Two Guns, Arizona: Where History and Mystery Collide on Route 66

Now, I’ve always been fascinated by those Route 66 ghost towns, those places where time seems to stand still and the stories of the past linger in the air. And let me tell you, Two Guns, Arizona, is a prime example. It’s a place where history, legend, and maybe even a few spirits intertwine.

Two Guns wasn’t always a ghost town. It was once a bustling stop on Route 66, a place where travelers could refuel, grab a bite to eat, and experience a bit of Wild West charm. But Two Guns also has a darker history, a history of violence and conflict that has left its mark on this now-desolate location.

There are stories of a curse on Two Guns, stemming from the Apache Death Cave, a sacred site that was exploited for profit. Some say the spirits of those who met their untimely end in Two Guns still wander these abandoned streets.

Two Guns, Arizona, is a ghost town shrouded in mystery and legend. Watch our video to uncover its fascinating past, from Wild West shootouts to haunted caves and the eccentric characters who shaped its destiny.

While I can’t vouch for the supernatural, I can say that Two Guns has a unique atmosphere. The wind whispers through the empty buildings, the shadows play tricks on the eyes, and you can’t help but feel a sense of history, both good and bad, hanging heavy in the air.

If you’re intrigued by the mysteries of Route 66, Two Guns is worth a visit. It’s a place where the past refuses to be forgotten, and where the line between history and legend blurs. Just be prepared for a journey into the darker side of the Mother Road, where the stories are as captivating as they are chilling.

Ever wondered what happened to the abandoned towns along Route 66? Watch our video as we explore Two Guns, Arizona, and uncover the remnants of its past, including the ruins of a zoo, a trading post, gas station.

Two Guns, Arizona: A Ghost Town with a Wild Past

Now, folks, let me tell you about a place on Route 66 that’s got more twists and turns than a rattlesnake in a cactus patch. It’s called Two Guns, Arizona, and it’s a ghost town with a story that’ll make your hair stand on end.

This whole place was practically built by one fella, a real character named Harry E. Miller. Now, Harry was a bit of an eccentric, even by Route 66 standards. He called himself “Two Guns” after a famous silent film star, claimed to be a full-blooded Apache, and even dubbed himself “Chief Crazy Thunder.” Talk about a colorful character!

Two Guns Miller, as he was known, had big dreams for this little spot on the map. He built a trading post, a zoo with mountain lions and Gila monsters, and even turned the Apache Death Cave into a tourist attraction, complete with electric lights and a concession stand. Can you imagine buyin’ a soda pop in a cave filled with Apache remains? That’s Two Guns Miller for ya!

But things took a dark turn in Two Guns. Miller got into a dispute with the folks who owned the land and ended up shootin’ one of ’em dead. He was acquitted, but then things got even weirder. He was mauled by his own mountain lions, bitten by a Gila monster, and eventually skipped town with a stash of valuables. Talk about a string of bad luck!

Now, folks, when you’re cruisin’ Route 66, you’re not just followin’ a road; you’re tracin’ the footsteps of history. And there ain’t many places where that history is more tangible than at the Canyon Diablo Bridge. This ain’t just any bridge, mind you; it’s a steel sentinel, standin’ tall and proud over the canyon, a testament to the ingenuity and determination of those who built the Mother Road.

Back in 1915, this bridge was a marvel of engineering, connectin’ the two sides of the canyon and openin’ up the West to a whole new wave of travelers. Imagine those early motorists, bumpin’ along in their Model Ts and Ford flatbeds, crossin’ this bridge with a sense of wonder and anticipation. They were pioneers, folks, blazin’ a trail across the country, chasin’ dreams and buildin’ a nation.

Places to stay near Two Guns Arizona

Accommodation near Two Guns Arizona include Flagstaff, Winslow, and Holbrook Arizona

This bridge has seen it all: families on vacation, truckers haulin’ goods, folks headin’ west to start a new life, and dreamers seekin’ their fortune in the Golden State. It’s a symbol of connection, of perseverance, and of the unquenchable human spirit that drives us to explore and discover.

And here’s a little somethin’ you might not know: this bridge was actually bypassed in 1938 when they built a new one just north of it. That’s progress for ya, always movin’ forward. But that don’t mean this old bridge is forgotten. Nope, it still stands as a proud reminder of those early days of Route 66.

Today, the Canyon Diablo Bridge stands as a silent guardian of Route 66, a reminder of the past and a beacon for the future. It’s a place where you can almost hear the echoes of those who came before, their laughter, their struggles, and their hopes for a brighter tomorrow.

So, next time you’re cruisin’ the Mother Road, take a moment to stop at the Canyon Diablo Bridge. Walk across its sturdy frame, feel the wind in your hair, and imagine the countless souls who’ve crossed this very spot. It’s a connection to history, a tribute to the pioneers of the past, and a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Louise Cundiff charged on, opening a new trading post and tourist shop after Miller’s burned to the ground. She soon opened a new gas station too. Over time, Two Guns shed its outrageous reputation and thrived as several businesses including motels, taverns and even campgrounds sprung up. Even Miller’s zoo was revived and reopened.

This renaissance did not endure. After the lone service station caught fire in 1971, folks began to find their gasoline elsewhere, and tourism sharply declined. Two Guns was left to dust.

Louise Cundiff’s Tower Station: A Route 66 Landmark with a Twist

Now, amidst all the tales of Two Guns Miller and his wild schemes, let’s not forget the folks who were there first. Earle and Louise Cundiff, they were homesteaders, folks who saw the potential of this little spot on Route 66. They built a trading post, a restaurant, a gas station, even a post office – all the essentials for those weary travelers makin’ their way across the country.

And Louise, well, she had a vision of her own. She built this unique tower station, a round structure that stood out like a beacon in the desert landscape. It was a gas station, a store, and a landmark all rolled into one. Folks would come from miles around just to see this curious round building and fill up their tanks with Louise’s hospitality.

Two Guns is a place where the past refuses to be forgotten. It’s a place where the dreams of one man clashed with the traditions of another, leaving behind a legacy of both wonder and sorrow. The rise and fall of this once-thriving town is a stark reminder of the transient nature of human ambition and the enduring power of the land itself. From its Native American roots to its heyday as a Route 66 attraction, Two Guns stands as a monument to a bygone era, its ruins echoing with stories of conflict, ambition, and the enduring spirit of the American West

East of Two Guns, Arizona on Route 66

Meteor Crater

A quick detour east off I-40 takes you to Meteor Crater, one of the most dramatic natural landmarks in Arizona. This massive impact site is nearly a mile wide and over 500 feet deep. The visitor center has museum exhibits, a chunk of the meteorite, and viewing platforms where you can take in the scale of the crater—and the sky.

Winslow, Arizona – A Corner Worth Standin’ On

Continue east and you’ll roll into Winslow, made world-famous by the Eagles’ song Take It Easy. Downtown is home to Standin’ on the Corner Park, complete with a mural, a bronze statue, and that famous red flatbed Ford. The La Posada Hotel, once a Harvey House, is one of the Southwest’s finest restored historic hotels, and the Old Trails Museum gives visitors a real sense of Winslow’s place in Route 66 and railroad history.

Two Guns, Arizona on Route 66

Two Guns – Canyon Diablo & Desert Legends

Two Guns is one of Route 66’s most photographed ghost towns—and for good reason. The site includes the remains of a 1920s zoo, trading post, campground, and stone buildings, all perched on the edge of Canyon Diablo.

Spanning the gorge is the Canyon Diablo Bridge, a 1915 concrete arch that once carried early Route 66 travelers across the canyon. Though closed to traffic now, the bridge still stands as a rugged and iconic piece of the original road. Walk across it if you’re bold—just watch your step—and take in the raw beauty of this windswept desert crossing.

Two Guns is full of wild stories—land deals gone wrong, feuds, even rumors of a curse—and while the town has faded, its reputation only grows. This is one of the most atmospheric spots on the entire Arizona stretch of the Mother Road.

West of Two Guns, Arizona on Route 66

Twin Arrows, Arizona

Just west of Two Guns, you’ll find the towering remains of Twin Arrows, a long-abandoned trading post marked by two giant wooden arrows stuck in the earth. Once a gas station, diner, and souvenir shop, it’s now a silent monument to Route 66’s decline—and one of the best-known photo stops in the state.

Flagstaff, Arizona

A bit farther west, Flagstaff is a Route 66 hub with mountain views and plenty of roadside charm. Stop at Miz Zip’s Café for a classic bite, take your photo with the painted Route 66 shield outside the Visitor Center, and explore historic motor courts, murals, and local shops in the walkable downtown district.

Route 66 Attractions in Two Guns Arizona.

1. The Ghost Town of Two Guns including the remains of an old Zoo.
2. Canyon Diablo Bridge An Old Route 66 Bridge.
3. Louise Cundiff’s Tower Station