the Tom Reed Mine which racks in $13 million.
1909: The town officially changes its name to Oatman (on June 24) when the post office changes its name from Vivian to Oatman.
1913: United Eastern Mine opens and results in a population boom. Buildings start to pop up everywhere.
1915: Two miners strike a $10 to $14 million gold find, which causes a population boom in the area.
1916: Oatman’s population continues to grow. By summertime, there are two-hundred mines operating within the district of the town.
1920s: Historic Route 66 is being built. Meanwhile, Oatman was at its peak as a mining community, so the road developers decide to divert Route 66 through the Sitgreaves Pass, despite it being a much more difficult drive for the old Model-T’s, in order for it to traverse through Oatman.
1921: A fire sweeps through the town and destroys most of the buildings. The only one that survives is the two-story Durlin Hotel made of adobe. Even so, the town is rebuilt.
1924: United Eastern Mines, the main mining company in the region, shuts down operations. This creates a decline in population, but the town stays alive while catering to those traveling through the newly-built Route 66.
1931: By this time, it is estimated that around $36 million dollars worth of gold had been mined in the region- the production was that of over 1.8 million ounces of gold. At this point, Oatman had its own newspaper (the Oatman Miner), post office, 2 banks, dozens of businesses including 7 hotels, 20 saloons, and 10 stores. The town boasted approximately 10,000 inhabitants.
Mid-1930s: The boom doesn’t last long. In fact, by this time, the region is seeing less mining activity and people begin moving to other parts of the state and country.
1942: Although the miners did not deplete the region of all of its gold, the US government orders the mines to be closed as a result of World War II and the gold mines not being an essential business during that critical time. The gold miners are sent to other areas to mine for other metal types needed for the war effort.
1953: The opening of Interstate 40, which essentially made travel easier south of the mountains leads to a decline in tourism because it bypasses Oatman. The town’s population drastically declines and leaves Oatman almost desolate. The only thing that keeps Oatman from becoming a ghost town is the mother road Route 66. Since then, the town is primarily sustained by the tourism industry.
1960s: The Durlin Hotel is renamed the Oatman Hotel. This landmark remains in the heart of Oatman.
1970s: Laughlin, Nevada becomes popular for gambling.
1980s: The original Route 66 regains popularity among travelers, thereby bringing life back to Oatman.
1995: The Gold Road mine reopens and an estimated 40,000 ounces of gold are mined on an annual basis.
1998: Due to the low price of gold, the mine shuts down again because it wasn’t profitable enough. Instead, the mine becomes a tourist attraction and provides gold mine tours.
2010 to present day: Now with the increase in the price of gold, the tours have stopped and mining operations have begun again, even though much more sporadic. The Goldroad Mine, located around 3 miles east of the town, is the closest working mine. Apart from gold, the Black Mountains have rich deposits of silver and other valuable minerals. As for the town of Oatman, there are only around 100 full-time residents.
How did it get its name?
In 1851, the Oatman family was traveling from Illinois to California. When they reached present-day Arizona, 14-year-old Olive and her 7-year-old sister Mary Ann were abducted by a Native American tribe. An altercation between the tribe and her family resulted in the massacre of her parents and 4 of their 6 other siblings.
Their 15-year-old brother was knocked unconscious and left for dead, but later regained consciousness and was able to get to a place where his wounds were cared for. He returned to the site of the massacre to bury his family, knowing that his sisters were taken captive. He spent the next few years searching for them.
Meanwhile, Olive and Mary Ann were held captive as slaves in the desert surrounding present-day Oatman. They were eventually sold to the Mojave Indians. Both of the girls got tattooed in the tribal design, which is an indicator that they were accepted as members of the tribe and were likely treated well. Sadly, Mary Ann died of starvation during a period of famine.
In 1856, rumors spread that a white girl was living with the Mohave tribe. Olive was then reunited with her brother and repatriated to her family. Her story went viral and she become somewhat famous by sharing her testimony doing public speeches and interviews.
Olive was returned to her family just 7 years prior to Johnny Moss’ discovery of gold in the Black Mountains. Even though there is no evidence that she visited or had any direct ties to this particular area, the town of Oatman was eventually named in her honor.
Best things to do in Oatman
Even though some mines are operating in the area, the town of Oatman remains primarily a popular tourist destination because of its unique history. The main street is lined with restaurants, museums, and boutique shops that will surely set you back in time to the days of the Wild West!
1. Meet and greet the Oatman burros
Burros were pack animals and a major source of help for the miners who needed to carry rocks, ore, water, and supplies in and out of the mines. When the mines shut down during WWII, the miners released their burros into the surrounding mountains.
The burros you meet today are the descendants of burros that were here decades before them. They generally go into town around morning time in search of food and return to the mountains around sunset. It’s possible that you’ll see a dozen or so of them roaming the streets. They don’t pick up after themselves (💩💩💩), so watch your step!
Although they’re very friendly (almost too friendly) remember that they’re wild animals nonetheless, so be cautious. There are several shops that offer burro chow for sale if you want to feed them, but keep in mind that feeding them along this part of Route 66 is a violation of recent laws enacted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
2. Leave a dollar at the Oatman Hotel
The Oatman Hotel is the oldest adobe building in Mohave County. Although it no longer accepts overnight guests, this iconic landmark has a bar and restaurant on the first floor and a museum on the second floor.
This old hotel welcomed many miners, politicians, and movie stars during its time, including Clark Gable and Carole Lombard who spent their honeymoon there in March 1939. Their honeymoon suite is still on display on the second floor.
Supposedly, the ghost of an old Irish miner named Oatie still haunts this place. He died behind the hotel in the 1930s. Go inside to see if you catch a glimpse of this friendly poltergeist.
In any case, the first thing you’ll probably notice when walking into the hotel is that the walls are covered in dollar bills. This became a tradition during the mining era when local miners started decorating the walls and ceilings with signed one-dollar bills. You can leave your signed and dated dollar there too!
3. Watch a staged gunfight
Every day, the main road shuts down in both directions while a Wild West shootout is performed in the middle of the street. It’s a great time for both kids and adults.
- The Oatman Outlaws perform shows daily from Saturday through Wednesday at high noon (12:00 pm) and 2:15 pm local time.
- The Oatman Ghost Rider Gunfighters have shows at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm local time. During the summer months, the 3:30 pm show might be canceled because of the number of tourists and heat.
4. Learn about the town’s history
At first glance, this tourist town looks like the set of a classic western film, but you’ll discover this place is dripping with a rich history. There is literature set up all over with short stories, descriptions, and photographs dating back to the early 1900s.
Take a walk around the streets of Oatman and read stories about what this old mining town used to be like. I have gotta say, the wooden sidewalks and old buildings definitely add to the charm and American West vibe.
5. Explore an abandoned gold mine
Located right off the main street, you’ll discover the Oatman Mine Museum. Check out the mine you can walk into but watch for bats!
6. Pan for gold
Of course, this is more of a kid’s activity, but some of the shops offer gold panning that will surely be an entertaining experience for them.
7. Eat, drink, and be merry!
Some places worth checking out are:
- Olive Oatman Restaurant: Great place to eat chili and peach fry bread.
- Oatman Hotel: Try the buffalo burger.
- Judy’s Saloon: Have breakfast or lunch at this small restaurant.
- Oatman Candy Shop: Take some prickly pear candy for yourself and as a souvenir.
8. Shop for unique souvenirs
There are a variety of local handcrafts, antiques, jewelry, leather products, moccasins, rocks, books, custom knives, swords, yard art, and other wild-west memorabilia that you will find at the old west-style gift shops that line the main road. Shop owners got really clever with their themed store names (i.e. Classy Ass, Jackass Ron’s, the Bucktooth Burro, Jackass Junction, and many more).
9. Visit the Glory Hole
This museum and bookstore has a huge display of artifacts that were a part of Oatman back in its day, including mining equipment, bottles, desks from the school, and many other antiques. The building was previously a drugstore, bank, and court.
10. Take old-time photos
At Making Memories (the studio located at 88 Main Street), you can dress up like a cowgirl or cowboy and take photos to make your Wild West experience memorable for years to come.
11. Escape the jail
The Oatman Jailbreak Escape Room is a 40-minute experience where you have to solve riddles and puzzles with your team to get out of jail before the sheriff comes back.
12. Participate in the annual calendar events
- January: Great Oatman Bed Race
- July 4th: Sidewalk Egg Frying Contest: During this event, participants are given 15 minutes to fry an egg using solar power only. Everyone is welcome to be part of the fun and fry!
- March: Annual Oatman Car Run: This event is a fundraiser featuring classic cars.
- October: Trunk or Treat Haunted House
- November and December:
- Christmas Brush Decorating Contest
- Mr. and Mrs. Claus
- Burrito Biscuit Toss: This event is a throwing contest with an Oatman twist. The twist is that the thing you’re tossing is a dried-up burro dropping painted in gold. Compete with the locals to see who can throw it the farthest.
13. Play a few rounds of pool
Apart from a bar and restaurant, Judy’s Saloon has a pool hall.
14. Explore the desert landscape and rock formations
Visit the top of Black Mountain for views of the surrounding area. The sunsets in this region are out of this world beautiful.
Best time to visit Oatman
The best time to visit Oatman is during the cooler months from October to April. Not only is the weather more moderate during these times of the year, but there are also fewer tourists.
| Hours | Open all day, every day. Shop store hours vary, but almost everything is open between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Some attractions are only open during the weekends and holidays. |
|---|---|
| Peak season | Fall and Spring months |
| Warmest month | July |
| Coldest month | December |
| Annual days of sunshine | 290 days |
Climate
Oatman is located in the Mojave Desert, so much like the rest of Arizona, the climate is hot and dry. Just like any desert climate, however, the temperatures can be extreme.
During the peak of summer, temperatures could occasionally reach up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it cools down at night.
During the spring and fall months, temperatures range from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that it can still get quite hot during the day, so be sure to pack plenty of water. Also, be aware that the desert can get cold at night, so bring a jacket for evening outings.
The average low during the winter is 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
Crowds
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the shoulder season (May-September) is a great time to visit. However, keep in mind that temperatures during this time can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure to have water and sun protection.
How to get to Oatman
The easiest way to get to Oatman is by car but there are also some tour bus options available. Parking is limited, so those traveling with trailers or RVs may have a difficult time finding a spot.
Getting there by car
- From Bullhead City, there are two roads you can take.
- Option one takes you through Bullhead Parkway, then onto AZ-95 S, and the final stretch through Boundary Cone Rd/ Oatman Highway (aka Route 66). This is a paved road. The distance is around 28 miles and it’s about a 30-minute drive.
- Option two takes you through Silver Creek Rd, and then briefly connects to Hwy 10/ Oatman Hwy. This is mostly a dirt road through the Black Mountains. The distance is around 15 miles and it’s about a 40-minute drive.
- From Kingman, you will follow Route 66 west until you reach Oatman. The distance is around 28 miles and it’s about a 50-minute drive. Keep in mind that this road is narrow and has many sharp curves. Vehicles over 40 feet long are not allowed.
- From Needles, you’ll need to get on AZ-95 N, then turn right onto Boundary Cone Rd/ Oatman Hwy (Route 66) until you reach Oatman. The distance is around 22 miles and it’s a 30-minute drive.
- From Las Vegas, there are a couple of ways to get there. The distance is around 130 miles regardless, more or less.
- Option one is to take the US-95 S to NV-163 E. Once you get to Needles Hwy, take Boundary Cone Rd all the way to Oatman. This generally takes a little over 2 hours.
- Option two takes you through I-11 S and US-93 S until you reach Route 66. In Kingman, take I-40 W all the way to Oatman. This way is a few miles longer and takes around 2.5 hours.
Tour bus options:
- Laughlin Tours: For details, visit their website.
- Desert Wonder Tours: For tour details, visit their website.
Where to stay in Oatman
Unfortunately, there is no lodging available in Oatman, however, there are lots of options within a 20-mile radius.
Closest RV park
- Black Mountain RV Park is located 12 miles away (28-minute drive)
Closest free camping areas
- Oatman Boondock BLM Site is located 6 miles away (13-minute drive)
- Oatman Topock Dispersed BLM is located 17 miles away (26-minute drive)
Closest cities with hotels
These are the closest cities to Oatman. Click on any city name to find accommodation!
- Bullhead City, AZ (15 miles on a dirt road; 28 miles on asphalt)
- Kingman, AZ (29 miles)
- Needles, CA (22 miles)
- Las Vegas, NV (126 miles)
Whether you’re looking for a taste of the old west, want to escape to the great outdoors, or want an up-close and personal experience with the local wildlife, Oatman is the perfect place to visit on a day trip.
This quirky town will certainly give you a truly unique and memorable experience. You won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oatman, AZ open 7 days a week?
Yes, Oatman is open 7 days a week. However, it’s a small town, so most of the shops and restaurants have limited hours. It’s best to check the opening hours of the businesses you want to visit in advance.
Can you feed the burros in Oatman, AZ?
Yes, you can feed the burros in Oatman. You can buy bags of burro chow from local gift shops and feed them to the burros, who are always happy to accept a snack. Just remember that the burros are wild animals, and while they’re friendly, they can still bite or kick if they feel threatened.
What time are the gunfights in Oatman, AZ?
The Oatman Outlaws put on a Wild West shootout show in the middle of the street in Oatman every day at high noon and 2:15 pm. It’s a cheesy, yet fun and entertaining show that the kids will certainly enjoy.
Is there a dollar bill bar in Oatman, AZ?
Yes, there is a dollar bill bar in Oatman, AZ. The Oatman Hotel, which was built in 1902 by Irish miner John Durlin, is home to the historic dollar bill bar. The walls of the bar are covered in one-dollar bills that have been signed by visitors over the years. You can add your own dollar bill to the collection and enjoy a drink in this quirky and historic establishment.
Are dogs allowed in Oatman, AZ?
Yes, dogs are allowed in Oatman, however, they must be on a leash at all times and cannot be left unattended. There have been reports of burros attacking dogs, so it’s recommended that you keep your dogs at a safe distance from the burros. Remember that despite their cute faces, the burros are wild and can be unpredictable. Do not leave your dog in the car, especially during the hot summer months.
Is Oatman a ghost town?
Oatman is often referred to as the “ghost town that refuses to die”. It is a former mining town that is now mostly abandoned, however, there are still a few residents who live in the town and some businesses that remain open. While you can find a few locals and tourists milling about the streets, it is definitely nowhere near as busy as it once was.
What movies and shows feature Oatman?
- Passage West (1951) is a Western film starring John Payne, Dennis O’Keefe, Arleen Whelan, and Frank Faylen.
- Fox Fire (1955) is a romantic Western film starring Jane Russell, Jeff Chandler, and Dan Duryea.
- Edge of Eternity (1959) is a crime and drama film starring Cornel Wilde, Victoria Shaw, and Edgar Buchanan.
- How the West Was Won (1962) is a Western film, winner of 4 academy awards, starring James Stewart, John Wayne, and Henry Fonda.
- The Time Crystal (1981) is an action and family adventure film starring Chris Barnes, Hans Conried, Vic Tayback, and Olivia Barash.
- Roadhouse 66 (1984) is an action and romantic comedy film starring Williem Dafoe, Judge Reinhold, Kaaren Lee, and Kate Vernon.
- Thunder Run (1985) is an action sci-fi thriller film starring Forrest Tucker, John Ireland, John Shepherd, and Jill Whitlow.
- Glutton For Punishment is an adventure reality-TV show featuring Oatman on the Egg Fry episode (2008).
- Great America Road Trip is an adventure family game show featuring Oatman on the California or Bust (2009) episode.
- Arizona Mining Towns (2009) is a short Western documentary directed by Troy Wilson.
- Hustling America is a documentary series featuring Oatman on the Las Vegas (2013) episode.
- Killer Holiday (2013) is a horror thriller film starring Michael Copon, Rachel Lara, Julia Beth Stern, and Alex Mandel.
- United States of Animals is a short documentary series featuring Oatman on the West Sting (2016) episode.
- Route 66 (2019) is an adventure film starring Matthew Briody, Ryan Eaglen, Rob Kellas, and Danny White.
