Twin Arrows Trading Post

The Twin Arrows Trading Post, once a vibrant stop along Route 66 near Flagstaff, Arizona, now stands as a poignant relic of roadside Americana. Established in the late 1940s as the Canyon Padre Trading Post, it was rebranded in 1955 by the Troxell family, who added the iconic twin wooden arrows to guide travelers to the site . These towering 25-foot arrows, crafted from telephone poles and wood, became a recognizable symbol for Route 66 enthusiasts.

The trading post featured a gas station, Valentine Diner, and a gift shop, offering a blend of services and Southwestern crafts to travelers. However, with the completion of Interstate 40 in the late 1970s, traffic shifted away from Route 66, leading to a decline in business. The trading post ceased operations in 1995 and has since been abandoned.

Today, the site remains a popular stop for travelers and photographers, drawn by the haunting beauty of the decaying structures and the enduring presence of the twin arrows. In 2009, restoration efforts by the Hopi tribe and Route 66 volunteers preserved the arrows, though one has since fallen due to weathering . Despite its abandonment, Twin Arrows Trading Post continues to evoke nostalgia for the golden age of Route 66.