Oatman Mining Camp, Burros, Scenic RT 66 Direct From Las Vegas

Nestled along the historic Route 66, the Oatman Mining Camp offers a unique glimpse into the region’s gold mining past. Visitors can explore Old West-style buildings, interact with the friendly burros roaming the streets, and take in the scenic beauty of this iconic highway. Just a short drive from Las Vegas, this charming ghost town promises an engaging and memorable experience for those seeking to uncover the captivating history of the American West.

Key Points

• Oatman Ghost Town offers a unique glimpse into the region’s gold mining history, featuring Old West-style buildings and friendly roaming burros.
• The scenic drive along Route 66 showcases the legendary highway’s beauty, with opportunities to visit the Historic Route 66 Museum.
• The Historic Route 66 Museum provides an in-depth look at the road’s rich history and cultural significance through exhibits and interactive displays.
• Visitors can interact with the iconic Oatman burros, feeding them carrots or apples and capturing memorable photographs.
• Oatman is easily accessible from Las Vegas, making it an ideal day trip to experience the town’s mining heritage and Route 66 charm.

Exploring Oatman Ghost Town

As visitors explore the Oatman Ghost Town, they’ll discover a unique glimpse into the region’s rich gold mining history.

This former mining camp is now a thriving tourist destination, featuring Old West-style buildings, wooden sidewalks, and friendly burros roaming the streets.

Visitors can stroll past saloons, general stores, and other restored structures, imagining the town’s bustling past.

Visitors can stroll past saloons, general stores, and other restored structures, imagining the town’s bustling past.

Highlights include the unique hanging mailboxes and the Oatman Hotel, which hosted famous guests like Clark Gable and Carole Lombard.

The town’s mining history comes alive through interpretive displays and knowledgeable tour guides, offering a captivating window into the past.

Gold Mining History of Oatman

The Oatman mining camp emerged as a thriving gold-mining hub in the early 20th century, drawing prospectors and fortune-seekers to the rugged Arizona landscape.

The discovery of gold in the nearby hills sparked a mining boom, and by the 1930s, Oatman was producing over $2 million worth of gold annually.

The town’s success was short-lived, however, as the mines gradually became depleted, and by the 1950s, the once-bustling community had dwindled to a ghost town.

Today, Oatman’s rich mining heritage is preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the American West’s gold rush era.

Scenic Drive Along Route 66

After exploring the rich gold mining history of Oatman, the tour continues with a scenic drive along the legendary Route 66. Winding through the desert landscape, the group marvels at the iconic highway’s beauty. Along the way, they stop at the Historic Route 66 Museum, where they learn about the road’s significance in American culture and the stories of those who traversed it.

| Route 66 Facts | |

| — | — |

| Established | 1926 |

| Length | 2,448 miles |

| States Traversed | 8 |

| Famous Landmarks | Cadillac Ranch, Tucumcari, Meteor Crater |

| Decommissioned | 1985 |

The drive offers ample opportunities for photography, as the group takes in the stunning vistas and encounters the roaming burros that have become a trademark of the region.

Visiting the Historic Route 66 Museum

While traversing the iconic Route 66, the tour group stops at the Historic Route 66 Museum.

Inside, they explore exhibits showcasing the route’s rich history and cultural significance. Vintage cars, neon signs, and interactive displays bring the "Mother Road" to life.

Exhibits showcasing Route 66’s rich history and cultural significance, with vintage cars, neon signs, and interactive displays bringing the "Mother Road" to life.

The tour guide shares captivating stories of the highway’s heyday, when it was a vital link connecting the Midwest to the West Coast.

Visitors can browse the museum’s gift shop for souvenirs and learn about the region’s unique roadside attractions.

This stop offers a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of Route 66 and its pivotal role in shaping America’s automotive culture.

Interacting With Roaming Burros

As visitors explore the quaint Oatman Ghost Town, they encounter a delightful surprise – the town’s iconic burros roaming freely through the streets.

These friendly and gentle creatures are a beloved part of Oatman’s history and culture. Visitors can interact with the burros, snap photos, and even feed them carrots or apples provided by the local shops.

The burros are well-cared for by the community and add to the town’s unique charm and character. Interacting with these iconic animals is a highlight of the Oatman experience, creating lasting memories for all who visit.

Photographic Opportunities

The Oatman Ghost Town and the surrounding scenic Route 66 provide countless opportunities for captivating photography.

The rugged landscape, historic buildings, and the iconic burros roaming freely create a unique and picturesque setting. Visitors can capture the timeless charm of the old west, from the weathered facades of the town’s structures to the serene vistas of the desert terrain.

The rugged landscape, historic buildings, and iconic burros create a unique and picturesque setting for capturing the timeless charm of the old west.

Whether photographing the burros up close or framing the classic Route 66 signage, the Oatman tour offers endless possibilities to immortalize the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The stunning scenery makes for unforgettable photographic memories.

Tour Details and Inclusions

The Oatman Ghost Town tour includes a variety of inclusions to enhance the overall experience.

The tour duration is estimated to last 3-4 hours, returning to Las Vegas in the late afternoon. A minimum of 2 guests is required, with small group and private tours available for up to 13 travelers.

Pickup is provided from hotel vaults or the main office, with group pickup necessary for North Las Vegas.

Inclusions cover hand sanitizer, air-conditioned transport, bottled water, lunch, and snacks. All fees and taxes are included, and gratuity is covered as well.

The tour is accessible for service animals, strollers, and wheelchairs.

Accessibility and Guest Reviews

Although the Oatman Ghost Town tour is accessible for service animals, strollers, and wheelchairs, most travelers can participate in the experience.

The tour is designed to accommodate a wide range of guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy the scenic drive along Route 66 and explore the historic mining town.

Travelers have praised the tour, leaving 5-star reviews that highlight the beautiful scenery, friendly burros, and knowledgeable guide.

Travelers rave about the beautiful scenery, friendly burros, and knowledgeable guide on the Oatman Ghost Town tour.

One reviewer described the tour as "unique and memorable," capturing the essence of this one-of-a-kind adventure from Las Vegas.

The Sum Up

Oatman Mining Camp offers a unique glimpse into the town’s gold mining past, with its Old West-style buildings and friendly burros roaming the streets. The scenic drive along Route 66 provides stunning landscapes, while the historic Route 66 Museum offers insight into the iconic highway’s significance. Whether you’re seeking an interactive experience or simply scenic beauty, Oatman is a must-visit destination just a short drive from Las Vegas.