Kingman, AZ

The Homestake Mine (turn left and follow road)

  After this we made our way to Oatman. We stopped at a couple of fenced off mine shafts to explore them. One was just east of the Homestake Mine and might be the Hardy Mine. The other one is along Route 66 and is unknown (and huge!). In Oatman, we parked and walked up and down the street. We also made sure to feed some of the wild burros that roam around. They sure do love carrots, in fact, a couple chased us back to our car because they wanted more! After a while here, we made our way to Bullhead City, about 45 minutes away. Then we headed towards Laughlin, which is just right across the Colorado River, where we stayed the night. Hotels in Laughlin are significantly cheaper. They are also family friendly.

  The next morning we ate at IHOP in Bullhead City (Bullhead City has more restaurants) and then headed out to Davis Camp. Davis Camp was where workers and supplies were stored during the construction of Davis Dam. In fact, the long silver building there was used as a warehouse. A $5 day use fee is required to access the bottom of the dam. After some time here, we headed up Highway 68 to Davis Dam Road. The road dead ends up ahead but you can park and walk around. This is what we did. Informational signs tell all about the dam and there are numerous places to take a good picture. Once we were done here, we jumped back onto the 68 and followed that through Golden Valley and onto the Highway 93. This stretch of highway offers magnificent views as it descends into the Sacramento Valley. After about an hour from the dam, we arrived back in Kingman. Here we decided to stop in the Mohave Museum of History and Arts. Here, they tell the story of the entire history of Mohave County. They have numerous interesting exhibits as well as a research library. They also have a neat outside exhibit complete with authentic western town and AT & SF Railroad caboose. The research library at the museum is simply wonderful. Volunteers are more than happy to help you with an inquiry. Kingman also offers other museums and points of interest. Just down the road is the Route 66 museum and on the other side of town is The Bonelli House, the homestead of Kingman’s first families. Also at the Kingman airport is the Kingman Army Air Field Museum. We did not check out these others but we plan to return to see them.

Oatman, AZ

Bullhead City, Laughlin and Davis Dam

  Next on our trip, we headed back down the 93 towards Wikieup and Wickenburg. Along the way, we took a side trip to Burro Creek Campground. This nice campground offers amazing views of the Burro Creek Bridge. It is not until here that you realize how tall the bridge really is. After about 2 ½ hours (from Kingman), we arrived in Wickenburg. We decided to check out the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. We had found another gem. This museum captures the entire history of Wickenburg. Exhibits include the history of Wickenburg, a changing art exhibit, an early Wickenburg street scene, Period Rooms, General store and much more! After this, it is only about an hour back into town.

  This trip was a lot of fun and includes a lot. You want to make sure to stay a night somewhere to make sure you enjoy your trip. Total drive time for the entire trip is about 9 hours and 45 minutes. Overall, this was a very historic and scenic trip; one that will be done again!