Oatman is nestled somewhere in the hills just west of Kingman. Its atmosphere is a pleasant, fun combination comprising a little bit of biker, a little bit of cowboy, a little bit of tourist, a lotta dust, and buildings older than dirt

Its burro population may be higher than its people population, but that's what's it's known for....the sweet, perfectly tamed donkeys that roam the streets and block cars trying to get through on the only street in town and gently beg for carrots.

It's an experience you should encounter if only for an hour or so. You can take a 10-mile dirt road in from the north, or take the old Route 66 highway from the south.

Several years after my first visit to Oatman, I returned to take a friend who loves animals. On this trip, I traveled the historic Route 66 road, also labeled the National Back Country Byway. The drive, completely paved, is absolutely awesome. Pullovers abound for those who want to stop and take photos, or just simply soak in the scenery, This road, upon approaching Oatman, is about 8 miles of hairpin turns with a stunning panorama around each corner. It's two lane, narrow and winding, sometimes without guardrails. Take your time, be smart and cautious and enjoy the ride.

The Highway 93, if one is driving from valley through Wickenburg and Kingman is also a nice drive. Traveling through the Joshua Tree Parkway and through the town of Wickieup, fun mostly because of its name, is a delight. Pictures of the Joshua trees and of the fall foliage in Wickieup are below.