Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs: A Hidden Route 66 Oasis in the Arizona Desertha
Just off historic Route 66, between Kingman and Oatman, Arizona, lies one of the Mother Road’s most curious and enduring roadside gems: Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs. Tucked along the rugged Black Mountains, this small desert spring has quietly served travelers for decades, offering a splash of life in the arid landscape.
Where Is Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs Located?
Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs is located approximately 9 miles east of Oatman, Arizona, along Old Route 66, near the Sitgreaves Pass area. There is no physical address, but you can find it by looking for some stone steps on the right side of Route 66 headed East toward Kingman.
GPS Coordinates: 35°01’48.4″N 114°25’40.4″W
You will find it on the north side of the highway, nestled beneath the rocks, marked by an unassuming metal pipe where a trickle of spring water flows into a small, fish-filled basin. This spot often surprises visitors who stop while navigating the winding, scenic stretch of Route 66.
Map Showing Shaffer Springs on Route 66
History of Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs on Route 66
The Shaffer family, early Arizona homesteaders, discovered and utilized this small spring in the early 20th century, constructing a catchment system to allow wildlife and travelers to access water in the harsh desert terrain. With the rise of Route 66 in 1926, the spring became a welcome relief for overheated radiators and thirsty travelers crossing the steep Sitgreaves Pass on the way to Oatman’s gold mining boomtown.
Over 7 the years, locals stocked the small basin with goldfish, creating a peculiar “fish bowl” in the desert, which gave the spring its distinctive name. The Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs became a minor yet memorable roadside attraction, symbolizing the quirky and resourceful spirit of Route 66.
During the mid-century heyday of Route 66, travelers frequently stopped to top off radiators, picnic, or simply marvel at the sight of goldfish swimming in a stone basin in the middle of the desert. The spring was a community resource, and the Shaffer family maintained it until the 1970s, after which it continued to function as a spontaneous stopping point for Route 66 travelers seeking a connection to the road’s quieter, offbeat history.
Significance on Route 66
Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs embodies the spirit of Route 66: small, unadvertised roadside curiosities that transformed a simple drive into an adventure. Unlike commercialized attractions, the spring remains unspoiled and free to visit, requiring travelers to slow down, explore, and appreciate the odd beauty of the Arizona desert.
Today, it is a must-see stop for Route 66 enthusiasts, photographers, and explorers seeking hidden gems along the route. It represents a slice of living history, reminding visitors of the ingenuity and resilience of early travelers who relied on places like this to cross the desert safely.
What You’ll See When You Visit
Visitors will find:
- A small rock basin with fish, maintained by local enthusiasts.
- A natural spring trickling from a pipe into the basin.
- Panoramic views of the Black Mountains and Sitgreaves Pass.
- Wild burros often roaming nearby, adding to the experience.
There are no facilities, so plan to bring water and explore responsibly. Parking is along the shoulder of Route 66, with easy but cautious access required due to the narrow, winding highway.
Why You Should Visit
If you are exploring Route 66 between Kingman and Oatman, Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs offers:
- A quiet, reflective stop away from crowds
- An authentic slice of Route 66 roadside history
- Great photography opportunities
- A chance to slow down and appreciate the desert landscape
This small spring continues to represent why Route 66 remains beloved: the road is not just about major attractions but about the small, soulful stories that shaped America’s greatest highway.
