In partnership with

Hi there, Adventure Friend!

Let’s kick it off with some trivia that’s actually fun:

Which Hollywood couple is said to have honeymooned at the Oatman Hotel?
A. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall
B. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard
C. John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara
D. Cary Grant and Grace Kelly

(Answer’s waiting at the end, so no peeking 👀)

What if your next family reset doesn’t come from a resort... but from a shaggy burro, a

sunset over scorched earth, and the kind of laughter that only shows up when no one's

looking at a screen?

Let me tell you about the town that gave me my family back—for a day. Maybe longer.

We were somewhere between “hurry up” and “leave me alone.” My son had headphones

in. My daughter was melting down because the juice box was the wrong flavor. My wife

and I hadn’t made eye contact in two states.

Then came Oatman.

Just a tiny bump on Route 66. Just a quick stretch-your-legs stop. Just a dusty little town

with burros and old wooden sidewalks. Just nothing special, right?

Until that burro walked straight up to my daughter and snorted into her backpack.

She shrieked. Then giggled. Then fed it a carrot.

And for the next hour? Not a single screen. Not a single argument. Just four people—

laughing, wandering, wondering—on the same wavelength again.

It wasn’t magic.

It was Oatman.

And here’s how to find that kind of peace with your own people.

Myth: Pet insurance doesn’t cover everything

Many pet owners worry that insurance won’t cover everything, especially routine care or pre-existing conditions. While that’s true in many cases, most insurers now offer wellness add-ons for preventive care like vaccines, dental cleanings, and check-ups, giving you more complete coverage. View Money’s pet insurance list to find plans for as low as $10 a month.

Protect your pet

🧭 Step 1: Ditch the Schedule. Keep the Day.

There are no rides. No wristbands. No 2 p.m. puppet shows.

There’s just space. Time. And a quiet that lets everyone be who they are.

• Let the kids lead.

• Say yes to silly detours.

• Eat when you're hungry, not when the app says "now."

This is slow travel, desert-style.

Step 2: Let a Burro Break the Ice

You don’t need therapy to reconnect. You need a donkey with attitude.

The wild burros of Oatman aren’t props. They’re part of the town. And somehow, they

know just how to pull a smile out of even the moodiest tween.

• Bring carrots. Not snacks with wrappers.

• Let your kids name one. Ours was “Dusty McWiggle.”

• Take photos, but only after you’ve laughed.

These creatures have a way of lowering your guard. Let them.

🤠 Step 3: Watch the Noon Gunfight (Then Go Deeper)

At noon, the town explodes into cowboy chaos.

• Fake mustaches. Toy pistols. Laughter.

• It's goofy. It’s loud. It’s oddly cathartic.

But the real magic happens after.

Ask your kids:

• "What do you think it was like to grow up here?"

• "Why do people like stories with heroes and villains?"

• "Would you rather be the sheriff or the outlaw?"

You’ll be surprised what they share.

🏚️ Step 4: Let the Past Speak

Walk the wooden sidewalks. Peek into shops that smell like history. Show your kids what

life looked like when things didn’t plug in.

• Visit the Oatman Hotel. Ghost stories optional.

• Buy matching bandanas. Or don’t. But smile either way.

• Touch the walls. They’ve stood longer than your worries have lasted.

Hungry? Sit down at the Oatman Hotel Restaurant & Bar—yes, it’s the same hotel

Clark Gable stayed in. Or check out Dollar Bill Bar, where you can eat under walls layered

with thousands of signed dollar bills. And if you’re venturing nearby, Bumbleberry Flats 

offers a change of pace with hearty but health-conscious options.

🥾 Step 5: Walk the Land. Feel Small (in a Good Way)

The desert just outside town isn’t harsh. It’s honest.

Best trails for every energy level:

• Cool Springs Mesa Trail – short and scenic, perfect for all ages.

• Elephant’s Tooth Trail – a local gem, easy to moderate with open views.

• Boundary Cone Trail / Ute Mountains Loop – more rugged, ideal for families with teens.

• Spot cactus types like it’s a game.

• Ask your kids what they notice.

• Pause mid-trail and breathe—really breathe.

Here, silence isn’t awkward. It’s sacred.

🍴 Step 6: Eat Like It Matters

If the burros didn’t charm you, the food might.

• Stop at Doney’s Diner—a cozy favorite for veggie burritos and locals-only stories.

• Pack your own: fruit, wraps, trail mix, and a cooler of joy.

• Picnic near the trailhead or on a rock with a view.

What matters is you slow down long enough to taste the day.

Bonus: Cactus water or minty iced tea feels fancier than soda ever did.

🌄 Step 7: Sunset at Sitgreaves Pass

Golden hour hits different out here.

Drive to Sitgreaves Pass. Bring blankets.

• Watch the sky change.

• Stretch. Maybe even nap.

• Ask, “What was your favorite part of today?”

Then stay.

Stay for the stars. Stay for the stillness. Stay long enough to remember what you almost

forgot: these people, your people, are worth pausing for.

🛏️ Where to Stay (Because One Day May Not Be Enough)

If you want to keep the magic going:

• Oatman Hotel – stay right in the middle of the charm, burros at your doorstep.

• Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch – a desert hideaway with a horse-friendly vibe.

• Holiday Inn Express in Bullhead City – more modern, just a short drive away.

Wherever you rest your head, let it be a soft landing from a day well spent.

💡 Why Oatman Matters (and Always Will)

Because it’s not about what you do there.

It’s about what you don’t do.

You don’t rush. You don’t scroll. You don’t perform.

You just are.

And in a world wired to keep your family apart—even when you're in the same room—

this place quietly stitches you back together.

One nuzzle. One hike. One laugh at a time.

💬 Let’s Make This a Movement:

✨ Have you ever been to a place that slowed you down—and saved your sanity?

💾 Save this post for your next unplugged getaway.

📤 Share it with another parent chasing presence over perfection.

💬 Drop your favorite soul-reset destination in the comments.

Trail Proverb: “Out where the Wi-Fi fades, connection begins.”

Now go—pack the carrots. You’ve got a burro waiting.

Your Travel Buddy🌞

✅🧠 Trivia Answer: ✔ B. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard

🔍 Top 10 FAQs About Visiting Oatman, Arizona with Family & Friends

1. What is the best time of year to visit Oatman with family?
The mildest months are late fall, winter and early spring. Expect crisp mornings and sunny afternoons—great for hiking and outdoor fun. Summer can get very hot in the desert, so if you go then, plan early morning or evening activities and bring extra water.

2. Are the wild burros in Oatman safe for kids and families?
Yes — the burros are used to visitors, calm, and gentle. But still: bring carrots instead of junk food, supervise children (especially younger ones), and keep phones down so you don’t miss the moment.

3. What hiking trails are family‑friendly near Oatman?
Some top options:

• Cool Springs Mesa Trail — short, scenic and suitable for most ages. AllTrails.com+1

• Elephant’s Tooth Trail — still manageable for families, with beautiful desert views.

• For fit teens or older kids: Ute Mountains Loop (near the Black Mountains) for more challenge. Stav is Lost
  Always bring water, wear hats, and choose times when the sun is lower if kids are younger.

4. What healthy food options can families find in Oatman?
While Oatman keeps its wild‑west vibe, you’ll still find good choices:

• The historic Oatman Hotel Restaurant & Bar in town for a sit‑down meal.

• The quirky Dollar Bill Bar inside the hotel (walls covered in dollar bills) for atmosphere.

• If you want lighter or portable, pack fresh fruit, wraps, trail mix, and choose herbal iced tea or water instead of soda.

5. Where should we stay in or near Oatman to make the most of the experience?
Top picks for families:

• Stay right in the heart of things at Oatman Hotel — walkable to the burros and the gunfight show.

• For a bit more space or quiet, consider the nearby Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch.

• If you prefer more amenities but don’t mind being a short drive away: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bullhead City.

6. Is one day in Oatman enough for a family visit? Or should we stay two?
One day can work well if you arrive in the morning and plan just one or two major activities (burros + gunfight + short hike + dinner). But staying two days lets you go deeper: a longer hike, a sunset drive to Sitgreaves Pass, stargazing, slower pace and more bonding time.

7. What should families pack when visiting Oatman?
Smart packing list:

• Plenty of water and reusable bottles.

• Hats, sunglasses, light layers (mornings are cooler).

• Carrots for the burros.

• Snacks or picnic‑wraps for flexibility.

• Comfortable shoes for walks or short hikes.

• Camera or phone (but be ready to turn it off and look up).

• Light jacket or blanket if you stay into the evening for stargazing.

8. Are there any safety concerns in Oatman or on trails?
Like any outdoor spot: stay aware. In Oatman town: burros are friendly but still animals—let kids approach gently. On trails: bring enough water, watch for sun/heat, pick a trail suited to your family’s fitness, and check conditions before you go. The region is remote, so plan accordingly.

9. Can this trip really help our family reconnect and reset?
Yes — and here’s why: there are no big screens dominating the day, no rushing from ride to ride. Instead you get: slow nature, curious animals, shared wonder, and time for conversation. For a business‑parent, that’s gold: the chance to be present with your people, regroup, breathe, laugh, and simply be together.

10. How far is Oatman from major nearby cities, and how does it fit into a larger road‑trip?
Oatman sits along historic U.S. Route 66 in the Black Mountains of Arizona, making it a perfect stop on a Southwest road‑trip. It’s reachable from Kingman, Bullhead City, or via scenic drives through the desert passes. No need for a major hotel resort run—as you drive, you arrive, you explore, then you relax.