TrekUnity
When
May
Attendance
~25,000
Admission
Ticketed
Setting
Outdoor
Overland Expo West, held each May near Flagstaff, Arizona, is the flagship of the overlanding world — a huge outdoor expo of adventure vehicles, camping gear, and off-grid travel builds, paired with hundreds of skills classes, driving courses, and film sessions.
It draws overlanders, van-lifers, and outdoor travelers to the ponderosa pines of northern Arizona for a weekend of gear, inspiration, and community, with easy access to the Grand Canyon and red-rock country.
Want to go? Turn Overland Expo West into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
Three days in mid-May (Fri–Sun)
Admission
Ticketed; on-site camping available
Parking
On-site parking and camping at the venue; many attendees camp in their rigs for the weekend.
Nearest airport
Flagstaff (FLG) — ~20 min; Phoenix (PHX) ~2.25 hr
Typical weather
Cool high-country spring — 60s °F by day, chilly nights near 7,000 ft; pack for cold mornings.
Official website
Location
Flagstaff, AZ
Where to stay
On-site camping
Camp in your rig at the venue — the full experience.
Little America Flagstaff
Pine-forest hotel on the edge of town.
Downtown Flagstaff hotels
Walkable historic downtown base.
Where to eat & drink
Expo food vendors
On-site options through the weekend.
Pizzicletta
Wood-fired pizza in downtown Flagstaff.
Historic Brewing / Mother Road
Flagstaff's craft-beer scene for after-expo.
Nearby attractions
Grand Canyon (South Rim)
One of the wonders of the world, ~1.5 hr north.
Sedona red rocks
Iconic red-rock hiking ~45 min south.
Walnut Canyon
Cliff dwellings just outside Flagstaff.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + Flagstaff
- •Drive up / fly into FLG
- •Afternoon: set up camp or check in
- •Evening: downtown Flagstaff dinner
2Expo day
- •Morning: gear + rig builds
- •Afternoon: skills classes / driving course
- •Evening: campfire + film sessions
3Grand Canyon + depart
- •Morning: last expo pass
- •Afternoon: Grand Canyon or Sedona detour
- •Head out
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Pack warm layers — Flagstaff sits near 7,000 ft and nights get cold.
- Camp on-site with your group to be in the middle of the action.
- Tack on a Grand Canyon or Sedona day — they're both close.
Frequently asked questions
What is Overland Expo?
It's the largest gathering for overlanding — self-reliant vehicle-based adventure travel — with a huge gear expo, skills classes, and driving courses.
When and where is the West event?
Mid-May near Flagstaff, Arizona, in the high pine country.
Can you camp there?
Yes — on-site rig camping is central to the experience.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Overland Expo West or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.