Tales from the Trail: Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Scenic Byway
Eva Rupert takes the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle, a Yamaha Ténéré 700, from Arizona to Oregon and discovers the formula for a perfect adventure ride along the way.
Guide toFlagstaff, AZ
Overland Expo WEST is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, an area full of mountain trails, unmatched scenery, and fascinating history.
MAY 16-18, 2025
FT. TUTHILL COUNTY PARK // FLAGSTAFF, AZ, USA
FRI 8-5 | SAT 8-5 | SUN 9-3
ABOUT THE VENUE
FORT TUTHILL
This historic property is just minutes from downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, the gateway to the Grand Canyon and Four Corners region. Fort Tuthill is Coconino County’s fairgrounds, with easy paved access just off Interstate 17 and across from the international airport; buildings and ramadas; organized campground for 1000 units plus adjacent unlimited Coconino National Forest dry camping; and best of all, all-weather access with pine trees throughout. The site also has an adventure ropes course and miles of mountain bike trails. We will run a free shuttle to and from parking and hotels in southern Flagstaff throughout the weekend.
DRIVING TIMES TO FLAGSTAFF:
- Los Angeles via I-15 to I-40: 7 hrs
- Denver via I-25 to I-40: 11 hrs
- Salt Lake City via I-15 to I-40: 8 hrs
- Albuquerque via I-40: 4.5 hrs
- Phoenix via I-17: 2 hrs
OVERLAND ROUTES & RESOURCES
Trips & Trails: Copper Bottom Pass & El Paso Pipeline Road
If you’re headed to Overland Expo West from Southern California, it’s always a good idea to
Trips & Trails: Crown King Road and Senator Highway in Arizona
Crown King Road and Senator Highway in north-central Arizona is a reminder that this state has
Trips & Trails: The Cinder Hills of Northern Arizona
If you’ve ever wanted to overland on the moon, this is as close you can get. The Cinder Hills OHV Area resembles the moon’s surface, partially because NASA pockmarked a portion of the Cinder Lakes area to match the Apollo landing sites with a series of controlled explosions in 1967.
Looking for more ways to connect with others? Join one of the many overland groups traveling together before or after the show.
Expedition Portal | American Adventurist | ADVrider | Overland Bound
Looking for a scenic route that uses dirt, gravel, and paved roads to wind through remote parts of the region?
OVERLAND ROUTE GUIDES
Plan an exploratory trip with friends before or after the event. The trails are suitable for an adventure motorcycle or 4WD vehicle.
The Coconino National Forest Service has additional maps you can download: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/maps-pubs
ACCOMODATIONS
HOTELS AROUND FLAGSTAFF
ADDITIONAL HOTEL SEARCH OPTIONS:
EXPO HOUSING SERVICES
WARNING: This is not a legitimate company. If you are contacted by them, do not use their services.
NEARBY RV PARKS
We do not allow motorhomes / RVs to camp on-site. It’s best to book a real RV park near Flagstaff.
RV PARKS IN THE FLAGSTAFF AREA:
- Woody Mountain
- Kit Carson
- Happy Jack (Mormon Lake area)
- Lake Mary RV Park & Store (Mormon Lake area)
Check out reviews of various RV Parks and Campgrounds in the area.
CAMPING
Camp at the Fort Tuthill’s premier 413-acre regional park, nestled in the cool Ponderosa pine forest 3 miles south of Flagstaff. Camping areas include RV and tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, nearby portable toilets, and water spigots. Reservations begin in December.
NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUNDS
Nearly the entire Coconino National forest has backcountry camping along most Forest Roads.
DISPERSED CAMPING
For those who prefer more solitude, dispersed camping is also allowed in Coconino National Forest. For a detailed guide to regulations and suggested sites, see: Dispersed camping.
FOOD & DRINK
MACY'S COFFEE
It’s impossible to imagine Flagstaff without Macy’s, the hippie-esque coffee shop on Beaver Street just south of the railroad tracks. It feels like it’s been there forever, although it only opened in 1980. The triple latte is practically breakfast on its own—but don’t cheat yourself of their waffles, biscuits and gravy, or even the homemade granola.
CRIOLLO
You can’t go wrong with a selection here. The ingredients are all sourced as locally as possible, including Arizona beef. Unlike many restaurants that do dinner well but fall down on dessert, Criollo keeps up the momentum all the way through. There isn’t a better restaurant in the state, counting quality, imagination, service, and price.
DIABLO BURGER
In Heritage Square, serve up outstanding burgers, fries, and brews; meats and many ingredients are entirely local to northern Arizona, and entirely addictive. Arrive hungry.
CAMPUS COFFEE BEAN
Despite its location in a strip mall, the Campus Coffee Bean is another favorite, with easier parking than Macy’s and more room for larger groups. In addition to breakfast, they offer a full lunch menu. If you think you’re a hard-core coffee drinker, try the Hammerhead—three shots of espresso in a full cup of regular coffee.
THE GALAXY DINER
Imagine the perfect diner to front historic Route 66, and you get the Galaxy. The waitresses don’t ride roller skates, but that’s about the only period trick missing here. And it’s not just a re-creation—the Galaxy has been around since the 1950s.
FLAGSTAFF BREWING COMPANY
The Flagstaff Brewing Company opened in 1994 in a 19th-century building right off Highway 66, is a low-key favorite and also the place to sample High Spirits’ amazing single malt, Arizona whisky (finished in mesquite-smoked barrels).
THINGS TO DO
There are several fine destinations for a pre- or post-Expo tour of northern Arizona and adjacent states: Canyon de Chelly, Monument Valley, Wupatki, Sunset Crater, Chaco Canyon, Moab, historic Navajo trading posts, Zion National Park, Capitol Reef, historic Route 66, Sedona, Glen Canyon, Meteor Crater . . . trust us, you won’t run out of possibilities.
TRAILS
- Cinder Hills OHV Area — 13,500 acre OHV area. There is both open riding and miles of single-track trails. Dispersed camping is allowed but there are no facilities such as water or restrooms. Map and info here: Arizona OHV Trails and Maps
- Arizona Trail — Mountain biking, hiking, horseback — Mormon Lake section (passes through the event site)
HISTORIC SITES
- Historic trading posts: Blending the old world with the new, the Navajo Nation has preserved some of the old west with Trading Posts that are still in business today. Many of these are located in the original buildings from the late 1800s
- Historic Route 66: Since 1926, driving down Route 66 has been the experience of a lifetime
CHECK OUT WHAT'S NEW #OVERLANDEXPO
Conceived on a frozen lake in the Northern United States, you may find Imperial Outdoors roaming anywhere traditional RVs won’t go. Built to exceed the boundaries of a traditional camper, Imperial Outdoors is your all-weather, all terrain home away from everything.
Come see @imperial_outdoors_rv at Overland Expo West this year at their NEW booth Q105 where they will be releasing two new series built for your Overland Journey!
🎉 Ready for a good time? Overland Expo West is next week!! We can`t wait to get together in Flagstaff for an epic weekend filled with gear, vehicles, community, education, and adventure.
➡️ Swipe through for a preview of some of the special areas you’ll get to explore over the weekend and the special events you won’t want to miss.
👇 Who’s coming? What are you most excited for?
📍 See you in Flagstaff! Tickets at the link in bio 🎟️
Thank you to all of our special area + in-booth party sponsors:
- Oasis Bar & Foodcourt sponsored by @sunflarexplor
- Kids Adventure Area sponsored by Bronco Wild Fund / @desertforddealers
- Thursday Happy Hour sponsored by @barebonesliving
- Friday Happy Hour sponsored by @topsknives
- Saturday Happy Hour sponsored by @maxxistires
- Film Festival sponsored by @krugxp
- Toyota Game Night hosted by @toyotausa
- Moto Party sponsored by @motorcycleriderjustice
- Breakfast with @firestone
- Raffle supporting the @overlandexpofoundation
- Camp Subaru Party hosted by @subaru_usa
The Pinnacle of Overlanding Trailers is coming to Overland Expo West 2025. The all-new @patriot.campers ST5 Supertourer will be making its show debut.
Built in Australia, engineered and designed for the world, the ST5 redefines what’s possible in an Overlanding Trailer. Luxury living, lightning-fast setup, and unmatched durability in off road conditions.
See it in person at the Patriot Campers booth Q34 at Overland Expo West.
Tommy Camper Vans has redefined vanlife in Arizona, setting a new standard with unmatched in-house capabilities—including a full-service dealership, professional paint shop, and custom-built roof racks—all under one roof. Known for their hand-crafted, custom camper vans, Tommy delivers unbeatable quality, pricing, and turnaround time.
At the helm is Mikey Rudman, a visionary builder driven by a mission to streamline the custom van experience. Backed by the most skilled craftsmen in Arizona, Mikey and the Tommy team are revolutionizing the way adventure vans are built—merging custom craftsmanship with efficient manufacturing processes.
🚐 Now, @tommycampervans proudly introduces “The MAV”—the ultimate luxury adventure van packed with premium features and designed for those who demand comfort and capability. Come see it in person at Overland Expo West and meet the team behind these incredible vans!
🌄 The road is calling. Tommy Camper Vans is ready to build your dream.
Calling all Adventure Seekers! Come see @toyotausa in Booth Q30 at Overland Expo West May 16-18 for your chance to win a 4Runner Trailhunter, plus a cash prize! Check out the all-new 2025 Trailhunter 4Runner—plus the Trailhunter Tacoma and 1958 Land Cruiser. Don’t forget to complete a quick survey in exchange for some Toyota swag!
🎉 Starting at 7pm on Friday night, come to Toyota Game Night for free food, drinks, and prizes. We`ve got a special mystery celeb, too, so you definitely won`t want to miss it!
For over 50 years, Four Wheel Campers has been handcrafting rugged, pop-up truck campers designed for true backcountry adventure. Their campers offer the perfect balance of durability, comfort, and go-anywhere capability, and their low-profile, lightweight designs have become legendary in the overland world. 🔧🌲🏔️
👉 Check out the latest Industry Spotlight to learn more and see why Four Wheel Campers is still leading the pack — link in bio!
📸s
1: @ryanburch
3: @travisburkephotography
2, 4-5: @fourwheelcampers
Introducing ARCANE WARRIOR at Overland Expo West!
Roll up to Booth L38 in Flagstaff, Arizona, and get up close with this new brand built for overlanding. @arcanewarriorglobal gear snaps seamlessly onto any rig, giving adventurers a unified, battle ready setup that is as stylish as it is rugged.
Born in 2020, each patented piece is designed, tested, and built to withstand the wild and looks good doing it. Courage, resilience, and passion fuel every product. Stop by their booth to see how true warrior gear can transform your next expedition.
📍 Find them at Booth L38 from May 16-18
🌐 Explore the full lineup at arcanewarrior.us
The Overland Expo West education + event schedule is live! You’ll find hundreds of classes, education sessions, demos, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to overlanding, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to elevate your skills, meet incredible people, and learn from overlanding OGs.
👉 Swipe through to see the different education areas you`ll get to explore during the event, and head to the link in bio for education highlights and a link to the full schedule.
From how to plan an overlanding trip, border crossings, and finding campsites to vehicle repair and recovery, cooking on the road, and vehicle tours, there’s something for everyone.
What sessions are you most excited about?
🔥 Overland Expo West is coming up fast, May 16-18 in Flagstaff, AZ. There are only 2 days left to save on tickets so get yours now! 🎟️
Thank you to our education area sponsors:
- @landsharkoverland
- @bushlapausa
- Rig Ready Systems
- @uhaul
- @midlandusa
- @kumhotireusa
- @hankooktireusa
- @quadlock
- @denalicampers
THE WORLD IS OUT THERE GO SEE IT!
Join attendees from all over the world at this year’s Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, AZ.