Oatman, AZ
Oatman, AZ
As you ride into Oatman the live Burros are walking around town and it feels like you stepped into an old western. The Burros are friendly but they are wild burros and you should be cautious. It’s a neat town in the middle of nowhere with little shops lining up and down the street, colorful signs and interesting people. There are plenty of motorcycles parked and because of the road to Oatman it’s a good motorcycle destination. Located less than 20 miles away from Bullhead City and Laughlin it’s easy to find places to stay.
This is the road to Oatman - Oatman Highway - Route 66 my friend Denny was riding a Spyder three wheeler. This is a description I found of the road.
"Several places were dangerous: more than one part of the highway was nicknamed "Bloody 66" and gradually work was done to realign these segments to remove dangerous curves. However, one section just outside Oatman, Arizona (through the Black Mountains) was fraught with hairpin turns and was the steepest along the entire route, so much so that some early travelers, too frightened at the prospect of driving such a potentially dangerous road, hired locals to navigate the winding grade."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gTZ...1&feature=plcp
This is the road to Oatman - Oatman Highway - Route 66 my friend Denny was riding a Spyder three wheeler. This is a description I found of the road.
"Several places were dangerous: more than one part of the highway was nicknamed "Bloody 66" and gradually work was done to realign these segments to remove dangerous curves. However, one section just outside Oatman, Arizona (through the Black Mountains) was fraught with hairpin turns and was the steepest along the entire route, so much so that some early travelers, too frightened at the prospect of driving such a potentially dangerous road, hired locals to navigate the winding grade."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gTZ...1&feature=plcp
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
Been on that highway several times. Used to travel it from my home in NM to Barstow when I was stationed there. That was back before I-40 had been completed and Rt. 66 was the main road.
Also do it every time we go to Laughlin for the River Run.
Bill
Also do it every time we go to Laughlin for the River Run.
Bill
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
Brought back a few memories. Had a meeting in Scottsdale, in May of 2010, flew early & rented a bike for a few days, from Hacienda. Stayed in Kingman the 1st night. Rode up 93, dropped off my stuff at the hotel, went to Oatman, and came back to Kingman.
There were a group of rider from Brasil, they had no passengers they were all riders
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 50
From: Gilbert, AZ
I haven't been to Oatman since I was a kid, about 40 years ago. I guess it's time to take a ride over there.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
I didn't see it 40 years ago but it's a thriving little town now. I plan on bringing my OL there I think she will like the little shops and taking the bike she wont be able to shop long and can't buy to much.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 50
From: Gilbert, AZ
As I recall, there wasn't a whole lot going on there 40 years ago. Looks much more lively now. I remember seeing the burros roaming the streets.