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
Meet Michael Emery - storyteller, podcaster, vintage Land Cruiser enthusiast, and founder of @slowbaja 🌵
Michael shares a glimpse into his passion for slow travel, his deep love for Baja California, and the community that makes overlanding so special.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Michael at an Overland Expo event, your next opportunity is Overland Expo Pacific Northwest, coming up June 25-27 in Redmond, Oregon. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just getting started, this is your chance to connect with the people who make this community so inspiring.
📺 Watch the full video on YouTube and get inspired to explore slow and live well.
🎥 @yapping_about_cars
#OverlandExpo #SlowBaja #Overlanding #BajaCalifornia #VintageRigs #AdventureTravel #LandCruiser #OverlandExpoPNW
Adventure awaits at Overland Expo and OutdoorX4 Magazine is proud to be a Media Partner of the series since 2013. As a publication dedicated to authentic vehicle-based outdoor adventure and exploration, @outdoorx4 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.
🎁 Get a complimentary 6-issue digital subscription to OutdoorX4 with the coupon code ox4freedigital at outdoorx4.com (direct link in bio)
You can also subscribe to their award-winning archival quality print magazine as well as sign-up for their eNewsletters for the latest news, stories, and reviews.
Adventure is out there and OutdoorX4 is here to help you find it!
📷 @rlngstrt
We’re still in love with this year’s Ultimate Overland Build 🤩🔥
This 2025 @gmc Sierra HD AT4X AEV Edition is paired with an amazing @overlandexplorervehicles Backcountry Camper and some of the best overland gear in the industry hand selected by our talented builders at @aevconversions and @tinyrigco ⚙️
This epic rig will be auctioned off in November on Bring-A-Trailer with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the @overlandexpofoundation, who works to advance the overlanding community and protect the lands we’re all so lucky to explore.
🌲 Come see it in person at Overland Expo PNW, coming up June 27-29 in Redmond, Oregon.
📍Full walk-through videos and more info on each of our incredible build partners and all the components that came together to make this the 2025 Ultimate Overland Vehicle coming soon!
In the meantime, learn more about the build at the link in @overlandexpo’s bio 🔗
🎥 @andysedano_
#GMCSierraHD #GMCTrucks #AT4X #AEVEdition #OverlandExpo #OverlandExpoWest
#OverlandExplorerVehicles #TruckCamperLife #OffRoadAdventure #OverlandVehicle #TruckCamper #OverlandRig #OffRoadDreams
Calling all Adventure Seekers! Come see @ToyotaUSA in Booth FG19 at Overland Expo PNW for your chance to win a 4Runner Trailhunter, plus a cash prize! 💸
Check out the full Toyota Truck lineup – including the all-new 2025 Trailhunter 4Runner—plus the Trailhunter Tacoma, 1958 Land Cruiser, Tundra Platinum, and Sequoia Platinum. Don’t forget to complete a quick survey in exchange for some Toyota swag!
🎉 Starting at 7pm on Friday night, come to Toyota Game Night for free food, drinks, and prizes. You definitely won`t want to miss it!
#LetsGoPlaces #Trailhunter #LandCruiser #OverlandExpo #OverlandExpoPNW
The Overland Expo PNW 2025 map is live! 🌲 Swipe for a sneak peek, then hit the link in bio for a larger viewing experience 👀
Scope out:
▪️ Where the brands you want to check out will be
▪️ Locations of education sessions, demos, and special events
▪️ DIY vehicle showcase and content creator areas
▪️ The driving course for the Trail Course Experience (add this onto your ticket!)
▪️ Camping zones for those of you camping with us
And lots more!
🔥 The countdown is on - PNW is just over 2 weeks away! Will we see you there?
🎟️ Save on tickets through this Sunday, June 15 and grab some as a Father`s Day gift for yourself or the dad in your life while you`re at it 😉
For overlanders, remote doesn’t have to mean offline. 🚐🏔️🛻
With @homefi.info’s multicarrier hotspot, your journey through rugged terrain and backroads can be powered by reliable, on-the-go Wi-Fi. Stream, upload, and share without boundaries.
Every adventure deserves to be connected.
#homefi #portablehotspot #wifionthego
Gear up for adventure with this roundup of vehicles, products, and services that make enjoying the outdoors a little easier, safer, and more comfortable. ☀️⛰️🌲
Swipe through to preview the picks, then hit the link in bio to dive into the full roundup with all the details.
What`s on your wishlist?
The campgrounds at Overland Expo West were next level 🏕️🛻👌
From restored classics to jaw dropping rigs and creative camp setups, the campgrounds were buzzing with inspiration. We could’ve spent all weekend cruising around, exploring, and connecting with all the campers.
There’s really nothing like camping at Overland Expo. You get to meet like minded explorers, share stories, and get inspired by endless cool rigs and unique setups. Plus, you’re steps away from the action all weekend long.
Overland Expo PNW is coming up next 🌲 Snag your campsite and join us in Oregon for an epic weekend!
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.