Twin Arrows Trading Post Ruins - Historic Route 66

Just off old Route 66 outside Flagstaff, Twin Arrows Trading Post is what's left of a roadside stop that once thrived on pre-interstate traffic and hasn't operated in decades. The building's roof has caved in, the walls are covered floor to ceiling in graffiti, and of the two giant arrows that gave the place its name, only one is still standing. It's an offbeat but genuinely memorable pull-off if you're tracing the Mother Road toward the South Rim.

What you'll find

You can drive right up to the remaining arrow for the classic photo, and reviewers note it's an easy setup for a Forrest Gump "Have a nice day" shot. The ruined interior is walkable but rough, with debris and hazards throughout, so watch your footing if you go inside. There are also old storage tanks nearby, including some painted with protest art and social commentary, sitting in a holding pool that's tricky to climb back out of.

Good to know

• Rating: 4.1 stars from 517 Google reviews
• Hours: accessible 24 hours, no admission
• Best time: early morning for good light and cooler temperatures
• Watch for: broken glass, unstable structure, and snakes in warmer months

Most visitors treat it as a five-minute pit stop rather than a destination — a quick, slightly eerie glimpse of how Route 66 towns faded once I-40 bypassed them. Worth the short detour if you're already driving between Flagstaff and the canyon.