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
@bajadesigns the leader in aftermarket off-road lighting, is heading to Overland Expo SoCal 2026 come find them at Booth # GG-2120.
With over 30 years of developing off-road lighting, Baja Designs has engineered lights built to survive anything from race trucks ripping through Baja Mexico to cross-country adventures up to the Arctic circle. One thing is certain: these lights can survive anywhere.
Stop by and check out their vehicle-specific lighting systems that are 100% plug-and-play. Spend less time wrenching and more time out on the trails.
See you out there. 🤙
@bfgoodrichtires is rolling into Overland Expo SoCal at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, March 14–15, 2026 — the West Coast’s hub for 400+ exhibitors and nonstop overland training, demos, and gear.
Stop by the BFGoodrich booth to check out their latest adventure‑ready tire lineup built for rugged terrain and real‑world exploration. While you’re there, enter their on‑site survey for a chance to win a set of BFGoodrich tires — perfect for powering your next trail, mountain pass, or coastline escape.
Big energy. Big gear. Big prizes.
Catch BFGoodrich in Costa Mesa and get ready to roll into your next adventure with confidence.
@subaru_usa is back at Overland Expo 2026 with Camp Subaru!
🎉 Play our instant-win scratcher for a chance at exclusive gear
📸 Take home a Plantable photo printed on biodegradable seed paper
🐾 Visit the Subaru Loves Pets adoption pen and meet adoptable animals
🗺️ Grab your digital Subaru Passport, refuel at the hydration station
See you at Camp Subaru!
Make adventure yours!
Catch @ToyotaUSA at Booth GG-1270 to check out the 4Runner Surf SEMA build, Land Cruiser, and the all-new Trailhunter lineup. Talk with our experts, shop official merch, and grab Toyota swag when you complete a quick survey.
#LetsGoPlaces #Trailhunter #LandCruiser #4Runner #Tacoma #4RunnerSurf
Adventure takes center stage at Overland Expo SoCal — and Evotrex arrives as a Title Sponsor. Experience the Evotrex-PG5, the world’s first power-generating RV built to extend true off-grid living. Featuring 270+ kWh of on-demand power, Active Power Assist, and adventure-ready design, the PG5 unlocks a new level of freedom, comfort, and self-sufficiency wherever the journey leads.
March 14–15 | Booth 10–223 Get an up-close look at the Evotrex-PG5, meet the Evotrex team, and explore innovative solutions designed for life beyond the pavement. From live demonstrations to expert insights, discover how Evotrex powers real adventure. Join thousands of explorers at Overland Expo SoCal — and get inspired for the journeys ahead.
Follow along 👉 @evotrexnow
As the Title Sponsor of Overland Expo SoCal, @ankersolix_official is bringing serious power to the party. Power Your Distance!
Swing by the Anker SOLIX booth (GG-1000) to get hands-on with our latest portable and home backup power solutions built for off-grid adventures and beyond. While you`re there, enter for a chance to win the Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2—your next adventure upgrade.
And don’t miss the After Party 👀 Come hang, connect with fellow explorers, and see how Anker SOLIX keeps you powered wherever the road takes you!
Ring! Ring! The Overland Expo app is BACK! 📱🔥 Get everything you need for Overland Expo SoCal right at your fingertips.
SPECIAL OFFER: Unlock an exclusive 50% off onX subscription within the app! Then use the SoCal onX event map to build a personalized route to each booth you want to hit, all based on your live location at the show. 🧭
Here’s what you can do in the app:
🗓️ Build your custom itinerary
📚 Check out the full education schedule
📍 Find exhibitor booth locations
🗺️ Explore the event map
… and so much more!
SoCal is less than TWO weeks away! Don’t miss the biggest overlanding event in Southern California. Buy your tickets today! 🚙💨
🔍 Search “Overland Expo” in the App Store or Google Play and download the app now! This app will be used for all upcoming events with Overland Expo West (May 15–17), coming up next.
@classicoverland makes its debut as a Title Sponsor at Overland Expo SoCal 2026, bringing a lineup built to stop you mid-aisle. Leading the charge is a commanding 6x6 Defender, joined by the heritage-driven Warthog Series and the fully bespoke Signature Series.
The Warthog Series stays true to utility and purpose, rooted in classic Defender DNA and built for real-world adventure. The Signature Series elevates the platform with hand-stitched interiors, premium materials, and modern performance options including LT1 power. Together, they showcase two philosophies united by craftsmanship and capability.
Throughout the weekend, Camel Trophy veteran Jim West will host live Defender heritage sessions at the Classic Overland booth, sharing firsthand expedition stories and insight into why the Defender remains the ultimate global platform.
The map suggests. You decide.
Find the Defender built for the way you travel.
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.