OCTOBER 8TH - OCTOBER 11TH
OCTOBER 8TH - OCTOBER 11TH
LIMITED TO 100 RIGS
TRAILRECON SUMMIT 5 HAS A CAP OF 100 RIGS, AND TICKETS ARE GOING FAST.
DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND – GRAB YOUR PASS TODAY!
The Premier Off-Road & Overland Throwdown on the Edge of Palo Duro Canyon
Join Brad Kowitz of TrailRecon and the MERUS Adventure crew for an unforgettable off-road and overland throwdown at MERUS Adventure Park — co-created by Brad and Dirk van Reenen and set deep in the heart of Texas’s most jaw-dropping canyon country. Summit 5 is more than a trail event; it’s a gathering of the tribe. Expect epic trail runs, hands-on training, skill-building challenges, fireside stories under a wide-open Texas sky, and the kind of friendships that only get forged when the rigs are dirty and the sun’s dropping behind the rim. Whether you’re airing down for the first time or you’ve got a decade of overland miles under your belt, TrailRecon Summit 5 has a line for you — come for the trails, stay for the people, and leave with stories you’ll be telling for years.
Relive the Summit!
Take a ride back through the dust and stories of a past TrailRecon Summit. In this recap video, Brad Kowitz walks you through the highlights of an unforgettable weekend at MERUS Adventure Park — capturing the raw energy, the camaraderie, and the moments that made it legendary. From the rugged lines of the TrailRecon Challenge to the white-knuckle runs of the Extreme Challenge, every mile pushed limits and forged memories that stuck. Brad shares his personal take on what makes the Summit hit different — from the jaw-dropping Palo Duro Canyon backdrop to the bonds built around campfires and trails. If you want to feel the magic or see what the hype’s all about, this one’s a must-watch.
Hosted by TrailRecon's
Brad Kowitz and MERUS Adventure
Roll in for a weekend with Brad Kowitz of TrailRecon — the guy who’s built a community around the dirt, the gear, and the journey. Known for his down-to-earth style and deep love of overland exploration, Brad brings real-world expertise and infectious energy to every Summit. Expect a weekend dialed in on community, skill-building, and the pure joy of the ride. He’ll be out there running trails, swapping stories around the fire, sharing hard-earned insights, and making sure every attendee feels like part of the crew — whether it’s your first rig or your fifth.
Your Adventure, Your Line: Choose 1 of 4 Challenges
From technical trails to team-based educational expeditions, TrailRecon Summit 5 has a challenge with your name on it. Pick your line when you grab your ticket — then roll in, dig deep, and earn your badge.
Take on the Blue & Green Trails
1) The TrailRecon Challenge
Roll into a full weekend of dirt across MERUS Adventure Park’s Blue- and Green-rated trails. This challenge is built as a progressive ride — easing you in on the mellower stuff before pointing your rig toward the canyon’s more engaging terrain. Perfect for newcomers building confidence in a supportive crew or seasoned drivers looking for a less intense day on the trails. Suitable for vehicles with 32″ tires or larger, plus some stock rigs. Expect up to 7 hours of trail time each day — and a whole lot of canyon country in your rearview.
Push the Rig. Prove the Driver.
2) The TrailRecon Extreme Challenge
Strap in for a two-day assault on every Black-rated trail at MERUS Adventure Park. This one tests your driving, your nerve, and your rig at every turn — and finishing it will level up your off-road game in ways a hundred easy runs never could. Participants must complete a Black lane run on arrival night to confirm readiness. Expect 8-hour trail days and come prepared for self and group recoveries. Built for experienced drivers with modified rigs running 37″+ tires, winches, and lockers. This isn’t a ride. It’s a reckoning.
Beyond Extreme. Beyond Most Rigs.
3) The TrailRecon Double Black Challenge
The hardest lines MERUS has to offer. This is a two-day proving ground across every Double Black-rated trail in the park — the obstacles that make the Black lanes look like warm-ups. Expect off-camber descents, technical rock features, and sections that demand precision, patience, and full commitment from both driver and machine. Participants must complete a Double Black qualifier on arrival night to confirm readiness — no exceptions. Plan on 8+ hour trail days, multiple recoveries, and the kind of terrain where spotters, comms, and crew coordination aren’t optional — they’re survival. Built for highly experienced drivers running heavily modified rigs with 37″+ tires, dual lockers, winches, and serious armor. If the Extreme Challenge was a test, this is the final exam.
Learn & Explore Rally-Style
4) The TrailRecon Expedition Challenge
Back by popular demand. Roll out on a 2-day rally designed by Pete Newell across the Green and Blue-rated trails he knows better than anyone. Built around learning, teamwork, and time well spent in the canyon, you’ll move in small groups of 4–5 rigs, navigating to different park locations and tackling hands-on tasks that cover driving techniques, recovery, first aid, comms, navigation, survival, geology, and Leave No Trace. Experienced guides ride along to keep the wheels turning and the knowledge flowing. This low-stress challenge kicks off with about an hour of morning prep and rolls into roughly 5 hours of daily trail exploration. Suitable for all vehicles with 32″ tires or larger, plus some stock rigs.
Stack the Adventure: Optional Summit Add-Ons
Want more dirt, more trigger time, more story-worthy moments? Add it on at checkout. And for the first time in Summit history, we’re opening up the MERUS gun range to attendees — pistol, shotgun, and 200m rifle, all on-site. A few of these add-ons run at the same time, so check the schedule before booking to make sure your picks line up.
Huckleberry Trail Run - $50 | 4 hrs
Tackle MERUS’s black-rated Jeep Badge of Honor trail with expert guidance. Serious obstacles, technical terrain, and a true test of driver and rig. Limited to 15 vehicles. Min 2″ lift + 35″ tires. Passengers ride free. Sunday, Oct 11 — driver’s meeting 9:30 AM
Long Range Precision Clinic - Rifle Provided | $200 | 4 hrs
A 4-hour precision rifle clinic led by Buck Holly — 2022 Team USA World Champion Gold Medalist. Targets from 500 to 850 yards, with every shooter stretching to a full mile. Rifle, suppressor, and 40 rounds of match-grade ammo provided. Built for first-timers and seasoned shooters alike. Sunday, 8 AM – 12 PM | 12-shooter cap | 1:4 coach ratio
Long Range Precision Clinic — Bring Your Own | $75 | 4 hrs
Same elite clinic with Buck Holly, same range, same instruction — you bring the rifle and match-grade ammo. All rifles must be suppressed. No exceptions. Come with a working understanding of ballistics and leave dialed in past 500 yards. Sunday, 8 AM – 12 PM | 12-shooter cap | 1:4 coach ratio
MERUS Range Day — $50
For the first time ever, we’re opening the MERUS gun range to Summit attendees. Full access to our on-site pistol, shotgun, and 200m rifle ranges, with a certified Range Safety Officer on the line the entire session. BYO firearms and ammo. Pick your session: 9 AM – 12 PM or 1:30 – 4:30 PM | 30-shooter cap
Your Home Away From Home
Camping & Lodging Options
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE BEAUTY OF PALO DURO CANYON WITH OUR DIVERSE LODGING OPTIONS. WHETHER YOU PREFER SLEEPING UNDER THE VAST TEXAS SKY OR THE COMFORT OF A COZY CABIN, WE HAVE ACCOMMODATIONS TO SUIT YOUR STYLE.
What's Included?
- 3 Nights of Festival-Style Camping
- Access to Guided Trail Runs and Challenges
- Participation in Education Sessions
- 3 Delicious Continental Breakfasts
- 1 Hearty Texas BBQ Dinner
- Opportunities for Evening Campfire Gatherings and Camaraderie
- TrailRecon Summit 5 – Swag Bag
Note: Thursday dinner is not included, but we will have a Food Truck on site. Friday evening is a participant Potluck. Cook up your favorite camp recipe to share with new friends!
Get Your Tickets!
Don't Miss Out! Register Today
Pricing:
Driver Pass: $715
Passenger Pass: $215
