Off-road education at MERUS
STAGE5 Off-Road Academy
Build practical off-road driving, recovery, communication, and decision-making skills through two days of classroom instruction, controlled practice, and trail application.
Information checked Courses, dates, prices, meals, and registration requirements checked against MERUS and Flybook. Live availability and the selected checkout terms are final.
Two courses, two ways to participate
Start with Level 1. Level 2 requires Level 1 completion. Choose a Driver registration for hands-on driving or Right Seat for a non-certificate passenger learning option.
Choose your STAGE5 course
Intro is the starting point. Advanced requires completion of STAGE5 Level 1.
Level 1
Intro to Off-Road & Vehicle Recovery
Build a practical foundation in off-road driving, vehicle awareness, trail communication, and safe vehicle recovery through two days of classroom and hands-on instruction.
- Format
- Two days
- Participation
- Driver or Right Seat
- Meals
- Five included
Level 2
Advanced Off-Road Driving & Recovery
Develop complex driving, terrain-assessment, winching, recovery, and emergency-response skills through controlled, scenario-based training.
- Format
- Two days
- Participation
- Driver or Right Seat
- Meals
- Five included
- Prerequisite
- STAGE5 Level 1 required
Learn, practice, apply
A two-day learning format
Classroom foundation
Build the mindset, vehicle knowledge, safety framework, and recovery planning needed for the hands-on work.
Controlled practice
Move into guided exercises in a controlled area and on the test track before applying the skills on trails.
Trail application
Use the course techniques during guided, real-world scenarios on the MERUS trail system.
Driver or Right Seat
Both registration options include the five-meal Hospitality Package, Daily Entry, and Daily 4×4 Passes. Live availability and checkout terms are final.
Driver
$510per participant registration
Hands-on classroom, controlled exercise, test-track, and trail learning in the registered vehicle.
Right Seat (Passenger)
$297.50per participant registration
A non-certificate learning option with the same instruction and observation, without the driving portion.
Five-Meal Hospitality Package
Included with Driver and Right Seat registrations.
- Day 1
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Day 2
- Breakfast and lunch
Passes included; lodging is separate
Daily Entry and Daily 4×4 Passes are included with Driver and Right Seat registrations.
Onsite cabins, RV sites, and camping are optional and additional. Reserve lodging separately and check the arrival instructions for the selected stay.
Compare onsite staysCourse requirements
Every guest must complete a MERUS waiver.
Each participating vehicle must have a working GMRS radio and working fire extinguisher.
Booking asks for an emergency contact and the vehicle make, model, year, tire size, and lift information.
Arrive by 8:00 a.m. on both course days and follow the final schedule and instructions in the registration confirmation.
Review the current cancellation policy and the terms shown with the selected registration before checkout. Read the cancellation policy.
Upcoming STAGE5 sessions
Choose a session to see live availability in Flybook.
Check live availability
Intro Course
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Use Flybook to confirm current Driver and Right Seat availability.
Check September Intro AvailabilityOpens the selected course in Flybook.
Check live availability
Advanced Course
–
STAGE5 Level 1 is required before this course. Use Flybook to confirm current Driver and Right Seat availability.
Check November Advanced AvailabilityOpens the selected course in Flybook.
Confirm registration
Intro Course
–
This date is listed by MERUS; confirm registration availability with the Park Office before planning around it.
Check December Intro AvailabilityOpens the selected course in Flybook.
STAGE5 questions
Which course should I choose?
Choose Intro/Level 1 for the foundational driving and recovery course. Advanced/Level 2 requires completion of Level 1.
What does the course price include?
Driver and Right Seat registrations include the two-day learning experience, five meals, Daily Entry, and Daily 4×4 Passes. Onsite lodging is additional.
Is STAGE5 a guided tour?
No. STAGE5 is structured off-road driving and recovery education. Guided Tours are a separate MERUS experience.
Choose the right STAGE5 course
Compare the two course levels, then choose a session in Flybook.
Course dates, availability, prices, requirements, and terms can change. Verify current information at merusadventure.com/stage5/course-dates/ before traveling.
