Experience Old West Charm and Route 66 Nostalgia with a Guided Tour from Kingman to Oatman
If you’re looking to escape the bright lights of Las Vegas and step into a storybook of dusty towns, wild burros, and scenic mountain switchbacks, the Oatman Mining Camp Burros Museums Scenic RT66 Tour offers just that. For $129 per person, you’ll spend roughly 5 to 7 hours exploring historic Route 66, a 1920s-era mining town, and enjoying jaw-dropping views across three states. Led by knowledgeable guides like Mike, Brandon, or Susan, this intimate tour (max 13 travelers) is designed to give you a genuine taste of the old frontier with some fun along the way.
What we love most about this tour is how it combines a variety of stops that appeal to history buffs, nature lovers, and those simply craving a change of scenery. The visit to the Arizona Route 66 Museum offers a fun and educational start, while the drive through Sitgreaves Pass rewards us with spectacular, wide-open vistas. The highlight, of course, is wandering through Oatman, a lively town still infused with cowboy spirit, where roaming burros and courageous gunfighters steal the show.
The potential downside? This tour is a long day — you’ll want to be prepared for the drive from Las Vegas, which takes over an hour each way. Also, lunch isn’t included, so bringing snacks or planning your own meal is wise, especially if you want to spend ample time in Oatman.
This adventure suits travelers who love a mix of history, scenic views, and quirky small towns. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a taste of the Old West without the hassle of planning each stop independently. Small groups and personalized guiding make it especially appealing to those seeking a relaxed, engaging experience.
Key Points
- Authentic Route 66 Experience: Visit the Arizona Route 66 Museum and drive along historic roadways.
- Charming Old West Town: Explore Oatman’s shops, gunfights, and adorable burros.
- Spectacular Scenic Views: Cross Sitgreaves Pass and enjoy panoramic vistas of three states.
- Small Group Intimacy: Limited to 13 travelers, for more personalized attention and flexibility.
- Expert Guides: Guides like Mike or Brandon share fascinating insights and local knowledge.
- Value for Money: Includes all fees, museum tickets, and pickup/drop-off, making it a hassle-free day out.
A Deep Dive into the Experience
Planning more time in Kingman? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Starting Point: The Route 66 Museum in Kingman
The day begins at the Powerhouse Visitors Center/Arizona Route 66 Museum, where you’ll spend about half an hour soaking in displays that tell the story of America’s most iconic highway. Visitors frequently mention the museum’s authenticity and engaging exhibits, ranging from vintage vehicles to photographs of the road’s heyday. One reviewer noted, “It has a real authenticity — like somebody’s personal project,” which makes the experience feel genuine rather than commercialized.
This first stop isn’t just about nostalgia; it sets the stage for understanding how Route 66 shaped towns like Kingman and the surrounding region. It offers a compact but thorough introduction to the area’s history, perfect for history buffs or curious travelers.
Cool Springs Service Station
Next, we head to Cool Springs, a 1920s-era gas station that was a vital stopping point for early Route 66 travelers. Built in the mid-1920s, it’s a piece of living history that’s beautifully preserved. Here, you’ll get a Cool Springs or Sidewinder shirt, a fun souvenir that doubles as a reminder of the tour. The stop is brief — about 15 minutes — but it provides a tangible sense of what motoring in the 1920s was like.
Many reviews highlight how Cool Springs exemplifies the early days of road travel, and it’s a reminder of how infrastructure and tourism grew hand in hand along America’s first transcontinental highway.
Journey to Oatman: A Mine-Field of Scenic Beauty
Driving from Kingman, the tour winds through the Black Mountains, where the roads snake through narrow switchbacks. If you dislike heights or curvy roads, this part might test your nerves a bit, but guides like Mike expertly navigate the terrain, adding to the sense of adventure. We loved the way the landscape transforms from desert plains to rugged mountain vistas, offering breathtaking views.
On the way, the guide shares snippets of local history, making the scenery more meaningful. One reviewer said, “Throughout the journey, Mike pointed out sights and gave us some history, which is genuinely interesting.”
Oatman: An Authentic Western Town
The town of Oatman is the tour’s star — a former gold-mining settlement that’s now a lively, if heavily touristed, spot. Don’t expect a pristine village; instead, you’ll find an old-fashioned town with quirky shops, saloons, and roaming burros that seem to be as much a part of the atmosphere as the wooden boardwalks.
While some expected a “tourist trap,” most found Oatman charming and authentic enough to enjoy. The “High Noon” shootout reenactment is surprisingly well done and adds a fun Western feel. One guest remarked, “The gunfight was actually a lot of fun and very well enacted,” proving that a little Hollywood flair can enhance the charm, not detract from it.
Shopping and Food
The Dakota Leather & Gift Shop stands out as a true find — a place where you can browse genuinely old-west artifacts alongside handcrafted gifts. It’s a museum-quality experience, and everything is for sale at reasonable prices, so you can take home a piece of Oatman’s history.
Dining options are limited but decent. Many travelers enjoy the local saloon, where a pint costs around $4, and the atmosphere is lively. If you want a sit-down meal, plan accordingly, as the tour doesn’t include lunch, but there are small eateries and snack stands.
Sitgreaves Pass & Scenic Overlooks
After exploring Oatman, the tour continues over Sitgreaves Pass, where the views are truly unforgettable. At 3,550 feet elevation, you’ll see across the Black Mountains into California and Nevada, with the switchbacks offering plenty of photo ops. One reviewer noted, “From the top of the pass, you can see across the mountains into multiple states — it’s breathtaking.”
This spot is a perfect example of how the tour balances scenic beauty with historical significance, giving you a sense of the vastness and ruggedness of this part of the American Southwest.
Return via Scenic Route
On the way back to Las Vegas, the guide takes a different route, passing through towns like Laughlin, offering a different perspective of the area’s landscape. This change in scenery keeps the drive interesting and less monotonous. The tour concludes around 5 pm, leaving you with a full day of exploration and stories.
The Value of This Tour
While $129 might seem like a hefty price at first glance, consider what’s included: all fees and taxes, private pickup and drop-off, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide. The reviews repeatedly mention the high level of guide expertise and the personal attention given, which is hard to find on larger, less intimate tours.
Many guests also appreciate how well the tour balances sightseeing with free time — especially in Oatman, where wandering the shops, petting burros, and catching a gunfight feel unhurried. The small group size (maximum 13 guests) ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and guides are quick to offer insights and adapt the pace if needed.
Given the drive from Las Vegas, this tour is also excellent value for those wanting to see more of the Southwest beyond the Strip. The experience offers not just scenery but also a deeper understanding of Route 66’s history, small-town culture, and the rugged beauty of the Black Mountains.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This trip is ideal for travelers interested in American history, Western culture, and scenic mountain vistas. It’s perfect if you enjoy small-group experiences, personalized guides, and authentic stories behind the sights. If you’re a fan of quirky towns, cute burros, and cowboy reenactments, you’ll find plenty to love.
However, if you’re sensitive to long drives or dislike winding mountain roads, plan accordingly. Also, since lunch isn’t included, bringing snacks or a packed lunch makes the day more enjoyable, especially if you want to linger in Oatman.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Las Vegas to Kingman?
It’s about an hour or slightly more, so the tour is a full-day experience with a significant portion of travel, but most guests find the scenic stops and stops in Oatman well worth it.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers say yes, especially since the stops are engaging, and the scenery is stunning. However, the winding mountain roads might be less comfortable for very young children or those prone to motion sickness.
What’s included in the price?
All fees and taxes are included, along with pickup and drop-off from your hotel, bottled water, and a guided experience. Lunch and snacks are not included, so plan accordingly.
How many people typically take this tour?
It’s limited to a maximum of 13 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.
Are there any optional activities during the tour?
The main highlights are included, like the museum visit, the gunfight, and the scenic passes. You might find opportunities to browse shops or pet burros at your own pace in Oatman.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, making it flexible if your plans shift.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a day that combines history, charming small towns, scenic mountain drives, and a touch of the Wild West, this guided tour from Kingman to Oatman delivers on all counts. It’s especially well-suited for those who value small-group intimacy, knowledgeable guides, and authentic experiences. With stunning views, friendly towns, and a genuine sense of frontier adventure, it’s a memorable way to explore a slice of classic American culture beyond the bright lights of Las Vegas.
Choose this tour if you want more than just a sightseeing day — if you want stories, scenery, and a real taste of the Old West’s spirit. Just remember to bring your camera, some snacks, and a sense of adventure — this day promises plenty of both.