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 15-17, 2026
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
Happy Friday from the dogs of Overland Expo Mountain West 🐾🚙
Swipe through for a dose of pure Friday stoke, courtesy of our four-legged Expo family.
Did you bring your pup? If they`re on IG drop their handle in the comments 🐶
📷 @alexabrookephoto_
Sleep Above It All. Explore Beyond Limits. 🚘
Elevate your truck into the ultimate adventure basecamp with the @roveroll_usa Skynest Tent Combo—sleep, store, and explore like never before.
💪 Rugged Aluminum = Tough, built to Last
💨 Mount Anything = Solar panels, awnings & all your gear
🔋 Stay Powered = USB, USB-C, 12V Outlets + Adjustable lights
🏕️ Sleep in Comfort = Memory foam mattress
🌄 Adventure starts here. Ready to roll?
Camp with us at Overland Expo East, our final event of the year! Happening October 3–5, 2025, in Arrington, Virginia, this is your chance to:
⛰️ Camp alongside the Blue Ridge Mountains
🌤️ Catch epic sunsets + sunrises
🔥 Swap stories and make new friends around the campfire
🛻 Explore 200+ brands, vehicles, and the latest gear
🧭 Learn new skills + connect with the overlanding community
🍻 Enjoy happy hours, parties, special events, and more!
❗️Forest Camping is already SOLD OUT—but Premium + General Camping passes are still available (for now 😉).
🎟️ Grab your spot at overlandexpo.com/east or at the link in bio.
⬇️ Who’s rolling into East with us? Tag your camping crew!
📺 Head to our YouTube channel for the full length video to get all the camping vibes ✨
🎥 @trail.huntr
Just a handful of the cool rigs we saw at Overland Expo Mountain West in Colorado 🤩
Which is your favorite? Which ones did we miss?
🔗 Hit the link in bio for a roundup of some of the best rigs spotted at the event and keep an eye out for a video dropping soon 🛻🚐
🍁 Don’t miss your chance to check out cool rigs like this in person—join us at Overland Expo East, October 3–5 in Virginia!
🎟️ Get your tickets at the link in bio and start planning your adventure.
📷 @alexabrookephoto_
What happens when you combine cutting-edge tech with backcountry grit? 🏍️⚡ You get the 2025 Ultimate Overland Motorcycle—designed for comfort and unstoppable capability on any terrain.
This bike is packed with high-performance upgrades to make every mile—on or off the pavement—smoother, safer, and more efficient.
🔸@cyclopsadv – powerful aux + rear lighting
🔸@optimabatteries – lightweight lithium battery + charger
🔸@ridedunlop Trailmax Mission tires – built for durability and grip
🔸Veridian Cruise – precision cruise control
🔸@motomachines – @hepcobecker center stand, sidestand foot, and Puig windscreen
Less fatigue, more control, better visibility—this bike is built to help you ride farther, longer, and with confidence.
🧭 Where would you take it?
🔗 Tap the link in @overlandexpo’s bio to explore the full build.
Reminiscing on Overland Expo East last year ✨
🍁 Overland Expo East 2025, our FINAL event of the year, is taking place October 3-5 in Arrington, Virginia - we hope you’ll join us!
This is one of our most beautiful venues and we’re looking forward to kicking off another epic weekend with you all!
Let us know if you’re coming! Tickets at the 🔗 in bio.
#overlandexpo #overlandexpoeast #overlandevent #overlandcommunity
That’s a wrap on Overland Expo Mountain West 2025 - what an incredible weekend! ⛰️
Were you there? What was your favorite part?
🙌 A huge shoutout to our sponsors, exhibitors, instructors, staff, and—most importantly—everyone who came out to make this event unforgettable!
📺 See the full recap video on our YouTube channel (link in bio)
🍁 Next up is Overland Expo East - our final event of the year - October 3-5 in Arrington, VA - we hope to see you there!
🎥 @yapping_about_cars
Day 2 of Overland Expo Mountain West is in the books, what an epic day!
Thank you to everyone who has come out so far 😎
Today’s the last day to see everything in person. Gates are open, come on down!
🎟️ Tickets at the link in bio
#overlandexpo #overlandexpomtnwest #overlandevent #overlandcommunity
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.