I look forward to my first trip to Merus. I remember driving through the area before it existed. Big Bend Ranch SP is what I will measure it against. For vastness and beautiful terrain. Looks to me like it stacks up well.
@@vernvartdal6479 hey, thank for watching. Yes, there is lots of wide open country there. They have added a lot since we have been there. I’d like to make it back up there and see the changes made. Enjoy your trip.
It is a really cool place, and as cool as it looks in this video, it does not do it justice. It sure doesn’t feel like you are only 2 hours from Lubbock haha.
I totally agree!! I am envious of you living out there. I was out there for the E3 Off Road Association event last year. I will be back! Just a beautiful place
Thank you for watching, they have added tons of trails since we were there too. Finding music is just about the hardest thing for me haha. I’m sure I spend more time finding songs then editing the video haha
Thank you, and thanks for watching. Man it’s a blast. We really enjoy it. Let me know if we can help in any way. We are not experts by any means but we enjoy it for what it is.
Great video. Going on vacation with my boys for the last two weeks of June. We have a Gladiator with a mild lift and tires. Heading to check out trails between San Antonio and Colorado. Wish we knew some folks along the way, but looking forward to it. We'll add this location to the list of visits!! Any wildlife concerns(Sounds dumb, I know. But curious)
Hey, thanks for watching. We appreciate the view and comment. That sounds like a great trip, there’s not much better then getting out with the kiddos. If you plan to stop by Merus, give them a call and see what you can get setup with them. It’s a cool place and should be experience by anyone that’s interested. As for wildlife in this area, secure your trash from raccoons and coyotes, and in warmer weather of course keep an eye out for snakes. We saw one rattlesnake while we were on this trip so they are around for sure.
Maybe you can make it out there sometime, it is a neat place. They have added a tone of stuff since I have been there. Thank for watching and commenting dude. We appreciate the support.
I live in west Texas Permian basin it's funny how many vehicles I see that are overlanded out snorkel, empty gas cans, tent setup etc. It's jus funny to me knowing most of them are jus for show never actually leaving the city.
Great video. Thanks for posting. Regarding the vehicles in your group. What was the smallest tires size? It looked like 33's. Also, did those with open differentials make it through okay?
Thanks for watching, yea I bet 33’s were probably the smallest and all the vehicles probably had close to that size (nothing too big). Most of the problems we ran into were high centered with long base. There was a guy there (not with our group, but followed us around to take some pictures) in a bone stock Nissan Xterra and it did surprisingly well on the all of the greens and some of the blues.
Hey, thanks for watching. Yea man it is a cool place. Its got so much space to explore, I’m ready to see all of their plans come to life and see where it goes. There is no other experience like this in this part of Texas.
New Subscriber! Thoroughly enjoyed the video man. I am not yet as talented with the video and editing yet but we are working on it. My wife and I are planning a Texas OVerlanding trip in March starting at Padre Island National Seashore up through the Texas Hill Country and ending up at Merus. This place looks like it might Rival Big Bend.
Thank you so much for the Sub. We truly appreciate it and thanks for watching. Stick with the editing and it will get more comfortable and faster. That sounds like a great trip. I am ashamed to admit that I have lived in this great state my whole life and have never been to Big Bend, but it’s on the list for sure. With that being said I can’t give a valid comparison. Merus was such a cool place to visit and test / push the limits of your vehicle. It is a very isolated feel and has some great views. They have added lots of features since we were there and I would love to go back and give some of those a try too. I look forward to seeing it hearing about your trip. Thank you for the support.
@@jonmccauley6490 we just hauled it down the 101 trail (I believe is what it was called) to our campsite. There is a steep climb on the way out and I’m not sure what there rules for that these days. We were there before they actually opened to the public.
Thanks for watching, Is you suburban 4x4? If so it should not have a problem getting in and out of the canyon. Give the guys a Merus a call and they can let you know real time what the trails look like.
@@WestTexasRambler one day you should come down south, miles of great beaches to explore and camp...4x4 needed for most. No canyons but still nice scenery
Great video! I live in Amarillo and maybe I’ll check it out depending on……what do you feel about 2WD 4Runner taking some trails there? Recommendations?
Hey thanks for watching, we really appreciate it. It has been a couple of years since I have been out there, but what I normally tell people with 2wd is while there are trails that you could for sure do. The only problem is that the one road in and out of the canyon gets really dry and powdery. They might have come up with a solution to fix it, but when it’s dry it looses tons of traction and makes it very difficult to get out of canyon. You could try reaching out to them to see what they suggest. Like I said it’s been a while since I have been out there.
@@WestTexasRambler There are definitely some very challenging trails down there. Everything from the mild trail in the video to full-on buggy trails, with more being opened up all the time. I helped clear a couple of trails on a work day this past Saturday. You won't be disappointed if you're looking for a wide variety of difficulty.
@@timarcher3927 thanks for the input. I know there has been lots of stuff added since we were there. No doubt that there is something for everyone out there.
Where are you guys based out of? My wife and I live in Midland… she drives a T4R Pro and I drive a pretty heavily modified F350 on 40’s. It would be awesome to link up on a trail ride sometime.
Ok, maybe 37 was an exaggeration, but when you are out camping and they are running around….. it feels like there are more of those little critters than there really are haha
Hey, thanks for watching. It’s a cool place. I know they have added a bunch of stuff since we have been there. You can get as wild as you want or keep it mild. There is something for all skill levels. My wife (with 0 OffRoad experience) drove 95% while we were there and she tested her limits for sure. It’s fun to push you vehicle to see what it is really capable of. Since you are going solo, keep in mind of where you are and how far you are from help / someone to pull you out of something. Where we camped was in the bottom of the canyon and was about a 1hour drive to the gate. Our first trip down to camp took about 1.5hours. Make note of other vehicles in the park and how busy it is to possibly have someone close by if needed. We had out big group and there was another group of people with maybe 10 rigs and we were all there for 4 day and we only saw them twice that whole time.
@@WestTexasRambler Great advice - thanks! Planning to camp in the bottom of the canyon as well. Not planning to get too crazy... gotta drive it home right! :D
Hey thanks for watching. Iv seen your videos from here also. Great work. Our trip was towards the end of May, so not to long after you. It was holding up good while we were there.
@@kingdomoverlanding yea, we were there right after about a week of rain and the weather was perfect. We had one kinda dry dusty day and then the day we left we had a fog settle in for our drive out. It was great.
I’m not sure. One of the biggest issues is getting out of the canyon on the main road. It is sometimes very very soft and fine soil. You would most likely need 4wd to get up and out of the canyon. Plus they have added a lot to the park since I was there last so I’m not the best to say as of now.
@@vr812 2wd could might make it, but they tell everyone to use 4wd on the way out to limit wheel sleep and more damage making it even worse. It’s a neat place for sure.
did you guys pay for the membership or the group booking? if you did a membership...where do you guys drive from to visit the park and do you believe the price they require is worth it??
We do not have a membership, but we booked a group trip here. Most of us were from the Lubbock area. Its hard to say if a membership is worth it to each individual based on location and how many times you plan to visit. I can tell you that it was a really neat place to spend a few days and their plans to continue to build trails and facilities will make it even better. My suggestion would be to get a hold of them and try and plan a single trip or get a group together and go visit it for yourself and see what you think. The staff out is great to work with.
@@WestTexasRambler sounds good. I kinda planned on contacting the just because I am from the Houston area so I hope they get some kind of single day access set up with their options. Lots of people down here work shift work in the plants so its hard to get a group sometimes especially for a 4 day trip.
@@adventure_48 if you look at their website, on one of the pages (maybe pricing page ?) All the way at the bottom is some non-members pricing. Unless they have changed something. It’s all such a new business I think in the beginning they will be feeling things out to see what works best as far as booking and non-members trips. As long as you are a good communicator and willing to work with them in a good manner they are very helpful. I’m sure they are busy with calls and emails so just being flexible will give you a better chance at getting a trip booked.
We recently went to the Lincoln NF in New Mexico and never had to use 4 wheel drive. That would be a great place to look. Our newest videos show that trip. Thanks for watching.
I’m going to say it would be good at least on the Merus 101 trail. It’s kind of the main trail in and out of the canyon. We had 3 guys pull small military type trailers and 1 with an off road pop up camper. They did not take them on any other trails.
I should also add that this also depends on the condition of road where it drops into the canyon. That road could be a a hard climb out with a trailer if it’s really dry.
Ok thanks, looks like yall set up camp somewhere, I’m assuming that’s at the entrance of the trail? Could the trailers be left there, then unmount it before riding the trails
@@javiergarza4127 We camped down in the canyon, but there are plenty of places up top to park and explore from there. If you camp up top on the rim you will have some killer views. Probably the best views in the whole place.
@@mt00a right now our group “Flatland Off-road” mostly meets in the Lubbock area for regular get togethers and occasionally a meet up in the Midland and Amarillo areas. You can find us on Facebook and instagram, there will be more trip information posted there. There is a trip to the San Juan mountains of Colorado coming up in July.
It was great having you guys out! Hope to see you again soon!
Thank you, I hope we did the park justice with our video and encourage others to come out and visit you.
Next year 😀
I look forward to my first trip to Merus. I remember driving through the area before it existed. Big Bend Ranch SP is what I will measure it against. For vastness and beautiful terrain. Looks to me like it stacks up well.
@@vernvartdal6479 hey, thank for watching. Yes, there is lots of wide open country there. They have added a lot since we have been there. I’d like to make it back up there and see the changes made. Enjoy your trip.
Woah, this is amazing! And in West Texas no less! Definitely need to check this place out!
It is a really cool place, and as cool as it looks in this video, it does not do it justice. It sure doesn’t feel like you are only 2 hours from Lubbock haha.
Good to see the kids out enjoying the great outdoors!
Yea, they had a blast.
Thank you for sharing! Found new place in Texas to explore :) Loved the video, stay open and adventureous!
Thanks for watching, I hope you get the chance to visit this place.
I totally agree!! I am envious of you living out there. I was out there for the E3 Off Road Association event last year. I will be back! Just a beautiful place
Oh yeah, great video too 😂😂
Hey, thanks for watching, we need to make it back up there for sure.
Thanks for the tour 🙂 I really liked your choice for music!
Thank you for watching, they have added tons of trails since we were there too. Finding music is just about the hardest thing for me haha. I’m sure I spend more time finding songs then editing the video haha
Very cool terrain, can't wait to get out there! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching.
I really enjoyed watching this video! Now it is even more difficult for me to wait patiently for my 392! I am glad I unofficially met you! Lol. 🌻
Hey, thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it. You would have an absolute blast out there. It was nice to meet you too.
@@WestTexasRambler 😃
Looks like a great place and will definitely add it to my list of places to go.
Thanks for watching. We really had a great time.
Thanks for sharing this! I had no idea this was there.
No problem, it was a really cool place. It will be open to the public July 15th.
Great location. Some great set ups too.
Hey, thanks for watching. It’s a really cool place. It’s cool to travel like this and see how everyone’s set works.
Love those canyons.
Beautiful ain’t it ?
Dude; Place looks awesome. Lookin’ for a place to hit up on my way back north east. Gonna have to stop by!
Yea man, for sure. Hope you make it out there.
Great video, thanks for sharing! Planning to go here in April
Hey, thanks for watching. There is lots to explore out that way. We will definitely be back. If you see us out there stop and say Hi.
Great video brother I'm from Burnt mattress Arkansas I recently got a 2012 FJ cruiser ready to go over landing
Thank you, and thanks for watching. Man it’s a blast. We really enjoy it. Let me know if we can help in any way. We are not experts by any means but we enjoy it for what it is.
That GX is SUPER impressive considering how it's not rigged out like all these others.
Its a very capable rig for sure. A good driver behind the wheel has a lot to do with that too. Thanks for watching.
Great video. Going on vacation with my boys for the last two weeks of June. We have a Gladiator with a mild lift and tires. Heading to check out trails between San Antonio and Colorado. Wish we knew some folks along the way, but looking forward to it. We'll add this location to the list of visits!! Any wildlife concerns(Sounds dumb, I know. But curious)
Hey, thanks for watching. We appreciate the view and comment. That sounds like a great trip, there’s not much better then getting out with the kiddos. If you plan to stop by Merus, give them a call and see what you can get setup with them. It’s a cool place and should be experience by anyone that’s interested. As for wildlife in this area, secure your trash from raccoons and coyotes, and in warmer weather of course keep an eye out for snakes. We saw one rattlesnake while we were on this trip so they are around for sure.
@@WestTexasRambler will definitely give them a buzz and post vids. We had a 2012 JKU modded, but sold it in 2015. Feels good being back in 4wd
I’m from Amarillo and I’ve yet to go. I’m a little dissatisfied with myself lol. Awesome video sir
Maybe you can make it out there sometime, it is a neat place. They have added a tone of stuff since I have been there. Thank for watching and commenting dude. We appreciate the support.
I live in west Texas Permian basin it's funny how many vehicles I see that are overlanded out snorkel, empty gas cans, tent setup etc. It's jus funny to me knowing most of them are jus for show never actually leaving the city.
We do daily drive ours, but they like the dirt and rocks too haha. Thanks for watching 🤙🏻
Great video! I can't wait to get out there.
Thank you I appreciate it. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you.
Great video. Thanks for posting. Regarding the vehicles in your group. What was the smallest tires size? It looked like 33's. Also, did those with open differentials make it through okay?
Thanks for watching, yea I bet 33’s were probably the smallest and all the vehicles probably had close to that size (nothing too big). Most of the problems we ran into were high centered with long base. There was a guy there (not with our group, but followed us around to take some pictures) in a bone stock Nissan Xterra and it did surprisingly well on the all of the greens and some of the blues.
can't wait to go out there
Dude, it was a really cool place. They have already added a lot more stuff since we have been there.
I had no idea about this. Looks pretty sweet Heath
Hey, thanks for watching. Yea man it is a cool place. Its got so much space to explore, I’m ready to see all of their plans come to life and see where it goes. There is no other experience like this in this part of Texas.
New Subscriber! Thoroughly enjoyed the video man. I am not yet as talented with the video and editing yet but we are working on it. My wife and I are planning a Texas OVerlanding trip in March starting at Padre Island National Seashore up through the Texas Hill Country and ending up at Merus. This place looks like it might Rival Big Bend.
Thank you so much for the Sub. We truly appreciate it and thanks for watching. Stick with the editing and it will get more comfortable and faster. That sounds like a great trip. I am ashamed to admit that I have lived in this great state my whole life and have never been to Big Bend, but it’s on the list for sure. With that being said I can’t give a valid comparison. Merus was such a cool place to visit and test / push the limits of your vehicle. It is a very isolated feel and has some great views. They have added lots of features since we were there and I would love to go back and give some of those a try too. I look forward to seeing it hearing about your trip. Thank you for the support.
Also, I subscribed to your channel. Keep it up.
nice #overland video
Thank you, I appreciate it. Thanks for watching.
Did you guys tow that popup through all the trails? Any portions you wouldn't or wasn't allowed?
@@jonmccauley6490 we just hauled it down the 101 trail (I believe is what it was called) to our campsite. There is a steep climb on the way out and I’m not sure what there rules for that these days. We were there before they actually opened to the public.
Wow, great video..never been there before. I wonder if my overland suburban can push through those trails. I'd love to go check it out!
Thanks for watching, Is you suburban 4x4? If so it should not have a problem getting in and out of the canyon. Give the guys a Merus a call and they can let you know real time what the trails look like.
@@WestTexasRambler yeah z71 with g80 locker...one day the g80 will be replaced with a true locker.
Only 3" lift with a little over 33'' tires.
@@-EJ00 I bet that would get you a lot of places out there. Keep me updated.
@@WestTexasRambler one day you should come down south, miles of great beaches to explore and camp...4x4 needed for most. No canyons but still nice scenery
@@-EJ00 sounds like a good time man.
Where’d you get the hat? Love the 806 representation!
Thanks for watching, the hat is made by Homtown Hats and we bought ours at a place called Mountain Hideaway in Lubbock.
Sweet video!
Thanks for watching, we really appreciate it.
Great Video
Thanks for watching.
Great video! I live in Amarillo and maybe I’ll check it out depending on……what do you feel about 2WD 4Runner taking some trails there? Recommendations?
Hey thanks for watching, we really appreciate it. It has been a couple of years since I have been out there, but what I normally tell people with 2wd is while there are trails that you could for sure do. The only problem is that the one road in and out of the canyon gets really dry and powdery. They might have come up with a solution to fix it, but when it’s dry it looses tons of traction and makes it very difficult to get out of canyon. You could try reaching out to them to see what they suggest. Like I said it’s been a while since I have been out there.
Maybe a weird question but do you guys run ac while driving? seems like most of yall have your windows down so do you bother to run ac?
We had some nice weather so we had the windows down. If we were trying to navigate some sort of obstacle they were down to help communication.
Glad to have another Softroader park for our Subaru
They have some pretty mild trails that are fun.
@@WestTexasRambler that's all I saw in the video
@@fordracing19 yea, we didn’t do anything wild, but it’s out there if you feel the need.
@@WestTexasRambler There are definitely some very challenging trails down there. Everything from the mild trail in the video to full-on buggy trails, with more being opened up all the time. I helped clear a couple of trails on a work day this past Saturday. You won't be disappointed if you're looking for a wide variety of difficulty.
@@timarcher3927 thanks for the input. I know there has been lots of stuff added since we were there. No doubt that there is something for everyone out there.
Where are you guys based out of? My wife and I live in Midland… she drives a T4R Pro and I drive a pretty heavily modified F350 on 40’s. It would be awesome to link up on a trail ride sometime.
Hey, thanks for watching. We are from the Lubbock area.
37 kids? I'd jump off that canyon ledge...
Ok, maybe 37 was an exaggeration, but when you are out camping and they are running around….. it feels like there are more of those little critters than there really are haha
Nice！
Thanks for watching.
What time of the year did yall go? Great video by the way
Thanks for watching, we were there at the end of May 2021
Great vid - I'll be out there solo on Fri/Sat after Thanksgiving... any advice?
Hey, thanks for watching. It’s a cool place. I know they have added a bunch of stuff since we have been there. You can get as wild as you want or keep it mild. There is something for all skill levels. My wife (with 0 OffRoad experience) drove 95% while we were there and she tested her limits for sure. It’s fun to push you vehicle to see what it is really capable of. Since you are going solo, keep in mind of where you are and how far you are from help / someone to pull you out of something. Where we camped was in the bottom of the canyon and was about a 1hour drive to the gate. Our first trip down to camp took about 1.5hours. Make note of other vehicles in the park and how busy it is to possibly have someone close by if needed. We had out big group and there was another group of people with maybe 10 rigs and we were all there for 4 day and we only saw them twice that whole time.
@@WestTexasRambler Great advice - thanks! Planning to camp in the bottom of the canyon as well. Not planning to get too crazy... gotta drive it home right! :D
@@TXGX460OverlandandOffRoad you will have a blast. Keep my updated. I’d like to see or hear about your trip.
Can a ford f150 tremor do these trails or would it be too big?
We had a Chevy Silverado with our group that seemed to do just fine on the trails that we covered.
@@WestTexasRambler okay thx!
@@ndnRenish yea no problem. Hope you get to make it out there someday
Sweet video !! How was the main trail going down into the canyon holding up?! We went thru back in April
Hey thanks for watching. Iv seen your videos from here also. Great work. Our trip was towards the end of May, so not to long after you. It was holding up good while we were there.
@@WestTexasRambler Awesome 💯 definitely looks super green!
@@kingdomoverlanding yea, we were there right after about a week of rain and the weather was perfect. We had one kinda dry dusty day and then the day we left we had a fog settle in for our drive out. It was great.
Do you think a stock 2WD Tacoma can handle the easy green trail?
I’m not sure. One of the biggest issues is getting out of the canyon on the main road. It is sometimes very very soft and fine soil. You would most likely need 4wd to get up and out of the canyon. Plus they have added a lot to the park since I was there last so I’m not the best to say as of now.
@@WestTexasRambler I agree! After watching more videos, that climb looks steep and can get slippery. Gotta get a 4x4. The place looks amazing!
@@vr812 2wd could might make it, but they tell everyone to use 4wd on the way out to limit wheel sleep and more damage making it even worse. It’s a neat place for sure.
did you guys pay for the membership or the group booking? if you did a membership...where do you guys drive from to visit the park and do you believe the price they require is worth it??
We do not have a membership, but we booked a group trip here. Most of us were from the Lubbock area. Its hard to say if a membership is worth it to each individual based on location and how many times you plan to visit. I can tell you that it was a really neat place to spend a few days and their plans to continue to build trails and facilities will make it even better. My suggestion would be to get a hold of them and try and plan a single trip or get a group together and go visit it for yourself and see what you think. The staff out is great to work with.
@@WestTexasRambler sounds good. I kinda planned on contacting the just because I am from the Houston area so I hope they get some kind of single day access set up with their options. Lots of people down here work shift work in the plants so its hard to get a group sometimes especially for a 4 day trip.
@@adventure_48 if you look at their website, on one of the pages (maybe pricing page ?) All the way at the bottom is some non-members pricing. Unless they have changed something. It’s all such a new business I think in the beginning they will be feeling things out to see what works best as far as booking and non-members trips. As long as you are a good communicator and willing to work with them in a good manner they are very helpful. I’m sure they are busy with calls and emails so just being flexible will give you a better chance at getting a trip booked.
Is there a spot where two wheel SUV can go overlanding to camp?
We recently went to the Lincoln NF in New Mexico and never had to use 4 wheel drive. That would be a great place to look. Our newest videos show that trip. Thanks for watching.
@@WestTexasRambler Thank you so much for your help. Will check out those videos as well.
@@MusicLuv80 sure thing, keep me updated on what you decide.
@@WestTexasRambler Will do. Thanks
Can a teardrop camper make it through the trails?
I’m going to say it would be good at least on the Merus 101 trail. It’s kind of the main trail in and out of the canyon. We had 3 guys pull small military type trailers and 1 with an off road pop up camper. They did not take them on any other trails.
I should also add that this also depends on the condition of road where it drops into the canyon. That road could be a a hard climb out with a trailer if it’s really dry.
Ok thanks, looks like yall set up camp somewhere, I’m assuming that’s at the entrance of the trail? Could the trailers be left there, then unmount it before riding the trails
@@javiergarza4127 We camped down in the canyon, but there are plenty of places up top to park and explore from there. If you camp up top on the rim you will have some killer views. Probably the best views in the whole place.
Toyota/Lexus dominates off-road community. Jeep probably stays next in line.
We had a couple of jeeps with us that were very capable, we did enjoy the Lexus and Toyotas though.
@@WestTexasRambler I'm in Dallas. Where are you guys located and when will be the next trip? Do you guys invite new members?
@@mt00a right now our group “Flatland Off-road” mostly meets in the Lubbock area for regular get togethers and occasionally a meet up in the Midland and Amarillo areas. You can find us on Facebook and instagram, there will be more trip information posted there. There is a trip to the San Juan mountains of Colorado coming up in July.
Likes like trail driving within a park and some camping at the end of the day and not overlanding to me.
Well whatever it’s called, we enjoyed it haha
Get rid of the music!!
Thanks for the feedback
of course the chevy gets stuck haha
That was self inflicted haha. I think he was just wanting to play in the mud.
Notice the change in tone when listing out all the vehicles on this trip....Toyota, Jeep, Tacomas,....and then LEXUS.....ewwww :)
Hahaha what about that Silverado though ? It was the best sounding by far haha. Thanks for watching
Lexus is just an OVERPRICED Toyota. 😉🤣🤣
I have dream to make a game just like gta but different real cars company
USA Texas is the perfect game to make at this point bro 😀
Sounds awesome man !
@@WestTexasRambler thanks alot 🙏🤝