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 16-18, 2025
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
Tour this DIY Ford F250 overland camper built for long term off-grid travel! Tim and Tanya transformed a basic truck into the ultimate mobile home in just 7 months—inspired by years of living small while sailing the world 🌎
This rugged rig has it all:
🛠️ Tons of organized storage space
🚿 A full bathroom with toilet & shower
🍳 A fully equipped kitchen
🛏️ A foldable bed for day-to-night living space
Ready to be inspired? Watch the full tour on YouTube (linkinbio)
Did you DIY your rig or would you consider going this route?
🎥 @brooks_roe
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#DIYCamper #OverlandCamper #FordF250 #OffGridLiving #TruckCamper #VanLife #OverlandRig
More than just the latest gear and coolest vehicles — at Overland Expo, you get to meet the passionate, driven, and adventurous people behind the brands that shape your outdoor adventures 🏔️
From big-name brands to family businesses and small, creative startups, this incredible community comes together at every event to showcase gear that enhances how you explore the world. There’s no better way to experience the excitement than by seeing it all in person — and connecting with the makers who bring these epic products to life. ⚙️
👋 Who are you excited to see? Tag your favorite brand!
📍 Which Overland Expo are you headed to this year? Let us know in the comments!
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#overlandexpo #overlandgear #overlandvehicles #meetthemakers #overlandadventure #overlandcommunity
ANTISHANTY was founded with a simple vision: to build a rugged, adaptable trailer for any outdoor enthusiast. They create lightweight, off-road, modular, hard-sided dwellings constructed of sustainable materials that do not rot or mold over time with no canvas or wood.
Each product is designed with flexibility and functionality in mind so you can make it your own, enhance your outdoor experience, and DWELL DIFFERENT.
🇺🇸 Plus, all @antishantyusa products are manufactured in the USA using aircraft grade aluminum to ensure durability and longevity.
🧭 Read the full story and learn about their game changing products at the link in bio.
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#antishanty #dwelldifferent #madeintheUSA #hardsided #modular #overlandgear #overlandtrailer #offroadtrailer #campertrailer
As we roll into 2025, we’re reflecting on the incredible journeys we’ve shared and looking ahead to an epic year of adventure ✨
We’ve got lots in store this year including our very first SoCal event this March, and we couldn’t be more excited. From groundbreaking new gear and incredible rigs to the inspiring people that come to our events and the opportunities to connect, there’s so much to look forward to!
📍 Do you have any adventures planned for this year or any on your wish list? Let us know what you’ll be getting up to - we can’t wait to hear where you’re headed 🏔️
Here’s to a year filled with discovery, connection, and exploration 🎉
Photos:
1. Celebrating Overland Expo’s 15th anniversary at Overland Expo West
2. Inspiration at Overland Expo PNW
3. Kicking off happy hour at Overland Expo Mtn West
4. Ending a beautiful day at Overland Expo East
#OverlandExpo #OverlandLife #AdventureAwaits #OverlandCommunity
Last chance to save on tickets for all 2025 Overland Expo events! Early Bird pricing ends at midnight on 12/31 🔥
Snag your tickets now to score the lowest prices available and start making plans for an adventure filled year 🚐✨
We hope you’re enjoying the holidays and can’t wait to see you in 2025! 🎉
Which events will you be at? Let us know 👀
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#overlandexpo #overlandexpo2025 #overlandevent #overlandcommunity
The best views are the hardest to get to! The Open Country R/T Trail is built to get you there, featuring extra-thick shoulder and sidewalk lugs that grip dirt, sand, mud, and snow.
🎥: @toyotires
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#toyotires #teamtoyo #toughertire
This holiday season, don’t just give a gift—give the gift of adventure! Whether it’s for the thrill-seeker, the wanderer, or the dreamer in your life, Overland Expo tickets are the perfect way to spark new journeys and create unforgettable memories. 🎁✨
Treat yourself, too! Make 2025 the year you embrace the open road and wild horizons 🗺️
🎟️ Grab your tickets before 12/31 to lock in the best price and kickstart your next epic adventure!
🌎 Tag someone you’d love to explore the world with, let us know which event(s) you’ll be at, and let’s make this a holiday filled with dreams of the road ahead.
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#GiftOfAdventure #OverlandExpo #OverlandExpo2025 #ExploreMore #OverlandLife #HolidayGiftsDoneRight #HolidayGiftIdeas
Looking for a gift for the traveler in your life? Check out @Wildsam’s iconic field guides. Their beautiful books about cities, National Parks, iconic regions and epic road trips gather intel from across the map.
📚 Check out their 60+ Field Guides at the link in bio and use code OVERLAND for 20% off your order 🎁
📷 @jenna_kahn
#WildsamOpenRoad
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.