About Oatman, Arizona | Lore, Legends, and Burros

Seeking a rugged getaway where good-humored shops line the street and there are more wild burros than people? Then Oatman, AZ is for you!

Located at an elevation of 2,000 feet, this tiny town in the Black Mountains of Mohave County was carved out of the wilderness by miners of yesteryear.

Visit Arizona tells us that more than 500,000 visitors are drawn annually to Oatman’s gold mine history and the legend of its namesake, Olive Oatman.

History of Oatman

Oatman sprouted as a small mining camp that was originally named, Vivian.

The name Oatman was chosen in honor of Olive Oatman, a 14-year-old girl who was captured and enslaved by Indians, after her pioneer family’s massacre during their journey westward from Illinois in 1851. Her story is rather famous. She was later sold or traded to the Mohave tribe, who adopted her and tattooed her face in the custom of the tribe. She was released in 1856 at Fort Yuma. There are many books about Olive and her ordeal. True West Magazine dispels some of the myths.

In 1863, prospector Johnny Moss discovered gold in the Black Mountains and staked several claims, one named the Moss after himself and another after Olive.

In 1921, a fire destroyed many of the town’s smaller buildings, but spared the Oatman Hotel built in 1902.

In 1924, the town’s main employer, United Eastern Mines, permanently shut down its operations. In 1941 the remainder of the town’s gold mining operations were shut down by the government as part of the country’s war effort, because other metals were needed.

Oatman might have become just another ghost town if not for Route 66 nostalgia and nearby casinos.

Climate

A desert mountain town with few shady trees, June through August can get rather toasty with the high peaking over 100 degrees. The rest of the year is fairly temperate. January and February tend to be the wettest. Bring a hat, clothes you can layer and sunscreen you can slather.

Lodging

There are not any hotels in Oatman. Spend the night in nearby Kingman or Needles.

Things to Do & See

Oatman is surrounded by Bureau of Land Management wilderness, which is also home to desert bighorn sheep. Outdoor activities include hiking, camping, hunting, photography, and rock climbing.

Main Street is tiny, with a Wild West feel and handful of kitschy souvenir stores, restaurants, and gift shops.

Visit the Oatman Hotel where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their honeymoon when it was then called The Durlin Hotel after marrying in nearby Kingman. Legend has it that the lovebirds’ spirits as well as other former lodgers still vacation there. Though they no longer offer lodging, the bar, restaurant, and museum are open. The Oatman Hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

What would a visit to the old Wild West be without a shootout? The Oatman Ghost Rider Gunfighters perform shootouts in the middle of Historic Route 66. Squaring off daily at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Times may change depending on the summer heat. They also perform Shot Gun Weddings!

Burros & Burritos

There are more wild burros (approximately 2,000) than people (approximately 128 wild and tame) in Oatman.

They are direct descendants of the burros the gold miners brought to the area as pack animals. When the mines ceased operations, the burros were set free to roam the hills. . . and now the streets of Oatman.

For the health and safety of the burros and tourists the Bureau of Land Management discourages the feeding of the burros. You will be fined if you get caught feeding them. Though you can adopt one and bring it home. Good luck getting it in the car and approval from your HOA!

If burro watching makes you hungry for a burrito, or any other fare, there are a few restaurants to satisfy your hunger pains.