A Storied Stop on America’s Main Street
Located just off Interstate 40 near Flagstaff, Arizona, the Twin Arrows Trading Post stands as a haunting and nostalgic symbol of the golden age of Route 66. Though now abandoned and weatherworn, the site remains one of the most photographed remnants of the Mother Road, thanks in large part to its two towering wooden arrows piercing the earth beside the highway.
Originally a thriving pit stop for travelers making their way across the Southwest, Twin Arrows encapsulates the spirit of roadside Americana — a blend of commerce, culture, and eye-catching kitsch.
History of Twin Arrows Trading Post
The story of the Twin Arrows Trading Post begins in the late 1940s when it was opened as the Canyon Padre Trading Post. Situated along Route 66 during its heyday, the post was later renamed Twin Arrows to draw attention to its most prominent marketing feature: two massive, stylized wooden arrows that were planted in the desert soil to attract passing motorists. These arrows, standing more than 20 feet tall, quickly became a roadside icon and earned the trading post a spot in the memory of Route 66 travelers.
The trading post grew to include a gas station, diner, and curio shop, offering everything from Navajo jewelry and pottery to cold drinks and souvenirs. Operated by various owners over the decades, it was a popular stop for tourists and truckers alike until the construction of Interstate 40 in the late 1970s diverted traffic away from Route 66. Like many other roadside businesses, Twin Arrows suffered from the loss of visibility and visitors.
By the late 1990s, the trading post had closed permanently, and the structures began to deteriorate. Despite its abandonment, the site remained a beloved piece of Route 66 history, its iconic arrows weathering the Arizona sun and sandstorms like ancient sentinels of a bygone era.
Relationship to Route 66
Twin Arrows Trading Post played an integral role in the cultural and economic fabric of Route 66 in Arizona. It embodied the independent spirit of small roadside entrepreneurs who capitalized on the massive wave of cross-country travelers during the mid-20th century. Like nearby trading posts such as Meteor City and Two Guns, Twin Arrows provided travelers with both essential services and uniquely Southwestern experiences.
This trading post wasn’t just a stop for gas or snacks — it was a gateway to Native American crafts, regional art, and the stark beauty of the Arizona high desert. As Route 66 evolved from a utilitarian highway to a mythic symbol of American freedom and adventure, Twin Arrows became a cherished landmark.
Twin Arrows Today
While the trading post buildings are now boarded up and deteriorating, the giant twin arrows had been restored in recent years through preservation efforts by local Route 66 enthusiasts and organizations. They continue to draw visitors who stop to take photographs and reflect on the golden era of cross-country travel.
Unfortunately one of the arrows demerited so much that it could not support it’s own weight and fell to the pavement. It seems souvenir hunters may have cared off what remained and now there is just a single arrow remaining.
Just across the freeway, the Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, opened in 2013, pays subtle homage to the historic site and serves as a modern-day counterpart to the trading post. However, the original trading post site itself remains deserted, its faded signage and graffiti-covered walls offering a poignant reminder of the transient nature of roadside culture.
Despite its abandonment, Twin Arrows remains a must-see attraction for Route 66 adventurers, urban explorers, and history lovers. Its dramatic visual presence and deep roots in the Route 66 story ensure its place in the lore of America’s most famous highway.
How to Get to the Twin Arrows Trading Post
To reach the Twin Arrows Trading Post from Interstate 40 (I-40) in Arizona, follow these directions:
Directions (Heading Eastbound on I-40)
- Take Exit 219 for Twin Arrows Road.
- At the bottom of the ramp, turn left (north) and cross over the freeway.
- Continue a short distance; the Twin Arrows Trading Post ruins will be on your right, just past the overpass.
Directions (Heading Westbound on I-40)
- Take Exit 219 for Twin Arrows Road.
- At the bottom of the ramp, turn right (north).
- The ruins will be just ahead on your right, after passing under the overpass.
Notes for Visitors
- Only one of the Twin Arrows themselves (giant wooden arrows) still stands, although the trading post building is abandoned.
- There is no formal parking lot, but there is room to pull off the road near the site.
- Be cautious and respectful—this is an unmaintained historical site, and the structures are in fragile condition.
If you’re using a GPS, you can search:
Twin Arrows Trading Post, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(It’s located about 25 miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona.)
Final Thoughts
The Twin Arrows Trading Post is more than just a relic — it is a symbol of an era when travel was an experience, not a destination. For anyone traveling Route 66 in Arizona, a stop at Twin Arrows is a quiet pilgrimage to the past, where giant arrows still point the way through history.
Whether you’re a nostalgic traveler, a photographer in search of the perfect shot, or a history buff exploring Route 66’s legacy, Twin Arrows Trading Post is a Route 66 treasure not to be missed.
