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
Overland Expo PNW 2025 is a wrap – what an unforgettable time with the best overlanding community ever!
🙌 A huge thank you to our sponsors, exhibitors, instructors, staff, and everyone who came out!
Were you there? What was your favorite part?
📺 Watch the full recap video on YouTube (link in bio) and keep an eye out for more from the event.
🏔️ Overland Expo Mountain West is next – August 22-24 in Loveland, Colorado – we hope to see you there!
🎥 @brooks_roe
Day 2 at Overland Expo PNW was incredible, what an epic day ☀️
Today’s the last day to join the fun! Come check out all the incredible vehicles and gear, learn from the best, and connect with the community.
Gates open at 9am, come on down!
🎟️ Get your tickets at the link in bio or onsite
See you soon!
Day 1 of Overland Expo PNW was a blast, Day 2 lets goooo ☀️🌲🎉
We’ve got an epic day planned, gates are open, come on down!
🎟️ Tickets at link in bio
#overlandexpo #overlandexpopnw #overlandevent #overlandcommunity
We’re kicking off Overland Expo PNW in Oregon! Gates are open and it’s a beautiful day ☀️
Let us know if you’re here, and if not, come on down! We’ve got an epic weekend planned 🛻🚐🎉
🎟️ Tickets and info at the link in bio
Everyone’s setting up for Overland Expo PNW! It’s a beautiful day and it’s going to be an epic weekend☀️🌲
Let us know if you’re here or if you’re coming!
We’ve got an incredible weekend planned with endless adventure vehicles and gear, education sessions, demos, inspirational talks, films, happy hours, parties, and more 🚐⚙️🛻
See you soon! Gates open at 8am tomorrow 🎉
🎟️ Tickets at the link in bio if you don’t have em yet!
Overland Expo PNW vibes are in full swing—swing by Dometic at booth H60 this weekend for the latest gear that makes the road (and the off-road) feel like home. See you out there! Learn more 👉 @dometic
Headed to Overland Expo PNW this weekend? Swing by the Hankook Bivvy Lounge to refill, recharge, and connect with fellow overlanders. Then visit @hankooktireusa booth A100 and discover their rugged #Dynapro off-road tires, built for wherever your rig dares to roam. 🛞
ROA Off-Road is heading to Overland Expo PNW this weekend in Redmond, Oregon! As a Title Sponsor, the team is displaying MDC USA’s four flagship rigs including the XT19HRT Off-Grid Extreme, XT12HR Off-Grid Extreme, Robson XTT MKII, and XL15-4E Off-Grid Extreme. Each rig is kitted with full-time lithium power, independent suspension, and best-in-class construction.
Throughout the show, step inside every model for guided walk-throughs, hands-on demos, and grab exclusive show-only pricing.
Whether you’re planning to overland in America’s west or travel cross-country visiting iconic sites, swing by ROA Off-Road’s booth (FG3) to meet the experts and discover why MDC’s flagship line leads the in durability, comfort, and adventure.
📷 @roa_off_road
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.