What is
STAGE5
STAGE5 is an off-road academy built to connect people to adventure.
Whether playing, vacationing, or working off the beaten path, we are here to help you gain the knowledge and skills to build the confidence you need to create your best adventures yet.
We are here to provide the very best learning experience for you through amazing customer service, world class instructing, incredible facilities, and making the whole experience fun and adventurous.
Build your skill, experience, and confidence with STAGE5
STAGE5 Off-Road Academy is powered by MERUS Adventure.
MERUS Adventure has quickly become one of the premier off-road and overland destinations in the country.
Through STAGE5, we are brining together the best off-road instructors, world class facilities, and an incredible playground for you to build your skills and confidence.
Our home base is outside Amarillo TX in Palo Duro Canyon, giving you access to some of the best terrain for off-road driving in the United States.
With 5,500 acres of land and 54 miles of trails, you will encounter all the obstacles and challenges to prepare you for off-roading anywhere else.
We have hosted thousands of off-road enthusiasts at MERUS, from brand new “never put a vehicle in 4WD” people to life long experienced adventurers.
The ONE thing they all had in common? An exceptional experience at MERUS Adventure.
What to expect coming to STAGE5
Learning a new skill like off-roading can feel intimidating.
We are here to make it an amazing experience for you.
At STAGE 5, our mission is to create amazing experiences to help people become more confident, experienced, and skilled in outdoor vehicle based adventure.
Off-roading and overlanding has completely changed our lives and brought us much closer together as family. We’ve also connected with many new life long friends that have enriched our lives in many ways.
We want the same for you. When you show up, you’ll be greeted with smiling faces and immediately welcomed into our STAGE5 family.
No matter your skill level, at STAGE5 everyone is treated equal. We want to help you learn and grow to build your skills, experience, and confidence to go out and have your best adventures yet.
– Dirk van Reenen
STAGE 5 Founder and CEO
Don’t have an off-road vehicle but want to learn how to drive off-road?
No Problem!
You can rent one of ours!
You don’t need a modified vehicle to come to our “Intro to Off-Road and Vehicle Recovery” Course.
You also don’t need to go out and buy a bunch of expensive gear. We’ve got you covered!
Get started with our
"Intro to Off-Road and Vehicle Recovery" Course
Our signature course, “Intro to Off-Road and Vehicle Recovery” provides you with the learning and fundamentals of off-road driving and safe vehicle recovery.
This course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to explore the outdoors with confidence.
In this 2 day course you'll learn;
- The right mindset and knowledge to become a competent off-roader
- 4WD vehicle components and features and knowing when and how to use them
- Knowing and understanding your vehicle
- Basic off-road driving techniques
- Trail etiquette and sharing the trail with others
- Driving your vehicle off-road in different terrain like sand, mud, dirt, and rock
- Vehicle recovery for when you get stuck
- Basic on-trail vehicle repairs
- And more…
Build your skills and be able to;
- Choose the best line on the trail
- Approach hill climbs and descents confidently
- Drive off-camber safely
- Drive in cross axle articulation situations
- When, where, and how to use lockers
- Rig up recovery gear for high energy pulls
- Choosing the safest methods of recovery
- Communicate with GRMS and FRS Radios
- Approach and drive technical trail sections
As a BONUS You'll
also get;
- Your own STAGE5 Swag pack with t-shirt, patch, and cap
- A signed certification for completing the course
- Special discounts on recovery gear and accessories
Upcoming Course Dates
November 17th & 18th (Friday-Sat) SOLD OUT
December 1st and 2nd (Friday-Sat) SOLD OUT
February 23rd & 24th (Friday-Sat) Tickets Available Now
March 8th & 9th (Friday-Sat) Tickets Available Now
April 18 -19th (Friday-Sat) Ticket Sales Open Jan 18th
Pricing & Tickets
- 2 Day Intro to Off-Road and Vehicle Recovery Course $597
Includes Breakfast and Lunch Each Day Classroom training, outdoor application training, test track sessions, and a trail ride.
- On-Trail Practical Application Day $247
Add a 3rd on-trail application day taking you into the canyon for a full trial experience to apply your new knowledge and practice your skills to gain real confidence.
- Dinner and Hospitality Package $197
Relax and kick back on our deck overlooking the canyon after training with your new friends from class. We’ll take care of dinner, drinks, and your evening hospitality each night.
Hundreds of off-road drivers have trusted us to help them learn, gain experience, and build their confidence. Now it’s your turn.
Stay in the know.
Be the first to hear about upcoming classes, school updates, gear specials, and more.
Fun and connection at STAGE5
School will never be the same!
We love creating an environment that allows you to have fun, make new friends, learn, and become more experienced as an off-roader.
Along with world class training, you’ll experience amazing hospitality, great food, and many laughs with your class mates and new friends.
We also offer cabins, glamping sites, an RV park, and overlanding & tent sites with bathrooms & showers available for accommodations
Everything you need for an amazing experience is right here and it’s all turn key.
