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 9-5 | SAT 9-5 | 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
🌲 Camping at Overland Expo West 🌲
Ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate overlanding experience? Choose from Premium Camping for exclusive perks like a hospitality lounge and free drinks, Vehicle Camping for your rig or small trailer, or Moto Camping for two-wheel adventurers. 🏕️
No matter your style, you’ll camp under the towering ponderosa pines and wake up in the heart of the action. Don’t wait, camping passes are limited! 👀
🎟️ Use the link in our bio to grab your camping pass now and join us May 15-17 in Flagstaff!
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The @livewireev S4 Honcho is the adventure wingman every overlander needs. From early‑morning fishing runs to scouting trails beyond camp, it makes every moment easier—and a lot more fun. Grab your rod, your gear, or nothing at all. Wherever the day goes, S4 Honcho goes too. Enter to win one: https://lvwr.co/LWOverland
Relive the adventure of Overland Expo SoCal 2026! 🌴☀️ From epic rigs and gear to unforgettable moments, inspiring classes, and an incredible overlanding community, this year’s event truly had it all! 🔥
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us—attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors. You made it unforgettable! See you next year on March 13-14, 2027! 🗓️
What’s your favorite memory from Overland Expo SoCal 2026? Let us know in the comments! 👇 #OverlandExpoSoCal #Overlanding #CostaMesa #California
From epic rigs to sunny skies, Overland Expo SoCal Day 1 was unforgettable! 🌴☀️ Day 2 is rolling and the adventure continues! 🙌
What was your favorite moment from Day 1? 🔥👀
#OverlandExpoSoCal #CostaMesa #California #Overlanding #Rigs
The largest overlanding event in Southern California begins tomorrow! Join us at Overland Expo SoCal, happening March 14-15, 2026, at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA.
📅 Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
📅 Sunday: 9 AM - 4 PM
🎟️ Use the linkin bio to buy tickets online now for the best price!
#OverlandExpoSoCal #CostaMesa #California #OCFairAndEventCenter #OverlandingLife SoCalEvents OverlandExpo
THIS WEEKEND! 🎉 Overland Expo SoCal is here March 14-15! 400+ exhibitors, education, in-booth parties, raffles & more! Don’t miss the largest overlanding event in Southern California. 🔥
What’s the first thing you’re doing when you arrive? 👀
🎟️ Pro tip: Buy tickets online for the best price!
#OverlandExpoSocal #CostaMesa #California #OCFairAndEventCenter #Overlanding Outdoors
@OutdoorX4 is proud to be a Title Media Sponsor of Overland Expo since 2013! OutdoorX4 is dedicated to authentic vehicle-based and outdoors adventure storytelling along with the latest news and reviews in print, digital, audio, video, web, and social, and brings together a community of enthusiasts who live for the journey.
Whether it`s the adventure of the weekend or a lifetime, from remote backcountry trails to the spirit of self-reliant exploration as well as enjoying all pursuits of outdoors recreation, OutdoorX4 will inspire you to push boundaries while being mindful of our surroundings.
All attendees will be offered a complimentary digital subscription! Just enter coupon code ox4freedigital by tapping HERE! You can also subscribe to our award-winning archival quality print magazine HERE as well as sign-up for our eNewsletters for the latest news, stories, and reviews.
Adventure is out there and OutdoorX4 is here to help you find it!
@ovrmag is proud to be part of the ultimate gathering for overlanders, explorers, and gear lovers alike.
Special Offer for Attendees: Visit the OVR booth during the show and receive one-year FREE Digital Access to OVR Magazine`s full library of past and current issues—packed with vehicle features, gear reviews, travel guides, and more. We WON’T ask for a credit card!
Whether you`re a seasoned trail veteran or just starting your adventure journey, swing by the OVR booth to say hello and check out our latest magazine.
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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.