Highway 89 north of Flagstaff is a long, quiet stretch of road, and most drivers heading for the Grand Canyon have one thing on their minds: getting there. That is a mistake, at least around lunchtime.
Tucked beside a river gorge in Navajo country sits a stop that has been serving travelers since 1916, back when wool and blankets were traded for flour and coffee. Today it hands out something else worth slowing down for, a plate-sized Navajo taco built on fry bread so big that couples often split it.
There is also a huge gallery of Native American art, a garden that bird watchers seek out, and a gas pump for the road ahead. Keep reading to learn what to order, what to skip, and how to make this detour the best part of your canyon trip.
A Century-Old Stop on Highway 89
Some roadside stops are just a gas pump and a vending machine. Cameron Trading Post is a whole small world, sitting at 466 US-89, Cameron, AZ 86020, in northern Arizona in the United States.
The property overlooks the Little Colorado River Gorge and lies about 21 miles from Grand Canyon National Park. That short distance makes it a natural pause for anyone driving toward the park’s east entrance or heading north toward Page.
Cameron itself is a tiny place, set a few miles north of the road that leads to the Grand Canyon and a few miles south of the turn to Tuba City. Out here, options for food and rest are few and far between.
The trading post fills that gap with a lot more than snacks. There is a motel, a dining room, a sprawling gift shop, a Native American art gallery, an RV park, a garden, and a gas station all on one property.
With 4,920 people weighing in on Google Maps, the spot holds a solid 4.4 star average. That is a strong showing for a place so far from any city.
So when the canyon is calling, it pays to let this stop answer first.
From Wool Trades to Tourist Trail
Back in 1916, nobody stopped here for souvenirs. The trading post began as a place where Navajo and Hopi locals brought wool, blankets, and livestock to swap for dry goods.
That role shaped the whole region for decades. Trading posts like this one were the general stores, banks, and meeting points of the reservation all rolled into one.
Times changed, and so did the business. Today the post sells Native American goods and antiques, runs a hotel, and operates a full dining room for hungry road trippers.
Even with all that growth, the history has not been wiped away. The atmosphere still carries a strong sense of Navajo history and culture, and the decor in the dining room leans into elegant Navajo design.
The motel side keeps the rustic theme too. Rooms feature southwestern art and hand-carved furnishings, so the past shows up even where guests sleep.
More than a hundred years later, the trading is still happening. The goods have just shifted from wool to turquoise and fry bread.
The Taco Everyone Drives Out For
Here is the headliner. The Navajo taco is the most talked about dish on the property, and it earns that spot honestly.
It starts with a round of fry bread as the base instead of a tortilla. On top go chili beans, ground beef, lettuce, cheese, tomato, and mild green chile.
The price sits at about $14.99, which feels fair for the sheer size of the thing. Plenty of diners find they cannot finish it, and couples often say they could have shared one plate.
A smart move is to ask for onions and salsa on the side. Those extras give the taco more punch and make the whole plate more enjoyable.
Opinions are not unanimous, which is honest to admit. Some find it too mild and wish for a bit more meat, so having salsa handy helps a lot.
Most guests walk away happy, though, and many call it a must try. Even a big eater may need a nap in the car afterward, so maybe let someone else take the next driving shift.
The Secret in the Flour
Fry bread is the quiet hero of the menu. Without it, the famous taco would just be a salad with ambitions.
The kitchen makes its fry bread with Blue Bird Flour. That brand is a finely milled, high-gluten flour widely celebrated in Native American cooking as the key to soft, tender, and chewy fry bread.
Diners describe the bread as fluffy and less greasy than they expected. Even people who were lukewarm on the taco toppings tend to praise the bread itself.
A plain round on the side runs about $4.50. Pair it with honey for a simple, satisfying snack, and remember to ask for the honey clearly, since it is easy to miss on a busy shift.
The bread also shows up as a dessert option and alongside the stew. Some guests wish there were toppings like powdered sugar or cinnamon, but honey remains the classic partner.
Skeptics who skip the taco should not skip the bread. It might be the most important thing on the menu that rarely gets top billing.
Beyond the Fry Bread Plate
Not everyone in the car will want a taco, and that is fine. The dining room serves both Mexican and American dishes, so picky travelers have options.
Green chile stew is the strongest runner-up. It combines cubed pork, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and green chile, and it comes with fry bread for about $11.85.
Some bowls arrive hearty and spicy, while a few diners have found the broth a little thin. It is still a popular pick for anyone who wants something warm and filling.
Other plates get attention too. There is a roast beef dish served on Navajo bread with mashed potatoes and a whole grilled green chile, plus macaroni beef soup and a sharing appetizer platter.
For travelers tired of southwestern flavors, sandwiches like a fish sandwich are on hand. Quesadillas also appear, though checking the menu for the listed sides is wise.
Variety keeps peace at the table. Nobody has to fight over the last taco when there is a stew waiting.
A Dining Room With a Gorge View
Lunch comes with a backdrop. The restaurant is large and airy, with tables looking out over the rocky desert and the Little Colorado River Gorge.
A fireplace anchors the room, and the decor leans toward elegant Navajo style. It feels more polished than most people expect from a highway stop.
Canyon views are one of the most mentioned features of the whole property. Many guests call the view from the dining room a highlight of the meal.
Service gets plenty of praise for being polite, prompt, and friendly. Staff are often described as professional and informative about the food.
That said, a few slow moments do happen, with some diners waiting on straws or refills. It also helps to know the hosts will not seat a group until everyone is present.
Even at the busy peak of lunchtime, tables often open up within a few minutes. Takeout runs about 15 minutes or less, which is handy for travelers racing the sunset to the canyon rim.
Shopping Without a Map
Plan extra time, because the gift shop is enormous. It is the single most mentioned feature on the property, and for good reason.
Shelves hold Navajo rugs, pottery, jewelry, and knickknacks, along with the standard road trip buys. There is something for nearly every budget, from small pouches and t-shirts to serious jewelry.
Many handmade items come with the artist’s bio attached. Small history signs throughout the store help shoppers understand what they are looking at.
Prices on the high end can climb quickly. Some shoppers find the fine pieces costly, while others leave with a bag of affordable gifts.
It is worth reading labels carefully. Not every item is locally made, and certain decorative pillows have been found to come from overseas, so ask staff when authenticity matters.
The team here is known for being patient and knowledgeable. One shopper even had lost purchases tracked down and shipped home, which is customer care that goes the extra mile, or several hundred.
Art Worth a Second Look
Separate from the main store, a Native American art gallery offers a quieter browse. It is the place for pieces that lean toward collectible rather than souvenir.
The trading post also deals in antiques. Shoppers can explore older items that connect to the long trading history of the region.
Authentically made Navajo and Hopi work is a big draw. Travelers who specifically ask for genuine handmade jewelry and crafts find staff ready to point them in the right direction.
Buying here supports local Indigenous artists, and that matters to many visitors passing through Navajo country. The artist information on many items adds a personal link to each purchase.
Price tags in the gallery reflect the craftsmanship involved. Treat it like a museum stop if the budget is tight, since looking is free.
Many guests call the art collection fascinating even when they buy nothing. Sometimes the best souvenir is simply knowing more than when you walked in.
A Garden Oasis in the High Desert
Few people expect a garden out here. That surprise is exactly what makes the courtyard so memorable.
The garden features fountains, shade trees, and a wide variety of flowers. Some guests rank it above certain botanical gardens they have toured.
Bird watchers have been spotted here with binoculars in hand. That alone says something about how lush this little patch of green is.
It also works as a lunch spot. Travelers often bring takeout to the garden and eat under the trees, and a picnic area behind the shops offers shelter from the sun.
For families with restless kids, the open space is a gift. It gives everyone room to stretch before climbing back into the car.
Some people stop just for the garden, and honestly, that is a fair plan. A green break in the middle of a long desert drive has a way of resetting the whole mood.
Rooms With Balconies and Hand-Carved Charm
Most diners zip off after lunch, but the motel makes a strong case for sticking around. Staying overnight puts the canyon just a short drive away in the morning.
Rooms are relaxed and decorated with southwestern art and hand-carved furniture. Many include balconies and views of the gorge.
Each comes with an en suite bathroom, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a coffeemaker. Suites add sitting areas and kitchenettes for longer stays or bigger groups.
Spacious rooms and clean bathrooms come up often among overnight guests. The property also lists a pool, a fitness center, air conditioning, and a smoke-free policy.
The motel is pet-friendly and kid-friendly, and it offers accessible features. An airport shuttle is listed among the amenities as well.
For RV travelers, there is an RV park on site. That makes this a rare stop that welcomes nearly every style of road trip.
Fuel, Parking, and Other Road Notes
Practical matters can make or break a road trip. Luckily, this stop checks a lot of boxes at once.
Parking is free, and there is an attached gas station. Topping off the tank here is a smart idea, since services thin out along this part of Highway 89.
The property draws plenty of traffic from multiple routes. People pass through on drives between Page and Phoenix, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon, and Page and Flagstaff.
Tour groups stop here too, so lunchtime can bring a crowd. Arriving a little before the noon rush can help, though waits are usually short.
Budget wise, meals are reasonable for the portions. The taco runs about $14.99, the stew about $11.85, and a side of fry bread about $4.50.
Hours are not something to guess at, so checking the official website before leaving is the safest bet. A quick call to the main line can also clear up any questions.
Worth the Brake Lights
A few critics call it a tourist trap, and the label is not entirely unfair. Prices in the shop can sting, and service sometimes runs slow.
Still, the bigger picture tells a different story. Most guests describe the place as authentic, welcoming, and well kept, with impeccable grounds and friendly Navajo staff.
The formula is simple. A huge Navajo taco, a gorge view, a garden, and a shop full of handmade work all wait in one parking lot.
Some families plan the meal as the centerpiece of their trip. Others stumble in for gas and leave with a full stomach and a bag of keepsakes.
Either way, the stop adds real flavor to the road between the desert towns and the canyon rim. It turns a long drive into part of the adventure.
The Grand Canyon has waited millions of years. It can surely wait one more hour while that taco gets the attention it deserves.
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