Oatman, Arizona

GOLD!!

This was the rallying cry back in the late 1800’s when gold was discovered in the Black Mountains southwest of Kingman, Arizona.

For a short time, Oatman was one of the largest producers of gold in the West. Now, one can take a trip up the winding section of Route 66 nicknamed the “sidewinder” for its hairpin turns and many curves.

On the way up to the historic old boomtown, now a tourist hot spot, you may encounter some of the locals - wild burros who are descended from the pack animals who were left behind when the mines dried up.

They are now cared for by locals and and the BLM. Feeding them human food is HIGHLY DISCOURAGED! Appropriate food for them can be purchased in the town of Oatman, where many of the animals can be seen wandering the street.

The historic mining town now features many shops, restaurants, and historical curiosities as well as western gunfight reenactments.

Visit https://www.oatmangoldroad.org/ for more info.