Western History and Rugged Views on Old Route 66

Rt. 66 Between Oatman and Kingman, AZ (AZ) [1]

Amidst the natural grandeur and rich history that make up Historic Route 66, Old Route 66 - Oatman Road takes travelers through a distinctive combination of desert scenery and fascinating stories of the Old West on the edge of the Warm Springs Wilderness in northwestern Arizona.

Begin your 42-mile trek in the town of Kingman, home to more than 60 buildings on the National Historic Register and a great place to freshen up your knowledge of Route 66. Explore one of the town’s several museums or visit outdoor sites such as Camp Beale Springs or the Locomotive Park.

Between Kingman and Oatman, the byway winds its way through a series of glorious canyons littered with sagebrush. Stop the car at the scenic pullouts and enjoy the breathtaking vastness of Arizona’s desert skyline. Crystallize the moment with a few snapshots from your camera and continue on to Oatman, a ghost town alive with free-roaming burros and the spirit of the Wild West.

Oatman Burros (AZ) [2]

In Oatman, you’ll be whisked back to the turn of the 20th Century, when cowboys and prospectors ruled the untamed wilderness and spurs were more than just a fashion statement. Today, you’ll find actors staging gunfights as horse-drawn stagecoaches and ladies in 1890s attire make their way up and down the dusty street. The town still bears many of its original storefronts, which have been featured in movies such as “How the West Was Won” and “Edge of Eternity.”

The final stretch of the byway takes you south from Oatman on the edge of the Warm Springs Wilderness. The landscape is easy on the eyes, and this stretch of highway is a little more forgiving than the canyons between Oatman and Kingman, so you’re sure to have a relaxing drive. Enjoy views of Wrigley Peak and the McHeffy Butte as you travel the last 20 miles of the byway to the town of Golden Shores near the California border.

A true adventure from start to finish, Old Route 66 - Oatman Road promises a riveting look at Arizona’s Western environment. From hairpin turns and clear blue skies to reenactments of the classic pistol fights from your favorite Western movies, your trip on this slice of the Mother Road will keep you smiling for years to come.