Oatman Mining Camp Burros Museums Scenic RT66 Tour

The Oatman Mining Camp Burros Museums Scenic RT66 Tour offers a full-day adventure from Kingman, Arizona, for just $129 per person. With a duration of 5 to 7 hours, this tour provides a well-rounded experience of classic Route 66 attractions, historic towns, and stunning mountain vistas. The tour is limited to 13 travelers, ensuring an intimate atmosphere, with pickup and drop-off included.

This guided trip highlights some of the most iconic stops along the historic route, including the Powerhouse Visitors Center/Arizona Route 66 Museum, the Cool Springs service station, and the lively mining town of Oatman. Known for its roaming burros and lively street gunfights, Oatman is a highlight for many visitors. The tour also features scenic Sitgreaves Pass views and a visit to the Route 66 Rock Shop in Golden Valley. The trip is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to enjoy the full experience.

While this tour involves a drive of over an hour from Las Vegas, it offers a chance to explore Arizona’s historic towns and scenic landscapes without the hassle of planning. Travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides, the well-paced stops, and the authentic small-group atmosphere that makes the day feel personal and flexible.

Key Points

• Includes pickup and drop-off from Kingman, Arizona
• Five to seven hours exploring Route 66, Oatman, and scenic views
• Visit the Arizona Route 66 Museum with included admission
• Tour the historic Cool Springs service station and receive a Route 66 shirt
• Experience the lively town of Oatman with its famous gunfights and roaming burros
• Limited to 13 travelers for a personalized experience

Exploring the Historic Route 66 Museum in Kingman

The tour begins at the Powerhouse Visitors Center/Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman, where the displays showcase vehicles, photographs, and artifacts related to the legendary route. The museum provides educational insights into how Route 66 and the railroad brought growth to this area. Visitors spend about 30 minutes here, with admission included.

The museum’s exhibits appeal to those interested in classic Americana and the progress of the American West. It’s a great primer before heading into the scenic and historic stops that follow.

Visiting Cool Springs Station: A 1920s Route 66 Landmark

Next, the tour makes a 15-minute stop at Cool Springs, a mid-1920s-era service station that played a vital role during Route 66’s heyday. Built in the early days of motor travel, Cool Springs served travelers for decades, reflecting the legacy of Route 66. Visitors receive a Cool Springs shirt as a souvenir.

This stop offers a glimpse into the past, with photographs and artifacts that tell stories of early highway travel. It’s an authentic piece of the Mother Road’s history and makes a nice contrast to some of the more tourist-heavy spots.

Oatman: A Historic Mining Town with Roaming Burros

The heart of the tour is the 2-hour visit to Oatman, a town that originally grew as a gold mining camp. Today, it captivates visitors with its wild-west atmosphere, including periodic gunfights in the streets and roaming burros that are a beloved fixture of the town.

In Oatman, visitors can explore antique shops, interact with the burros, and enjoy the lively street entertainment. The gunfight reenactment is well executed, adding a fun and lively element to the town’s charm. Many notes that the shops are full of interesting artifacts and souvenirs, such as the Dakota Leather & Gift shop, which displays genuine old-west items for sale at reasonable prices.

There are also options to enjoy a local saloon or restaurant, with affordable prices like $4 for a pint of beer, making it easy to relax and soak in the atmosphere. The enjoyment of wandering through this quaint town is often highlighted as a memorable part of the day.

Scenic Drive Over Sitgreaves Pass

From Oatman, the tour continues with a 15-minute stop at Sitgreaves Pass, a spectacular viewpoint at 3,550 feet elevation. Named after Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves, who mapped it in 1851, the pass offers sweeping views across Black Mountains, California, and Nevada to the west, and the Hualapai Mountains to the east.

This scenic stop provides excellent photo opportunities of the rugged landscape, and the winding switchbacks on the way up are particularly noteworthy for their drama and beauty. It’s a definite highlight for anyone who loves panoramic vistas.

Route 66 Rock Shop in Golden Valley

Next, the group heads to the Route 66 Rock Shop, where treasures like fire agate, dinosaur bone rock, and other mineral specimens are for sale. This 15-minute stop lets visitors browse and purchase unique stones mined from the nearby Black Hills.

The route then continues along the Sidewinder section of historic Route 66, renowned for its breathtaking views. This part of the drive is perfect for landscape photography and enjoying the desert scenery.

The Black Hills and the Mining Heritage

The tour’s journey through the Black Hills offers a chance to appreciate the mineral-rich landscape that has long been associated with the region. The expert guidance of the tour leader helps narrate the history, geology, and current significance of these mountains, making it more than just a scenic drive.

The Practicalities and Logistics of the Tour

The tour departs in the morning at 8:00 am from Kingman, with most participants able to join without difficulty. All fees, taxes, bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, and hand sanitizer are included, ensuring comfort and convenience. Pickup and drop-off services make accessing the tour easy, especially for those staying in the area.

The vehicle is a small, comfortable van ideal for the limited group size, allowing for more personal interaction and flexibility in stops. The average booking window is about 25 days in advance, indicating good interest and planning.

Unique Aspects and Highlights from Reviews

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, with some mentioning guides like Brandon, Mike, and Susan as friendly and full of local insights. The small group size is appreciated, as it allows for more personalized attention and longer stops at attractions.

The roaming burros in Oatman receive many compliments, with visitors enjoying petting and photographing these gentle animals. The gunfights and antique shops add authentic western flavor, making the town feel lively and genuine.

Many mention the scenic drives, especially over Sitgreaves Pass and along the Sidewinder. The museum visits and rock shop are often described as well-curated and worth the time, with some noting the reasonable prices and interesting artifacts.

Some reviews highlight the long drive from Las Vegas, but most agree that the overall value, scenery, and experiences make it worthwhile. Several travelers praise the expert narration, friendly guides, and the overall fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Final Thoughts on the Oatman Mining Camp and Route 66 Tour

This tour offers a rich combination of history, scenery, and lively small-town charm. The 5 to 7-hour experience balances educational stops, scenic drives, and entertainment, making it suitable for those who enjoy history and outdoor views.

The limited group size and personalized approach are key strengths, ensuring everyone can enjoy each stop fully. The admission to museums, souvenir shirts, and the opportunity to pet burros add extra value.

While the drive from Las Vegas is a bit lengthy, many find the experience more than compensates. For anyone with a day to spare and an interest in classic Americana and scenic mountain vistas, this guided tour from Kingman to Oatman delivers a memorable glimpse into the charm of Route 66 and the Old West.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from Kingman are included, and transportation is in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 to 7 hours, depending on stops and group pace.

What are the main stops?
Stops include the Arizona Route 66 Museum, Cool Springs service station, Oatman town, Sitgreaves Pass, and the Route 66 Rock Shop.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, check the physical demands of the scenic drives and walking at stops.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 13 travelers, providing an intimate experience.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and snacks are not included, but there are options in Oatman and nearby towns.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera for scenic views and burro photos.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The data does not specify accessibility details; inquire directly for specific needs.

Would I enjoy this tour?
If you appreciate scenic drives, historic towns, and lively western entertainment, this tour offers a full and satisfying day.