Oatman Mining Village: Burros/Route 66 Scenic Mountain Tour

Highlights

• Explore the past at Kingman Powerhouse, home to Route 66 and EV Museums.
• Journey up Historic Route 66, with multiple stops for amazing sightseeing.
• Enjoy stunning mountain views and plenty of photo opportunities on this tour.
• Experience the charming and famous Oatman Burros.
• Visit Cool Springs Station, an inspiration for the movie "Cars."

Description

Departing from Laughlin, Las Vegas, Kingman, or Lake Havasu, your adventure begins when you board the comfortable passenger van. As you settle in, your tour guide will introduce you to the region's rich history, starting with a drive-by of a Sears catalog home from the early 1900s. This charming house was built by the founder of the tour company's grandfather, whose ancestral roots in the area date back to the 1800s. The family's vintage collections, a testament to their long-standing heritage, have been featured in exhibitions at the Mohave Museum of History and Arts.
Your first stop is the Powerhouse Visitors Center, home to the Arizona Route 66 and Electric Vehicle Museums. Here, you'll explore a fascinating array of vehicles, photographs, and artifacts that chronicle the storied history of The Mother Road. This museum offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of travel and transportation along this iconic route.
Next, you’ll visit the Cool Springs Service Station, an enduring symbol of Route 66's golden era. Built-in the mid-1920s, this historic site has been lovingly preserved, capturing the spirit and nostalgia of America's most famous highway. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere of a bygone era.
From there, your journey takes you along the Route 66 Black Mountain scenic 8-mile stretch to Oatman, known as the Sidewinder. This section of the road features 191 curves, turns, and switchbacks, offering an exhilarating drive through stunning landscapes. The 3 state views from Sitgreaves Pass are simply breathtaking, with the Black Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop against the eastern shore of the south-flowing Colorado River from Hoover Dam.
Finally, you’ll reach Historic Oatman, a living ghost town that transports you back in time. Stroll around the vintage shops, where you can find unique souvenirs and local crafts. The town is famously home to the Oatman burros, friendly descendants of the pack animals once used by miners, who now freely roam the streets. Don't miss the High Noon gunfight reenactment, a thrilling performance that brings the Old West to life.

Throughout the tour, you'll have plenty of opportunities for photo stops to capture the stunning mountain views and memorable moments. This journey offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and cultural charm, making it an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages.