Plan your visit
Choose the kind of visit you are planning. We’ll point you to the right experience, reservation, passes, and preparation information.
Start here
Choose one path. We’ll show only the information and next action that apply to that kind of visit.
All four visit paths are shown below. Use the links in the path that fits your visit.
Day visit
Start with the experience that sounds most like your day. The next page will explain its passes, reservation, and preparation requirements.
What to know
Explore the off-road trail system in a qualifying vehicle.
Each visitor needs a Daily Entry Pass or eligible membership access. Each canyon vehicle needs a Daily 4×4 Pass or eligible membership benefit, plus a working GMRS radio and fire extinguisher. Review off-road requirementsExplore the canyon under your own power.
Guest entry applies; check current access and trail conditions before travel. Explore hiking and bikingLet a MERUS guide introduce you to the canyon.
Advance reservations are required; confirm the selected tour’s inclusions. Explore guided canyon toursReserve a trail-ready vehicle for your visit.
Reserve ahead and review driver, insurance, equipment, and pass requirements. Review Jeep rental optionsEach visitor needs a Daily Entry Pass or eligible membership access. Each canyon vehicle needs a Daily 4×4 Pass or eligible membership benefit, plus a working GMRS radio and fire extinguisher.
Review off-road requirementsGuest entry applies; check current access and trail conditions before travel.
Explore hiking and bikingAdvance reservations are required; confirm the selected tour’s inclusions.
Explore guided canyon toursReserve ahead and review driver, insurance, equipment, and pass requirements.
Review Jeep rental optionsNext step: Choose an experience to review availability, requirements, and booking details.
Overnight stay
Compare cabins, RV sites, and campsites first. Choose dates and guests only when you reach live accommodation availability.
What to know
Next step: When you book, you’ll select dates and guests, see live availability, and review the final total.
Event visit
Each signature event has its own dates, registration, vehicle access, lodging, and included activities.
What to know
Next step: Open an event to see its dates and current registration status before purchasing.
Group visit
Clubs, companies, families, and other organized groups can start with one short planning conversation.
What to know
Next step: Send your preferred dates, estimated group size, lodging needs, and contact details to start planning.
Know before you go
Before you go
Finish these in order, then use the detailed resources below when needed.
Start with the visit path above, then confirm availability where required.
Check exactly what your lodging, tour, rental, or event booking includes.
Every visitor, including children, needs a signed waiver.
Save the current Trail Guide and Camping Guide before leaving home.
Bring water and weather protection; trail vehicles need required safety equipment.
Recheck conditions, directions, and any late-arrival arrangements.
Preview the trails, campsites, and park layout while you plan.
Driving the trail system requires a qualifying 4WD vehicle, a Daily 4×4 Pass, a working GMRS radio, and a fire extinguisher.
Review Park Rules & Safety4510 County Road 9, Claude, Texas 79019.
Weather, trail access, and fire restrictions can change. Confirm conditions, then bring water, sun protection, and layers.
Read frequently asked questionsThe daily basics
These are the standard public park rates. Daily Entry Passes—and a Daily 4×4 Pass if you will drive into the canyon—are additional to standard lodging and Jeep rental rates. Tour and event inclusions vary, so check the individual booking before buying passes separately.
See all current rates and optionsPrices last verified August 13, 2026. Rates may change; confirm the final total and inclusions before booking.
Before you book
Verify the details that most often affect arrival, cost, and preparation.
Visit the full FAQNo. You can visit MERUS without driving the off-road trail system. Driving the trails requires a qualifying vehicle and all required equipment.
Reservations are not needed for general park access. Reserve lodging, guided tours, Jeep rentals, and STAGE5 courses in advance. Check each event page for registration requirements, and contact MERUS in advance for group visits.
Reserved lodging guests may check in for park use as early as 8:30 a.m. Lodging check-in is 3:00–5:30 p.m., and accommodations may not be ready until 3:00 p.m. Arrange late check-in with the office in advance.
Inclusions vary by product and event. Follow the details on the individual booking so you do not duplicate a pass or lodging item already included.
Every qualifying vehicle driving the 4×4 trail system needs a working GMRS radio and a fire extinguisher. Review Park Rules & Safety for the complete current list.
Yes. Every visitor, including children, must have a signed waiver. Complete it from the reservation email or at the front office.
Weather, trail access, road conditions, and fire restrictions can change. Contact the park office before travel and before using any fire or heat source. Follow park staff instructions for closures onsite.
One decision at a time
