🚐 Donkey Encounters & Route 66 Relics: Our Arizona Road-Trip Adventure

March 15, 2025

🛣️ The Allure of Route 66: America’s Mother Road

Welcome back, road-trippers! Last week we paddled through London Bridge’s shadows in Lake Havasu, but this time, we’re trading kayak paddles for ghost towns, winding mountain roads, and wild donkeys. It’s all part of our unforgettable ride along Historic Route 66—a highway steeped in nostalgia and eccentric charm.

Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 was established in 1926 and quickly became the backbone of cross-country travel. Though much of it was bypassed by modern interstates, pockets of magic remain—and today, we’re exploring one of the most memorable: Oatman, Arizona.

🌵 Oatman: A Gold Rush Ghost Town Ruled by Donkeys

Once a booming mining town, Oatman now blends history with quirkiness, offering Old West charm and—most famously—free-roaming wild burros. These descendants of miners’ pack animals now rule the streets like they own the place (because they kind of do).

🐴 Donkeys, Dances & Desert Kisses

Our first highlight? Meeting Pam the Donkey Whisperer, a local legend who trains donkeys to give kisses, dance, and behave politely with visitors. She handed us some donkey snacks with clear instructions:

• Feed pellets first, cookies second

• Never keep the bag—unless you want to be followed like a desert Pied Piper

From the live ones to every shop shelf, donkeys are the beating heart of Oatman. And trust us—you’ll want photos.

🍬 Desert Delicacies & Small-Town Sweets

Oatman locals pointed us to a candy shop tucked in a rustic storefront—home of the legendary prickly pear cactus candy. Sweet, tangy, and thoroughly Arizonan, it’s a must-try (and TSA-safe souvenir).

Wandering the quiet morning streets with a cactus treat in hand? That’s the kind of slow-travel bliss we live for.

🏨 Historic Haunts: The Old Oatman Hotel

Dating back to the early 1900s, the Old Oatman Hotel is one of the oldest adobe structures in Mohave County—and it’s dripping with character.

🎬 Hollywood Cameos & Ghostly Guests

Film stars Clark Gable and Carole Lombard reportedly honeymooned here, and their room remains preserved upstairs. Locals also tell tales of “Oatie the Ghost,” a playful spirit said to roam the halls. Haunted or not, the ambiance inside the hotel’s dining room is worth the stop.

🛍️ Route 66 Shopping with Soul

Oatman’s shops are part Old West museum, part kitschy Route 66 boutique. You’ll find:

• Handmade crafts

• Vintage signs

• Antiques and mining memorabilia

• Burro-themed EVERYTHING

💸 Bonus: The gunshow donates proceeds their procedes to worthy causes.

🏜️ White-Knuckle Views: Driving Sitgreaves Pass

Leaving Oatman, we tackled Sitgreaves Pass, a stretch of Route 66 that winds through the rugged Black Mountains of Arizona. With narrow shoulders, blind curves, and zero guardrails, it’s not for large rigs—but if you’re in a smaller vehicle or 4×4 like us, it’s a wild and gorgeous ride.

🚗 Road Trip Tip:

Stop at the overlooks. The views are stunning, and the desert silence? Unmatched.

⛽ Cool Springs: A Route 66 Revival

Our final leg brought us to Cool Springs, a roadside service station that’s as much a part of Route 66 lore as the road itself. Originally built in the 1920s, it offered food, fuel, and cabins for weary travelers—until it burned down in 1966.

🔧 Restored & Resilient

In the early 2000s, Cool Springs was lovingly restored. The original stonework, vintage pumps, and rusty relics are a tribute to the golden age of American road trips. A small museum and gift shop await, and big things are coming: a new café and interpretive center are in the works.

⚠️ A Sobering Reminder: Respect the Locals (Especially the Four-Legged Ones)

As we left Oatman, we saw a baby donkey struck by a speeding vehicle. A tragic, preventable moment that underscores a vital message:

Slow down. These roads and communities are alive—with history, wildlife, and real people working to preserve it all.

🌟 Why Oatman & Route 66 Deserve a Spot on Your Arizona Road Trip List

✔️ Authentic Wild West charm

✔️ Free-roaming donkeys you can feed and photograph

✔️ Boutique shops with purpose and passion

✔️ Historic hotels and ghost stories

✔️ Scenic drives through desert and mountains

✔️ A true slice of Route 66 Americana

If you’re a history buff, a quirky traveler, or just someone looking for a break from the ordinary—Oatman delivers in spades.

🧭 What’s Next on Our Arizona Journey?

We're circling back to Lake Havasu—but this time, it’s all about the best free and low-cost camping, and off-road trails.

👉 Like what you read? Hit Subscribe on YouTube and follow us for real-time updates from our Arizona adventure.

🎶 And if this episode didn’t get you singing “Get your kicks on Route 66”… you might want to check your playlist.

Arizona Playlist: https://shorturl.at/XMzS9

Thanks for joining us down the dusty highway,—Mark & Paula