Oatman Mining Camp & Burros: Historic Route 66 Tour from Laughlin

About this activity

Escape the Laughlin casino floor for a day of Old West adventure on this scenic Route 66 tour through Arizona's Black Mountains. Departing Laughlin, journey the historic Mother Road to the Powerhouse Visitors Center, home to the Route 66, Electric Vehicle Museums, vintage automobiles, drive by an early-1900s Sears catalog home. Then step back in time at Cool Springs Station, a restored 1920s roadside outpost and Route 66 Rock Shop . Wind through the Black Mountains for panoramic views from Sitgreaves Pass before rolling into Oatman, a living ghost town of wooden boardwalks and Old West storefronts. Meet the famous wild burros, including beloved "mayor" Walter, as they wander the streets. Exclusively with Desert Wonder Adventures, enjoy 10% off in-store purchases at select Oatman retail partners—just ask your guide for participating locations. Small-group comfort and 40+ years of local desert expertise make this the best way to experience Old West adventure just outside Laughlin.

Itinerary

1. Historic Route 66 Museum · 30 min

   First stop, Powerhouse Visitors Center/Arizona Route 66 Museum. Thousands of visitors from around the world travel on Route 66 for adventure and education and enjoy the charming and imaginative displays. Modern day explorers will discover a variety of information, including vehicles, photographs, and artifacts gathered over the history of “The Mother Road.”

2. Cool Springs Station · 15 min

   From the very earliest days, Cool Springs camp and service station was an important stop for motorists traveling Arizona's Route 66. Cool Springs was built in the mid-1920s and has been connected with Route 66 from the very start. The legacy of Cool Springs reflects the larger story of Route 66. The Mother Road gave it life. The hey-day of Route 66 was the hey-day of Cool Springs. Here you'll receive your Route 66 Sidewinder or Cool Springs shirt.

3. Oatman Ghost Town · 120 min

   As we continue, you'll experience an exciting drive through winding roads in the Black Mountains to arrive at Historic Mining Town of Oatman in time for their "High Noon" shoot out and lunch (Not Included). Spend a fascinating afternoon in antique shops and interacting with roaming burros. Periodic Gunfights in the street will top your adventure so be sure to have your camera!

4. Sitgreaves Pass · 15 min

   Beautiful scenic views. Sitgreaves’ Pass was first mapped out by Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves in 1851 while on an expedition to see if the Colorado and other rivers could be navigated by steam boat. From the top of the pass at an elevation of 3,550ft (1,082 m), you can see the across the Black Mountains into California and Nevada to the West and across the scenic switchbacks to the Hualapai Mountains in Arizona to the East.

5. Golden Valley · 15 min

   We'll stop at Route 66 Rock Shop. Treasures that are mined from the Black Hills mountain: Fire agate, dinosaur bone rock, and more. We continue up Scenic Historic Route 66 on the section of road named the "Sidewinder". Breathtaking views abound in this section of 66.

Meeting point and pickup

Pickup offered for all travelers.

Good to know

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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