Unearth The Voyage
You pull off Coppermine Road expecting fuel and snacks, then spot fry bread so big it peeks over the plate. Big Lake Trading Post looks like a humble convenience stop, but the griddle tells a louder story. Navajo tacos arrive crisp, fluffy, and stacked high enough to make sharing feel smart. If Page is your waypoint, this is the detour your appetite will remember.
The Giant Fry Bread Reveal
The first time you see the fry bread here, it spills past the rim like a warm halo. Golden bubbles crackle slightly when the server sets it down, promising a tender interior and crisp edges. You get a whiff of toasted dough and a hint of oil, the kind that says fresh, not heavy.
Then the toppings land. Beans, beef, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and a swirl of sour cream make a colorful mountain. You wonder if two hands are enough, then decide a fork is smarter, because gravity has opinions.
Order Like A Local
Walk in and head straight for the counter near the griddle action. Ask what is fresh off the fryers and do not be shy about requesting extra green chile or a lighter hand with cheese. The crew appreciates direct, friendly orders.
If you are sharing, say so and ask for a second plate and napkins. Grab cold drinks from the cooler while they cook your dough. By the time you return, the bread will be puffed, sizzling, and ready for the topping avalanche.
What Makes It Bigger Than Your Plate
The secret is in the stretch and the rest. Dough gets hand-stretched until translucent in spots, then left to relax so it puffs without tearing. Hot oil seals it fast, inflating pockets that hold toppings without wilting.
The result is a diameter that outruns the plate by a daring inch or two. Edges stay crisp while the center stays tender, so every bite shifts from airy crunch to pillowy chew. You keep chasing that textural flip, long after you are full.
Toppings You Should Try
Start with refried beans for sturdiness, then seasoned ground beef for savory depth. Green chile adds warmth without blowing out your palate, while tomatoes brighten everything. A snowfall of cheddar binds the layers as it melts into the bread’s nooks.
If you like heat, ask for extra chile on the side. A drizzle of sour cream cools things down and keeps bites balanced. You can skip lettuce for a fully molten effect, but the crunch does help the structure when you are sharing.
Timing Your Stop
Big Lake Trading Post opens early, which makes it clutch for road trips launching at sunrise. Morning fry bread hits different when the griddle is fresh and the line is short. If you hate waiting, avoid peak lunch when locals flood in.
Evenings are relaxed, great for grabbing dinner before Lake Powell sunsets. Check posted hours and plan fuel plus food in one stop. Your future self will thank you when the next town is many miles away.
Portion Strategy For Two
One taco here comfortably feeds two if you play it smart. Ask for a spare plate and split through the center, letting toppings cascade naturally. Keep the crisp edges for scooping because they act like built-in chips.
If you are solo and ambitious, pace yourself and box the last quadrant. Fry bread reheats nicely in a dry skillet back at your lodging. Skip the microwave if you can. That way, the edges stay snappy, and your second round actually sings.
Road Trip Fuel Checklist
Before you roll out, secure the taco in a sturdy to-go box so the toppings do not bail on sharp turns. Grab extra napkins and a few wet wipes because this is deliciously messy. Bottled water balances the salt and keeps you cruising.
Ask for a sealed cup of green chile to revive leftovers later. Stash everything within reach, not under suitcases. When the road opens, you will be glad you set yourself up for tidy, high-mileage snacking.
Why This Stop Wins
Location, simplicity, and generosity converge here. You get a no-fuss counter, friendly voices, and food that over-delivers. The Navajo taco is the headliner, but the vibe is what brings you back after sunsets at Lake Powell.
Prices feel fair for the sheer size, and consistency is the quiet magic. Even on busy days, the bread stays crisp and the toppings balanced. When a convenience store turns out truck-stop-worthy comfort, it becomes a must-stop tradition.
