STAGE5 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.
You’ll continue to Flybook, MERUS’s reservation system. Check live availability, the final total, and the terms shown for your selected course before completing registration.
Information checked Courses, dates, prices, meals, and registration requirements checked against MERUS and Flybook. Live availability and the selected checkout terms are final.
Choose Driver or Right Seat before registration
Driver registration includes the hands-on driving portion. Right Seat is a non-certificate passenger learning option without the driving portion. Both include five meals, Daily Entry, and Daily 4×4 Passes.
Who this course is for
- Course level
- Level 1 foundational training
- Format
- Two days: classroom, controlled exercises, test track, and trail application
- Arrival
- Arrive by 8:00 a.m. both days; follow the final confirmation schedule
- Participation
- Driver or Right Seat (Passenger)
- Meals
- Five-meal Hospitality Package included
- Passes
- Daily Entry and Daily 4×4 Passes included
- Onsite stay
- Optional and booked separately
Newer off-road drivers
Learn a structured approach to vehicle systems, line choice, terrain, communication, and recovery.
Self-taught drivers
Turn trail experience into repeatable techniques and safer decision-making.
Right Seat learners
Observe the full course and build knowledge without completing the driving portion.
What you’ll learn
Vehicle fundamentals
Understand 4WD components and features, when to use them, clearance points, setup, weight, tires, suspension, and other vehicle systems.
Driving technique
Practice line selection, ascents, descents, off-camber terrain, cross-axle articulation, obstacles, and appropriate locker use.
Changing terrain
Apply driving decisions to sand, mud, dirt, and rock while considering traction and vehicle placement.
Trail communication
Learn trail etiquette, effective communication, environmental care, and the roles of a trail leader and tail gunner.
Recovery and rigging
Learn safe recovery planning and the use of winches, traction boards, ropes, rigging, and other recovery equipment.
On-trail repairs
Build a practical response to common vehicle problems that can happen away from the Park Office.
Learn, practice, apply
Two-day course format
Arrive by 8:00 a.m. on both days. Follow the registration confirmation for the final daily schedule.
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.
Participation and pricing
Both options include the two-day course, five meals, 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.
Requirements and equipment
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.
Meals and onsite stays
Five-Meal Hospitality Package
Included with Driver and Right Seat registrations.
- Day 1
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Day 2
- Breakfast and lunch
Stay onsite if it fits your trip
Onsite cabins, RV sites, and camping are optional and additional. Reserve lodging separately and check the arrival instructions for the selected stay.
Compare cabins, RV sites, and campingRules, waivers, and cancellation
Waiver and safety
Every guest must complete a waiver. Follow current park rules, staff direction, and the requirements in the registration confirmation.
Read park rules and safetyArrival
Arrive by 8:00 a.m. both days and use the final instructions in the registration confirmation.
Get directionsRegistration terms
Review the current cancellation policy and the terms shown with the selected registration before checkout.
Read the cancellation policyUpcoming dates
Choose a session to see live Driver and Right Seat 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.
Confirm registration
Intro Course
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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.
Course questions
Do I need prior off-road experience?
MERUS presents this as the foundational Level 1 course. Confirm vehicle fit and any participant-specific requirements in Flybook or with the Park Office before registering.
Does the course include a place to stay?
No. Onsite cabins, RV sites, and camping are optional and booked separately.
Are park and 4×4 passes included?
Yes. Daily Entry and Daily 4×4 Passes are included with Intro Driver and Right Seat registrations.
Find Intro Course dates
Choose a session, then continue to Flybook for live registration.
Course dates, availability, prices, requirements, and terms can change. Verify current information at merusadventure.com/stage5/course-dates/ before traveling.
