Oatman Burros - Route 66 Donkeys in Oatman, Arizona, Americana Wall Art, Animal Print, Southwestern Decor, Nursery Decor

The road trip along Route 66 had been a whirlwind of stops, each one more enticing than the last. I was photographing everything I could along the Arizona stretch—vintage neon signs, weathered gas stations, and endless desert vistas. As I approached the quirky old mining town of Oatman, I had no idea I was about to stumble upon one of the most memorable scenes of the trip.

Oatman is famous for its burros, descendants of the pack animals used by miners during the gold rush. They now roam freely around town, mingling with tourists and locals alike. Just as I was approaching the town, I spotted one of these burros standing smack in the middle of the highway, completely oblivious to the cars it was blocking. Its gray coat blending into the desert landscape, yet it seemed to demand attention, staring down the cars with a defiant stance. Drivers were inching around it cautiously, unsure if it would move.

As I pulled over, I glanced to my right and saw four more burros gathered in front of an old barn, their faces half-curious, half-indifferent. The rusty barn had a classic, weather-beaten look, its corrugated metal reflecting years of desert sun. The scent of dust and creosote bushes filled the air, and the wind carried faint echoes of engines rumbling down the highway.

A couple of other cars had stopped nearby, and a young boy stood excitedly trying to pet one of the burros, while his father was glued to his phone, seemingly oblivious to the small chaos unfolding around him. I wanted to capture this scene, a wild slice of Americana that was both picturesque and surreal—if the kid didn’t chase off the burros first. One of the burros decided to add some drama, kicking the side of the barn with a loud thud, causing everyone, including me, to jump. For a second, I thought I’d have to drop my camera and go into rescue mode if he went after the kid, but the burro’s mischief was short-lived.

I snapped the photo just after the scene settled down, capturing the burros lined up against the barn, the rustic charm of the structure behind them, and the contrast between the calm desert around us and the lively encounter in front of it. It was the kind of moment that embodies the spirit of Route 66—unexpected, slightly chaotic, and full of character.

As I continued down the road, I realized that Route 66 isn’t just about the landmarks. It’s about the journey, the surprises, and the little adventures that pop up along the way. The Oatman burros, with their casual disruption of life on the highway, were a perfect reminder of why I love this road. For photographers and travelers alike, Oatman offers a snapshot of the untamed charm of the American Southwest.

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Production and Shipping Time: 5-7 business days

Premium Photo Paper: 5 days for printing, 5 days for shipping.

Ready-to-Hang Canvas: 5 days for printing, 5 days for shipping.

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1) Premium Photo Paper are high quality, professional paper-prints.
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This option is available in 8x10 inches, 11x14 inches, 16x20 inches or 24x36.
They are designed to be placed in a glass frame, which can be purchased separately (starting at a few dollars at your local Target or online.)

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Canvas Prints are a well-known, high-end way of displaying photographs.
0.75 or 1.5 inch thick (depending on which size that you order) wooden stretcher-bars that give it shape, in the same way an oil painting is traditionally assembled. There are no staples or ugly lines visible on the sides (very important.)
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