Exploration Quarterly Field Camp – April 5–8, 2025

Many of you have told us how much you miss the spirit of the first few Overland Expo events, with their close-knit sense of community and common interests—the camaraderie, shared stories, vehicle tours, and one-on-one interactions. That spirit has returned, with the Exploration Quarterly Field Camps. 

Join us at the beautiful Aravaipa Canyon Ranch, a private property along Aravaipa Creek about 90 minutes north of Tucson, Arizona, for our first Field Camp. Registration is limited to just 45 attendees plus staff and sponsors.

We have limited accommodations in the ranch house (think 1970s-comfortable but not high luxury) with two fridges and communal kitchen; and camping for up to 30 vehicles in a large, grassy meadow, with a burbling creek running alongside. There are several bathrooms for campers.

Four-wheel-drive is not needed to get into the site (the main road in is graded dirt), but there is a river crossing that is usually fine, but can have a steep exit bank. We can’t accommodate Class-A motorhomes, but possibly smaller Class-B (you must ask in advance), and definitely vans and trucks pulling small trailers. Please contact us first if you have a vehicle larger than these described.

What’s included:

• Camping or bed in the ranch house (all ranch accommodations have shared baths; there are two bedrooms offered for either private room for one, or for couples (double bed); the rest of the rooms are shared, up to 3 people, same gender).

• One group dinner on Sunday evening, a Sonoran-style cookout and bacanora-tasting — all other meals are DIY. (For those staying in the ranch house, there are two fridges and a communal kitchen; we can help coordinate group meals but won’t be providing food.)

• Sunday music by balladeer David Rychener (who is the owner of the ranch)

• Skills clinics every day: overlanding, field arts, victualling, equipment setup and use—the topics are nearly endless. Let us know ideas you might have!

• View and test gear up-close with Sponsors

• Quality time with other explorers

• Roundtables with Exploration Quarterly writers and photographers and sponsors to ask questions about travel, gear, and more

• Group campfire each night

• Informal no-host cocktail hours

• Scheduled cook-offs

• Camp “home tours”

• Wildlife viewing

• We’ll have Swarovski spotting scopes to look for bighorn sheep and their lambs, as well as many species of birds during spring migration)

• Wildlife tracking and impromptu wildlife viewing up-close (Jonathan is always on the lookout for interesting snakes and other reptiles)

• Explore: Hiking, mountain biking, and / or 4WD / ADV-motorcycle on backroads trails up Brandenburg Canyon

• Venue is private, with no access to other vehicles, campers, or hikers.

Pricing :

• One person, camping option (one vehicle) – $395

• Two people, camping option (one vehicle) — $675

• Per person, ranch house option – $525 (shared)

  • All ranch house accommodations share baths (two baths total in the house, for 7 bedrooms).

  • We have two rooms available for couples who are both participating (no exceptions). Please enquire before registering.

• One person, ranch house option – $580 (private room, one bed) - very limited availability

• Two people, ranch house option – $995 (private room, one bed) - very limited availability

  • NOTE: Baths are still shared. We have three bedrooms which have one double bed, and these are for either singles (private room) or for couples. To register as a couple, choose this option and then let me know at checkout in the notes the details for the second person.)

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Additional Information / FAQ:

• What are the arrival / departure days?

  • Arrival day for getting to the ranch is Saturday, April 5 after 1 pm.

  • Departures are Tuesday, April 8 by 11 am

• What is your cancellation policy?

  • You may cancel the the Field Camp up until midnight February 1, 2025 for a refund of your payment less a $45 fee. You may also roll over your payment to another event.

• Why do you strongly recommend trip insurance for each participant?

  • This is to ensure you have medical evacuation coverage (nearly all the field camps will be in remote locations) and that your costs are covered if we have to cancel the field camp due to local emergencies or global health crises.

• Can I camp?

  • Yes! There is a large grassy field where you can set up camp near the river. There is a bathroom building with toilet, sink, and shower.

• Do you allow pets?

  • Very quiet, well-behaved dogs are allowed. If your pet makes too much noise or shows any sign of aggression toward other animals or people, you will be asked to leave, no refund.

• Where do I fly in?

  • You can fly into Tucson, Arizona—a 90-minute drive from central Tucson.

  • You can also fly into Phoenix, Arizona—a 2 1/2-hour drive to the ranch.

• How do we get from the airport to the venue?

  • You can rent a car; most of the way to the ranch is paved and there is a 6 mile graded dirt road.

  • Carpooling: once you register, we will provide you with a communications portal with other attendees and you could cost-share or ride-share.