About Us
David Yellowhorse is proudly located in Lupton, Arizona, on the border of Arizona and New Mexico along Interstate 40. Nestled within the Navajo Reservation, the Yellowhorse family continues to welcome travelers at their Navajo-owned trading post—a longstanding stop for visitors journeying across the Southwest.
Our Origins: A Roadside Tradition
Our story began in the 1950s, when the Yellowhorse family set up a small roadside stand to sell Navajo rugs and pieces of petrified wood to vacationers traveling along historic Route 66. At a time when rest stops were few and far between, this simple stand became a cherished destination for travelers eager to stretch their legs and connect with the Navajo people.
The unique blend of cultural curiosity and authentic hospitality turned brief roadside breaks into lasting memories for many families making their way across the country.
Building the Trading Post: A Family Legacy
In the 1960s, brothers Juan and Frank Yellowhorse expanded on that humble beginning by constructing a permanent trading post not far from the original rug stand. With the addition of Shell gas pumps and new signage along Route 66, the Yellowhorse enterprise began to take shape as a true roadside landmark.
As they built their business, the brothers also passed down important lessons to their children—teaching them how to greet, talk with, and welcome the traveling public. This spirit of connection and entrepreneurship became a defining part of the Yellowhorse legacy.
David Yellowhorse's Early Years
Among those children was Frank’s son, David Yellowhorse. Even as a young boy, David played an active role at the trading post—offering donkey rides to fellow children for a quarter and exchanging stories with curious young travelers. These early interactions helped shape David’s passion for storytelling, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange.
We Want to Hear from You
We’d love to hear your stories and see any photos you may have from your travels along Route 66 or your visit to Navajoland. Please feel free to share them with us through email.