Tag: Twin Arrows Trading Post

Attractions & Other Oddities

In Weird Arizona, I wrote about the sad demise of Twin Arrows Trading Post, a long-lived roadside establishment east of Flagstaff known for its iconic pair of giant projectiles. When I last photographed the site in September 2005, both arrows' points were gone and only one flaking fletching remained. It looked as though the Twin Arrows would disappear forever.

Yet, when I passed them today on an excursion between book signings, I was hit with the unexpected. I assumed that, by this point, nothing would remain but two leaning utility poles. Still, I felt compelled to stop by on my way east. My jaw dropped at the sight of their Lazarus-like resurrection.

There they were, completely rebuilt and shining with a fresh coat of brightly colored paint. It was a miracle! The trading post and its connected Valentine diner were still in disrepair, but the famous arrows had been restored as I had hoped for years they would be. ... Continued

I've been researching the old Twin Arrows Trading Post today for Weird Arizona.

Even though it's been closed for several years now, it seems it's still a favorite stop for road trippers. As evident from the snapshots I've come across, people continue to pull off and take pictures of the big arrows. Being one of my favorite roadside icons (or is that two of my favorite?), I'm not surprised they're so popular.

The sad part is, as it now belongs to the State Land Trust, I doubt the site will ever be restored. But that's not the part that bothers me. Modern ruins are terrific; I just hate to see the arrows go. I seriously doubt they'll survive much longer. They've already begun to yield to the elements. Both arrowheads lie in pieces, most of which appear to be missing, and one arrow's feathers is only a partial frame. ... Continued