About
Tucked away along the winding Black Mountains between Kingman and Oatman, Shaffer's Fish Bowl is one of Route 66's most unexpected hidden gems. What appears to be an ordinary mountain spring is actually a small stone basin fed by a natural seep, where colorful goldfish have been swimming for decades in the middle of the Mojave Desert.
Believed to have been constructed during the 1930s by either the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) or the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the basin originally provided water for weary travelers crossing one of the steepest and most challenging sections of Historic Route 66. Today, the spring continues to supply fresh water for the area's famous wild burros while offering visitors a peaceful place to pause, take in the mountain scenery, and enjoy one of the Mother Road's most unusual roadside attractions.
A short climb up the stone steps reveals the tiny spring-fed pool surrounded by native vegetation, where the goldfish quietly thrive against the backdrop of dramatic desert vistas. It's a simple stop, but one that perfectly captures the unexpected charm and quirky character that make Route 66 unforgettable.
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Fun Fact
Early Route 66 motorists often stopped here to fill canvas water bags and cool off before tackling the steep grades and hairpin curves through Sitgreaves Pass.
Did You Know?
Despite sitting high in the arid Black Mountains, Shaffer's Fish Bowl has supported a population of goldfish for decades. The spring also serves as an important water source for the wild burros that roam the Oatman area.