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 17-19, 2024
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 LOVELAND 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
What is overlanding?🏕️
The term “overlanding” has gained different meanings in recent years, but at its core overlanding is all about self-sufficient travel where the journey itself is the ultimate goal.✅
Tap the link in our bio or head over to YouTube to watch the latest Overland Essentials episode and learn more about Overlanding.🔗🎬
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@graham.l.jackson #overlandessentials #overland #overlanding #whatisoverlanding #overlandingusa
Let’s talk overland trailers📢🛞
The overland and off-road trailer scene has exploded in popularity in recent years, providing endless options for those looking to expand their backcountry camping space.
In our last Gear Showcase of 2023, we’ve compiled some of our favorite overland trailers. Swipe thru and check them out!
What are your first impressions of our list? Is there another overland trailer you’d like to see included? Let us know in the comments!💭
#overlandexpo #overlandtrailer #overlandcamper #overlanding
🚨New Product Alert!🚨
Introducing the game-changer in rooftop camping: @antishantyusa’s Dwell Shell Cap and Camper System!⛺️
Say goodbye to traditional rooftop tents — this solid-walled RTT, made up of insulated aluminum and composite materials, folds up origami-style to fit perfectly inside the protective lid.
What are your first impressions of the new AntiShanty product?
Check out our website for the full scoop on this new innovative camper system.🔗
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#overlandexpo #antishanty #antishantydwellshell #dwellshell #overlanding #antishantyusa #rooftoptent #rtt
Taking training at Overland Expo to new heights in 2024!🧭
Overland Expo has been home to hands-on training and educational opportunities for over a decade. Shifting to a one-day format, we are excited to revamp Overland Expo Training for 2024!
The Overland Expo Training pass can be added to any camping or day pass packages. Link in our bio to learn more about training in 2024.🔗
*Overland Expo Training is only available for PNW*
Get adventure-ready with Firestone Destination XTs 🛞
These rugged tires deliver the grip you need to conquer any trail, while providing a smooth drive and minimal road noise for those pavement stretches.
If you are seeking a great tire choice with outstanding traction and durability both on and off the trail, look no further! Tap the link in our bio to read our latest review and first impressions!🔗
@firestonetires @rick_stowe #firestone #firestonetires #overlandexpo #overlandtires #offroadtires #overland #overlanding
In the latest episode of Cooking With Corso, @outdooreats365 teaches how to change up your typical desserts when camping and out on the trail with his delicious Apple Date Crisp recipe!😋
This recipe is a great alternative to the traditional s’mores around the fire, only requiring a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes to make!
Head over to YouTube to check out the new episode, presented by @benchmadeknifecompany! Link in our bio.🔗
🎥 @brooks_roe
#chefcorso #cookingwithcorso #outdooreats #outdooreats365 #benchmade #benchmadeknives
2024 tickets are NOW on-sale!🎟
2024 Events Details 👇
West — Flagstaff, AZ 🏜 May 17-19
PNW — Redmond, OR 🌲 June 28-30
Mtn West — Loveland, CO ⛰ Aug 23-25
East — Arrington, VA 🏕 Oct 4-6
Which events will you be attending next year?
Click the link in our bio to get your tickets today!🔗 See you in 2024!
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#overlandexpo #overlandexpo2024 #overlandexpowest #overlandexpopnw #overlandexpomountainwest #overlandexpomtnwest #overlandexpoeast #overland #overlandevent #overlandevents #overlanding #overlandusa #overland4x4
Check this out!🤯
Have you seen this new truck bed camper from @officialcamp365? Dubbed the “T Model”, this truck bed-based system is a fresh take on hard-sided tent setups.
Camp365 assures it will fit most pickups, including electric haulers like the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T.⚡️
What are your first thoughts on the model T? Tap the link in our bio to learn more.🔗
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#camp365 #tmodel #modelt #truckbedcamper #bedcamper #truckbed #overlandexpo
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.