. Hey everyone, Big Mike here from Route 66 Road Relics! Let me tell you about another interesting spot we saw along Route 66 – the Twin Arrows Trading Post. This place has quite a history. It started out as either the Canyon Padre Trading Post or the Trading Post Canyon Padre back in the 1940s – there’s a bit of debate about the original name. Later on, they renamed it and added a service station. But the most striking feature was the two giant arrows they put up – 25 feet tall! They were a real landmark for travelers on Route 66. Sadly, the trading post closed down in 1995, but those arrows are still there, reminding us of the heyday of Route 66. This is a Photo i took several years ago when both arrows where still standing.

Discover Abandoned Twin Arrows Trading Post

Want to see these iconic arrows for yourself? Head on over to exit 219 on Interstate 40. That’s about 20 miles east of Flagstaff, or if you’re coming from Winslow, it’s about 35 miles west. You can’t miss ’em!

Want to get a feel for what it’s like to stand in the shadow of these giant arrows? Check out this video!

Now, here’s the Twin Arrows Trading Post on my last trip. They had just repainted it, and it looked fantastic! But sadly, when I came by a few months later, it was covered in graffiti again. It’s a real shame to see how some folks don’t respect these pieces of history. It’s like they don’t understand that these places tell a story, and when they spray paint over ’em, they’re erasing a part of that story. It’s disrespectful, not just to the landmark itself, but to all the people who traveled Route 66 and made it what it was. We gotta do better, folks. We gotta protect these places and teach the next generation to appreciate ’em.

Sadly, in the last year or so, one of the arrows has fallen down. It’s a reminder that time takes its toll on everything, even these iconic symbols of Route 66. But even with one arrow down, the Twin Arrows Trading Post is still an interesting part of Route 66 history. It’s a place that holds stories and memories, and it’s worth a visit if you’re ever in the area.

It looks like the tribe is trying to redo things around here, which is awesome! But the graffiti is a real problem. I mean, think about it – you wouldn’t tag your own house or car, right? So why do some people think it’s okay to tag these historic properties? It just doesn’t make sense to me.

I really, really love Route 66 and all it has to offer. These places aren’t just old buildings; they’re a part of our culture and American history. We need to save these historic places. They tell the story of who we are, and we can’t let that story be erased.

It’s a real shame to see one of the arrows down, but hey, at least one still stands tall! Hopefully, this place can be restored and preserved for everyone on Route 66 to enjoy. And while we’re talkin’ about keepin’ Route 66 alive, let’s not forget about all the small businesses along the way. They need our support now more than ever. Stopping in at those mom-and-pop shops, grabbing a bite to eat at those classic diners – it’s all part of keeping the spirit of Route 66 alive. So next time you’re cruisin’ the Mother Road, remember to show those small businesses some love. It’s not just about the history; it’s about the people who keep that history alive, one burger, one souvenir, one friendly smile at a time.

East of Twin Arrows, Arizona on Route 66

Meteor City, Arizona – Reopening Soon

Just a few miles east, you’ll find the colorful dome of Meteor City. Once a quirky trading post with murals, a geodesic dome, and a giant dreamcatcher, it sat abandoned for years—but now it’s making a comeback. The property is currently being restored and reopening soon, bringing fresh life to one of the most eye-catching stops along Route 66. Even now, it’s a favorite for photos, and once the doors open again, it’ll be a must-stop all over again.

Two Guns, Arizona – Ghost Town on the Edge

A little farther east, Two Guns is one of the most atmospheric ghost towns on the route. The ruins include an old stone zoo, a trading post, and the Canyon Diablo Bridge, a 1915 concrete span that once carried Route 66 traffic across a rugged desert gorge. It’s one of the best photo spots in northern Arizona—weathered, wild, and full of stories.

Meteor Crater

South of the road, you’ll find Meteor Crater, a jaw-dropping impact site nearly a mile across and more than 500 feet deep. The visitor center has viewing decks, exhibits, and even a piece of the actual meteorite. It’s one of those classic “don’t skip it” Route 66 detours.

---

Twin Arrows, Arizona on Route 66

Twin Arrows – Desert Landmark

Twin Arrows is a roadside classic. The site is named for the two massive wooden arrows planted dramatically in the dirt. Once home to a gas station and trading post, the buildings are abandoned now, but the arrows remain—bold, weathered, and iconic. It’s one of the most recognizable Route 66 photo stops in the state, and a symbol of the road’s disappearing Americana.

---

West of Twin Arrows, Arizona on Route 66

Winona, Arizona – Walnut Creek Bridge

Right after Twin Arrows, you’ll roll through Winona, a small town known mostly for the lyric in the Route 66 song: “Don’t forget Winona.” Most folks do—but you won’t. Just outside of town is the Walnut Creek Bridge, built in 1924. Though it’s no longer in use for traffic, it still stands and makes a solid stop for folks chasing the old road’s original alignments.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Further west, Flagstaff is a Route 66 highlight with history, elevation, and a little mountain grit. From classic diners like Miz Zip’s Café to the Visitor Center’s painted Route 66 shield, the town is loaded with motor court motels, neon signs, and a walkable downtown that’s equal parts college town and vintage highway stop.