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
Not that you needed any convincing 😉 But just in case you don`t know how awesome camping at Overland Expo West is, here`s why it`s a must:
🏕️ Enjoy easy access to all the action—from sunrise coffee walks to sunset parties, the vendors, film festival, raffle, happy hours, and more
🙌 The overlanding community is one-of-a-kind—you’re bound to make new friends (or find your next expedition partner!)
🚐 Some of the coolest rigs are in the campgrounds - be sure to wander and get inspired!
✨ Keep the good times rolling after the vendor areas close and have easy access to your home base when you`re ready to call it a night
🌲 Set up camp in the beautiful pine forests of Flagstaff and enjoy the perfect combo of nature + adventure
What`s your favorite part of camping at West? Tag your camping crew and let us know if you`re coming! 👇
🎟️ Get your camping passes if you haven’t already and start planning your adventure! Prices go up 5/4.
Winnebago is heading to Overland Expo West! Join them at booth Q2 from May 16–18 to check out the EKKO, Revel, and Solis, three vehicles from their Backcountry Series built for off-grid travel and backroad discovery.
From flexible floorplans to rugged capabilities, each model is designed to help you stay out longer and go further. Come take a look inside, ask questions, and see which one fits your travel style.
🎁 While you`re there, don’t miss the chance to enter their Basecamp Essentials Bundle giveaway. Valued at $3,700, this prize pack is filled with gear to elevate your next trip—from campsite comforts to overlanding must-haves.
Whether you`re deep into the off-grid lifestyle or just getting started, the @winnebagorvs team would love to connect and talk all things travel. See you out there! 👋
Engel Coolers is proud to be a Title Sponsor at Overland Expo West in Arizona! Swing by Booth Q55 and experience the adventure-ready durability and innovation that’s made Engel a trusted name in the overlanding community. They’ll be showcasing their full line of Overland Fridge Freezers and Coolers—built tough for the trail and ready for anything.
💦 Need to cool off? They’ve got you covered with free popsicles and vacuum insulated water bottles while supplies last!
Whether you`re a weekend warrior or a full-time explorer, Engel products are designed to keep your journey moving without compromise. Come see why explorers everywhere choose @engelcoolers and get hands-on with the gear that’s redefining off-grid cooling.
📍Booth Q55 is your Overland basecamp—don’t miss it!
What do you think? Should we drop some official Overland Expo action figures?
We had to… 😂 Don’t mind the random stuff on the bottom of the second one, or the fact that he has two beers - that was all ChatGPT 🍻
@optimabatteries is proud to be headed back to Overland Expo West for another year as a Title Sponsor!
With a full line of AGM batteries, lithium powersports batteries, and a brand-new automotive lithium battery, OPTIMA has the ultimate power solution for whatever moves you. Visit the OPTIMA team at booth #Q16 to nail down the best battery option for your next adventure and to grab one of the infamous OPTIMA backpacks. 😉
Ready to upgrade your sleep setup? From rooftop tents to compact sleeping pads and off-road trailers, we’ve rounded up some of the latest gear to help you get a better night’s rest in the wild. 😴🌲
👉 Swipe through for highlights, then hit the link in bio to read the full guide.
What`s on your wish list?
Firestone is excited to be at Overland Expo West this year! Visit their booth at Q54 to learn more about Off-Road Truck and SUV tires, as well as Firestone Airide air suspension.
🥞 Make sure to stop by on Saturday at 9am, because Firestone will host a special brunch to share stories from Harvey Firestone’s Vagabond Trips in which camaraderie, innovation and adventure melded together to inspire an era of American road trips.
📷: @firestone
🏕️ Camp vibes like this… but make it 2025 ✨
Overland Expo West isn’t just an event—it’s an experience. Don’t miss your chance to wake up steps from the action, surrounded by epic rigs, good people, and good times.
Whether you’re rolling in solo, with your crew, or bringing the whole setup—there’s nothing like being part of the community from sunup to sundown. 🌄
👇 Let us know if you’ll be camping with us! We can’t wait to see you in Flagstaff!
🎟️ Premium Camping is SOLD OUT, but there’s still time to grab General Camping or Large Campsite Passes before prices go up! Learn more and grab yours at the link in bio.
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.