Need a break from the Strip’s neon lights? If you’re itching for a weekend getaway that swaps modern glitz for authentic grit, point your car south toward Oatman, Arizona. With the historic Route 66 Centennial in 2026 sparking a new wave of excitement, there’s never been a better time to experience this untamed slice of the American West – ran by….donkeys.
Welcome to Oatman – enjoy the donkeys!
Tucked away in the Black Mountains just a couple of hours from Vegas, Oatman isn’t your typical abandoned ghost town. It’s a living relic of the early-1900s gold rush, home to roughly 75 human residents and a famously stubborn population of wild burros. These fuzzy locals are the direct descendants of pack animals left behind by miners over a century ago. Today, they wander the town with authority, playfully stopping traffic and greeting visitors in exchange for treats.
Visiting Oatman, Arizona
Walking down Oatman’s wooden sidewalks feels like stepping onto a period movie set, but the history here is actually authentic. The town managed to avoid modernization when the interstate bypassed it decades ago. That left its original late-1800s architecture perfectly intact.
You won’t find fast-food chains here – but you’ll find the legendary Oatman Hotel and Restaurant. Step inside the saloon, where the walls and ceiling are covered in dollar bills. Why? Back in the day, local miners would pin cash to the walls to ensure they had a prepaid tab for future drinks. The hotel is also famous for hosting Clark Gable and Carole Lombard on their 1939 honeymoon. And (of course) rumor has it, their ghosts still linger in the halls.
The town’s outlaw spirit is alive and well on the streets, too. Time your visit for 1:30 PM (roughly) to catch a staged bank robbery and shootout right in the middle of Route 66, a playful tradition that raises money for local charities.
Getting there
The way to Oatman is half the adventure. The scenic drive over the Sitgreaves Pass offers jaw-dropping desert panoramas, jumping cholla cacti, and maybe a glimpse of bighorn sheep. As always…enjoy the ride! The donkeys will be there to welcome you at the destination.
