Despite our arid desert climate, pristine oases abound here in the Grand Canyon State. Unfortunately, many of these spots are packed from sunup to sundown during the summer… except the hidden gems. Hiding along Route 66, Shaffer Spring is a welcome respite from the sweltering heat that attracts burros, bees, and many more creatures looking to quench their thirst.
CampPhoto/Getty Images Driving along America’s most famous thoroughfare can get rather monotonous - unless you know where the hidden gems are, that is. When you come upon Sitgreaves Pass near Golden Valley, look out for a mesmerizingly green natural spring tucked away in the remote canyon walls.
libre de droit/Getty Images Blink and you might miss it, so keep your eyes peeled! That shouldn’t be too difficult of a task to accomplish, considering how windy and treacherous the road is in the first place.
Flickr/The Greater Southwestern Exploration Company Around Mile Marker 30, notice a staircase carved into the rocky hillside.
Flickr/The Greater Southwestern Exploration Company Pull over (don’t worry - there’s plenty of room) and ascend the steps, taking care not to trip as there are no handrails.
Laurie S/TripAdvisor Since the water in Shaffer Spring comes from a natural source, you’ll never come upon an empty bowl.
Flickr/The Greater Southwestern Exploration Company Locals keep it stocked with goldfish year-round, prompting the nickname “Fish Bowl Spring.”
Gallopingphotog/Flickr Burros and other desert-dwelling animals can often be spotted quenching their thirst in the pristine oasis. It’s one of the area’s only respites from the sweltering heat, so creatures flock from every direction to take advantage of the refreshing water.
Steven_Kriemadis/Getty Images Keep driving and you’ll eventually reach Oatman, which is unarguably one of Arizona’s most interesting ghost towns. Spend a few hours exploring all the shops, restaurants, saloons, and, of course, saying hello to the wild burros who roam the streets day and night.
CampPhoto/Getty Images
Driving along America’s most famous thoroughfare can get rather monotonous - unless you know where the hidden gems are, that is. When you come upon Sitgreaves Pass near Golden Valley, look out for a mesmerizingly green natural spring tucked away in the remote canyon walls.
libre de droit/Getty Images
Blink and you might miss it, so keep your eyes peeled! That shouldn’t be too difficult of a task to accomplish, considering how windy and treacherous the road is in the first place.
Flickr/The Greater Southwestern Exploration Company
Around Mile Marker 30, notice a staircase carved into the rocky hillside.
Pull over (don’t worry - there’s plenty of room) and ascend the steps, taking care not to trip as there are no handrails.
Laurie S/TripAdvisor
Since the water in Shaffer Spring comes from a natural source, you’ll never come upon an empty bowl.
Locals keep it stocked with goldfish year-round, prompting the nickname “Fish Bowl Spring.”
Gallopingphotog/Flickr
Burros and other desert-dwelling animals can often be spotted quenching their thirst in the pristine oasis. It’s one of the area’s only respites from the sweltering heat, so creatures flock from every direction to take advantage of the refreshing water.
Steven_Kriemadis/Getty Images
Keep driving and you’ll eventually reach Oatman, which is unarguably one of Arizona’s most interesting ghost towns. Spend a few hours exploring all the shops, restaurants, saloons, and, of course, saying hello to the wild burros who roam the streets day and night.
Address: Oatman Highway, Golden Valley, AZ 86413 GPS coordinates: 35.0386, -114.3566
Did you know about this hidden oasis? Are there any other natural springs in Arizona tucked away where nobody would think to look? Let us know your favorite spots! Here’s one of ours: This Secret Swimming Hole In Arizona Will Make Your Summer Epic.
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