Highway 66 to Oatman, AZ

On Wednesday, November 5th we took a drive southwest from Kingman, AZ along a section of historic route 66, called the Gold Road, up over Sitgreaves pass to the ghost town of Oatman, AZ. 

Our journey began in Kingman, AZ along Interstate 40 for the first few miles, as the interstate was built on top of, and alongside of, historic Route 66.

Route 66 in Kingman, AZ.

After leaving Interstate 40 we picked up Route 66 and began our journey on the Gold Road thru scenery that has remained largely unchanged since the heyday of the mother road.

Imagine this view from the side window of your 1932 Ford Coupe.

Or this view thru the windshield of your 1953 Chevrolet Corvette.

 

This section of historic Route 66 boasted several traveler centered service and accommodation stops between Kingman and Oatman.  Superbly restored Cold Springs was one of the first such stops catering to weary travelers.

Cold Springs, AZ.

Cold Springs, AZ.

Cold Springs, AZ.

 

Just past Cold Springs the road begins a twisting and narrow climb up towards Sitgreaves Pass.  Of all the stretches along Route 66 this was perhaps the most intimidating of all, with its steep grades, narrow road , hairpin curves and lack of guardrails. 



Historic Route 66 westbound towards Sitgreaves Pass.

The road was barely wide enough for our full size F250.

Imagine negotiating such a tight harpin pulling your camper.

 As we approached Sitgreaves Pass we began seeing something you don't see everywhere.....signs warning of burros.  Burros were heavily used in the early mining days, with many escaping, and even more set free after mining ceased.  Their descendants now roam the area on both sides of the pass.

 

Watch for burros!!

 

 Imagine cresting Sitgreaves Pass after your long and arduous climb, expecting to see the sandy beaches of California and the Pacific Ocean, to only be greeted my many more miles of desert.

Sitgreaves Pass, Historic Route 66.

From here travelers could see three states, Arizona, California & Nevada.

 



 

After crossing Sitgreaves Pass we descended into the ghost town of Oatman.  Named after a woman who was captured by the Mohave Indians and later released, Oatman is still alive today.  While active gold mining is still underway in the mountains, Oatman's main business is now tourism. 

Welcome to Oatman, AZ.

Main street, Oatman, AZ.  See anything unusual?

One of the most unusual and notable tourist draws about Oatman are the 'wild' burros freely roaming the streets.


A burro gives Tom some advice on buying the best watch in Oatman, AZ.

'Wild' burros at the hitchin' post Oatman, AZ.

You can't drive thru Oatman without coming nose to nose with a burro.

If allowed, the burros will walk right into shops as if they own the place!

If you don't stand aside, the burros will just push you out of their way.

 

Feeding of young, nursing burros is discouraged until they are weaned. Note the tag on this young burros forehead.

 The burros are so accustomed to being fed by people, this one has learned if it hangs out in front of the restaurant door where we ate lunch, it might get a tasty tidbit.

 

Pardon me, but are you going to finish those potato chips?

 

The panhandling burros can be quite insistent.  As we were leaving town a couple of burros walked over to the truck and stuck their heads in the open driver's side window looking for a handout.

Eye level with a hungry burro.