Unexpected Snow in Texas - Overland Adventure

In this episode of TrailRecon, I’m at Merus Adventure Park in Texas for an E3 Overland event and it was cold! Really cold! We woke up to snow on our first morning but that didn’t stop us from having a great time on this three-day adventure. I’ll show you the trails we explored, some of the unique rigs and camp setups in our group, and how having a positive attitude can help you overcome some sticky situations.
I helped start E3 Overland to bring a community of like-minded people together and provide a comprehensive resource for anyone wanting to learn more about overlanding. This event at Merus is one of several we have planned for E3 Overland members this year, and it was great to spend time wheeling and hanging out around the campfire with this incredible group of people. Merus Adventure Park was the perfect place for a meet-up.
The park is located in the Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest in the U.S. after the Grand Canyon, and has more than 48 miles of off-road trails. Dirk, the park’s owner and our guide, expertly led us on several different trails ranging from “mild to wild” while helping everyone in our group build their off-road driving skills and their confidence.
Our group was pretty diverse. We had rigs that were stock and others that had been built out with lifts and upgraded suspensions. There were Jeep Wranglers, Toyota Tacomas, a Hummer, and my Ford Bronco. We had couples, families with kids, and even dogs. Camp setups ranged from rooftop tents and ground tents to a truck tent. It was great to see how everyone outfitted their rigs and the different gear folks brought because it just goes to show that overlanding is for everyone and you can equip your adventure to work best for you.
During our adventure at Merus, we started out on an easy trail our first morning that took us along the rim of Palo Duro Canyon. By the afternoon, several in our group were ready to check out more difficult trails, including one that was black diamond rated. We even had several opportunities to practice our winching skills. 🙄
I’ve been wanting to put the Bronco’s capabilities to the test and this trip did not disappoint. I had an opportunity to test out the “trail turn assist” feature that’s designed to help you turn in tight, technical situations. And the wide array of terrain meant I got to see how the Bronco, which is mostly stock, handled on steep inclines, rocky descents, off-camber sections, loose dirt, slick rocks, and drop-offs.
We all had a great time at Merus-the trails were so much fun, the park was beautiful (snow and all), and I can’t wait to get back and try out some more trails.
I hope you enjoy coming along for the ride with us on this episode!
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ℹ️ PRODUCTS IN THIS VIDEO ℹ️
✅ Tailgate Table: trailrecon.com...
❄️ Dometic 25L refrigerator: trailrecon.com...
🩹 First aid kit: trailrecon.com...
☕️ TrailRecon Adventure Blend Coffee: trailrecon.com...
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🌐 TRAILRECON.COM 🌐
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Check out our website if you’re looking for off-road or overland gear and equipment for your rig and off-the-grid adventures. We have everything you need, including recovery gear, tents, cooking and kitchen gear, sleeping bags, TrailRecon clothes and stickers, and a lot more.
If you’re interested in reading in-depth articles about the places we go, products we use, and our personal insights about overlanding, you’ll want to check out our blog.
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🧭 MERUS ADVENTURE PARK 🧭
merusadventure...
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[@anthonytetreau522]

FYI, the turn assist is called ORTA "off road turn assist." I was part of the R&D team the designed the steering wheel switches and the differential switch bank.

[@lvxleather]

Jeez, that wheel lift line just about gave me a heart attack too! Very impressive driving and the Bronco really did awesome.

[@stevewhitaker1474]

I thought it was going over for sure!

[@dylansnyder1820]

We just missed you! Me and the wife live just south of Dallas Tx and we left Merus on Sunday. You were our biggest inspiration to get into the overland/Jeep life so thank you for all of your content! We’ll catch you out there one day 👍🏻 keep up the amazing work

[@DixieOverland]

This felt like a double episode and I ain't even mad about it! Great video as always. Always cool to see a variety of rigs out on the trail. Shows that this hobby can be done by anyone!

[@TrailRecon]

So glad you enjoyed it, thank you! It's always fun to get a mix of vehicles out on the trail together.

[@frh-freerangehuman]

Great to see such an inclusive community of off-roaders/over-landers. Makes me believe all the hate for a variety of vehicles only really exists on the internet. Great video

[@TexanUSMC8089]

No matter where you go, there are good people and bad people. Some people just get their thrills from being a jerk.

[@taraaaron1242]

I have a jeep but I do like seeing different vehicles. We enjoy wheeling with different people with different experience and vehicles. Every person is awesome. We wheel with trail militia and dirt road journey. They are awesome too. Brad you have inspired us all.

[@JakeTaylor1646]

Wow I'm speechless that last trail was extremely technical and your skills really shined their, when I saw that Bronco buck its way through their it blew me away hopefully soon they will come out with a winch setup for ya!

[@TrailRecon]

It was a great trail for sure! I am looking forward to hopefully installing a winch on the Bronco soon.

[@ivanmontano6344]

Great content quality! Thanks a lot! and that Bronco Sport wow! I love them! The Badlands version has more off road capabilities, it's good to see more and more Sport's wheeling.

[@4x4adventure_pl]

Now this is on my near future bucket list.

[@goprogerms]

I don’t have an off road vehicle, but I love these videos!! I love to camp and be outdoors. I’ll have an off road vehicle in the future and can’t wait to go on similar adventures. 🙏🏾

[@superduper1917]

It will be your reality soon!

[@courtneymcmillan9432]

Love when you do the camp/rig walk arounds. Thanks Brad!

[@travis6798]

If you haven't already, you might want to research what kind of filter your water tank uses... a lot of times if the membranes freeze they are rendered useless at filtering some of the smaller bugs, which would mean it needs to be replaced. Love the content!

[@yakoobjunior9631]

This video was exciting to watch. Thank you for sharing Brad, and Dirk was pretty awesome in the handling of that rather difficult trail too. Great teamwork throughout 👍🏼👍🏼

[@pablodelarosa4201]

Big fan of MERUS. I live in Houston which is about 9 hours away from there but I've already been about 6 times since they opened up last July. Super great to see this adventure park get more exposure as Dirk and his family really have made it a great place to go.

[@AmericanMuscleTruck]

I'm new to all this so this is super helpful! I spent so much on my rig I didn't want to make a bunch of mistakes buying gear... thank you!

[@braedenpelton7674]

I'm from Amarillo and I've always wanted to go to Merus

[@modlerjeancharles3287]

A lot of love and respect for what you guys are doing with that bronco cuz God knows I’d never do anything close to some of these course in my bronco. 😂

[@JaxvR08]

This was one dang fun time, was awesome having you out, and getting to wheel with you and all the other E3 overland members.

[@White_buffalo_4r]

Dirk and the crew at Merus are amazing hands down. We just finished from a trip out there over the weekend and Sagisor trail is a blast full of challenges every time you turn around.

[@ExtremeDailyDrivers]

This may be your best video to date. Fantastic.

[@_e_z1601]

I watched your previous video of your Bronco, and carefully listened some of the feedback you provided. I honestly think the Bronco is very capable stock offroad vehicle; except for that winch issue you mentioned, but that's not a deal breaker in my mind. I really like the Bronco and I think it makes for a better daily driver in my opinion. Nicely done video, really enjoyed it.

[@blanedearmond6972]

Your video quality has just gotten so amazing man. Keep it up!

[@blaise7405]

That nose dive on your Bronco 🤯🤯🤯. Sweet video.

[@johnbarrios1598]

That was Awesome!!! Love your adventures..... Almost had my second heart attack watching the Bronco nearly tip over.. But great filming great cliff notes.... Keep on Filming!!!!!!!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@LoneStarSwirl]

My wife and I were just in Merus for 3 days this past weekend on our Coast to Canyon across Texas adventure where started out at PINS and made our way up through the Hill Country to Palo Duro. Merus was AMAZING!!! Absolutely breathtaking scenery and the trails were awesome. Glad to see you had fun in Texas!!! Come back soon now ya hear!

[@ssrusticoffroadadventures6192]

Great video Brad of the park, I live less than 2hours from the park and have been watching them build the park from the start, you have given the public one of the best views so far from a visitors stand point at least that I have seen, I built my own sort of over lander trailer I am just dying to take down there, I am hoping this spring or summer we will get to do just that, after watching this video I am more than ready, thanks again for great content

[@lyndonhamby7432]

Awesome Brad 👍

[@evanselaban7058]

I'm inspired to get on the trails with great ppl to explore and have fun.

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

that last trail was great advertisement for the Ford Bronco! I could see you grabbing your chest when it tilted forward! I thought for a second it was going to tip over whew! wow! It's pretty awesome that he bought this land and made a public park for people to overland and hit some trails and have some fun.

[@diverblc]

I’m from Amarillo and have never even heard of this place!

[@eskeda03]

You should have your show in Discovery Channel, all your adventures are incredible, always showing great places and great people.

[@brentking4538]

I almost had a heart attack watching your Bronco almost going over!! LOL

[@TrailRecon]

You and me both!

[@brentking4538]

@@TrailRecon I bet especially seeing you weren’t driving it!!! Glad it all worked out in the end!!

[@sandeepprad362]

Always fun watching your trail vlogs 👍

[@Propelled]

Use the trail assist feature, you have to scrape the “tread lightly” decals off your rig.

[@samsanderson7159]

Nice to see some real world testing with the Bronco. My wife and I own two jeeps, but I've always been a Ford guy.

[@dizi17]

Take a shot every time you hear "get after it" 😅 Thanks for the great vid! Look like a good time!

[@Justjeepingadventures]

Fun adventures even when cold! I love camping in the snow and cold weather. Less people!

[@cwo8771]

This was awesome, Brad. Thanks for introducing me to a place right in my own back yard. I’ve got an old (2001) TJ that I bought new. It’s my daily driver. It’s a bit rough. Hoping to spruce it up this year and become a member at Merus. Would be nice to meet you there sometime.

[@nativetexson]

This was awesome! Palo Duro canyon is a short drive from my family's ranch. I would hike there as a kid. Next time I go home to TX, I'll have to get my Jeep out and go check out the adventure park. Thanks!

[@ravenoverlanding]

Brad awesome job as always. I'm a small KZbinr from New Zealand and your videos like this inspire me a lot, Keep up the good work man!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! Will do!

[@scottfranson4215]

Thank You for taking me along ,via video 5*s video for sure

[@crosscountrycrawling1534]

I've been thinking of becoming a member of this park. Thanks for sharing some of what it has to offer. Keep up the great work. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@MTravelFPV]

I really enjoyed your video. 🤩⭐️ Thanks for Sharing! 👍🏼💕

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

That looks like a great off road park. I love the idea of Low range and slow going on the trails. The last trail looked awesome. I will be adding this place to my list of trails to do within the next year. Thank you for a great video.

[@UncleNucoa]

Nice to see a variety 4x4's out on the trail and in one video. Enjoyable video, as always, Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@jdii5698]

I see you stopped at Buc-ee's and picked up a little hitchhiker (@ 18:30). Hoped you enjoyed Texas.

[@btakin8737]

As always Best of KZbin content! So disappointed I could not make this trip with E3. FYI, we have been using independent rear lockup on Ag Tractors since their advent. That is how you make a complete 180 turn at the end of the row, as well as make corrections around obstacles. I think the most beneficial aspect of this on an off-road vehicle having the ability to tight turn and pivot the vehicle without hard stopping your steering mechanisms and pump creating excessive heat in the hydraulic system.🤷‍♂️ Another great video fro TR!

[@frankyq21]

listening to you marrate is like reading a good steinbeck book.

[@off-roadskys4250]

Great trip! I will be there with E3 Offroad in 2 weeks so this video was great to see what terrain and challenges will be in place. Look forward to making several trips out there this year

[@DirkvanReenen]

Nice! Excited to meet you on the off-Road trip.

[@minitrucker007]

Wow this was some great wheeling!! What fun and it looks challenging. When the broncos back tire came up I jump with you Brad!! Great video!!

[@jonvenden4284]

Brad the easiest way to deal with frozen water in the morning is simple. The night before put the amount of water you need in a cooking pot. Let the water freeze but now you can put the pot on the stove and thaw the ice out.

[@doloresgarcia7585]

Great video! I had a little heart attack too! Nice!

[@rkendsley7561]

This event was AWESOME Brad!!! Really enjoyed it. Thank you Merus Adventure Park, E3 Overland and TrailRecon for putting this together. The only DOWN side (Pun intended) was I needed a warmer sleeping bag, it was "Just a bit chilly" (Channel the Bob Uecker inflection). Slept one night with a foil emergency blanket wrapped around me in my bag, now my son calls me "Tater Chip".

[@barryraven4745]

You need to go back in the summer and see the play "Texas" at the State Park. It is a must do once in your life.

[@homerfeltheim12345]

What I love is with the bronco this food it’ll make Jeep keep improving the wrangler, which will then make ford improve and so on. You have to love competition

[@35jdub]

woot woot, Panhandle of Texas! Thankful to be in Amarillo

[@wildernessliving4288]

cant wait to take my 2004 Mitsubsihi Montero out on the trails again.. this video definitely makes me wish spring would come around finally!

[@Oldjongcrow416]

😱HO......LEE.....SHET, IM NOT!!! DRIVING DOWN THAT STEEP SIDE WALL

[@boazshoval7027]

This video was great, now I’m sure that I’ll stay with my Wranglar:-)

[@hotrod7603]

Your wrangler didn't attempted that and make sure those are modded as hell and Bronco is factory:))

[@boazshoval7027]

@@hotrod7603 I got you, but, I prefer the Wranglar:-)

[@AustinH7]

@@hotrod7603 you can get a wrangler stock with 35s and a lift ;)

[@brianu33]

We camped like this using atv in mountains of Pennsylvania. Love these videos

[@rickysoffroadrecovery]

Thank you for the wonderful video your videos are relaxing. And we did flinch when your Bronco almost went over. Get a winch. We are getting a Bronco now.

[@rexmago9966]

You should have your own group called E-9 Overland! 😉 Navy Chief, Navy Pride!!

[@malifestro3319]

Wow! That lift and almost roll over made my heart skip. And that 4xe was kitted out well for being so new! I need to get on it with mine! Though I don't think I want a RTT. I have Thule box that I can stuff things in to keep it clean and dry.

[@Moving_Chicane]

I said some words when the rear corner pitched up! LOL! Awesome!

[@bigtime6837]

Brad just ran down to your neck of the woods with a load of Montana Pasta and took back 75,000lbs of wine for the folks in Montana to sample. Love you vids and the fact that you think 19° is cold !! ;)…. Thanks for your passion and fun loving spirit!!!!!!!

[@danderson101]

Great video and thanks for sharing the knowledge of this place!

[@MichaelEldridge73]

Outstanding video! Thanks, Brad.

[@darksideemt]

This is high on my list of places to go to. Awesome stuff!

[@ethansewell4858]

Brother! Just bought a TJ jeep like your son! Thanks for the inspiration and can’t wait to wheel with you and your son!

[@eeveegaming2159]

This video was amazing

[@sandmanpls]

Thanks, I didn’t know the tailgater table was available for the Bronco. A must have!!

[@gilbertferguson1685]

Great video Brad. Especially enjoyed the Bronco footage as we are getting ours in August. Meanwhile, we got a Jeep Wrangler for some off road adventures. Keep them coming. Thanks.

[@archangel7673]

Oh if I had only known, I really need something like this right now!

[@nicholsceramiccoating8284]

Awesome 👍

[@ronzky1186]

Wooow.The snow...Oh my G...its very risky,but the view was very nice..more nicest video of you guys..May god bless you in all your trip..💚💚

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Amazing adventure

[@vickyrizz5199]

Am in Kenya i don't have any car am a big fun I love things camping, and all that driving experience... Hope a miracle would happen i would love to join you great people

[@brunnie]

I was like you when the Bronco pitched. OH MY!!!! My Xterra does the same thing and it can really shake you, even if it isn't as much as what your trail was like. Thanks for another interesting video. Until next time... Travel Safe.

[@Crazynacky]

Next time I go out west Bronco will be stopping for a while in Merus Adventure park. Just went to Northwest OHV park and I've got the itch

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

That had to be such a great adventure for you all. glad to see there is something for everyone there. Curious why the tent flew of the tumbled trailer? Or was that taken off to make the flipping it back on its wheels easier? The scenery looks amazing. Snow covered red rocks and desert like areas always look kind of magic. 38:38 whoopsidedoodle almost lost the Bronco there. Glad Dirk accelerated to save the rig from flipping. thanks for filing and sharing Brad!

[@ldsgrayhaze5311]

Great video!! Did really good for being stock. With a lift will do even better.

[@JKAdven]

Amazing video. Had a great time and can’t wait till we meet up again.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and same here!

[@michaelaltig5519]

In 199 something, In the Army, I got to drive a duece and a half in the SNOW in TEXAS! "interaxel diff lock". Nuff said!

[@johnkaper1129]

Another great video, just lots of beautiful scenery and team work and wonderful people. Glad your Bronco didn't get hurt; which lens do you use with your R5? Tks Happy Trails!

[@soma7040]

Thought I saw a Ram 1500 in the group would of loved to see the build on that!!

[@MikeUtah]

Place looks awesome.

[@tqmonger]

Just one thing to add, when the trailer roll over it was noted that the tire pressure might have been to low. I would hope that he didn’t air down the trailer tires because you only air down for traction. Other than that beautiful area to explore!

[@donaldhalls2189]

Nice trail looks like you all had fun all the best to you all

[@Oldjongcrow416]

TEARDROP TRAILER 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👈👀

[@ronzky1186]

And what i was waiting the most?was the food..haha i really love watching youre videos..💚

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@charleshicks3492]

Another great video; loved the snow and below 10* wind chill; was in Wyoming once where it was 50* below: 🥶

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! -50 is insanely cold!

[@georgelukemire5743]

Great video. Also great song on your radio

[@jimotten6206]

Great adventure Brad, Great video, keep it up. AZ Boy

[@jamiethon9441]

Would a Sahara be able to keep up? Just didn’t have the budget at the time for a rubicon. But wanting to do some over landing. Also know that the rubicons are the ones truly made for the hard trails.

[@StarOasis26]

Wow this sure was an adventurous outing. I feel like I was camping myself

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@txredkim867]

Welcome Back To Texas!

[@TrailRecon]

It was good to be back, but I'll wait next time until its warmer!

[@txredkim867]

@@TrailRecon yeah we've had our share of sketchy weather lately! I think we are finally looking at spring and the rainy season till atleast May. I'm glad you enjoy being in Texas and I'm excited to visit this new area and explore.

[@brandoncollins3334]

That was an awesome video and you are great KZbin host

[@chrissolomon8868]

Amazing adventure👍 must say your bronco did very well...you need to modify it soon for more adventures

[@markely7587]

I realize this video is from 2 years ago, but did you use any of the options on the Bronco like trail turn assist or the sway bar disconnect? Also. It interesting to me that the owner hasn’t driven a Taco or 4 Runner on the trails, those both have IFS like the Bronco. Speaking of the 4 Runner, I would consider that another rival in the off road market. Those 4Runners go a lot of places and are high quality vehicles. Given that’s a factory rig I think it deserves a lot of respect. It’s unfortunate the Bronco launch was the same time as Covid and it had a lot of supply chain and quality issues. Hopefully in 2024 those issues have been worked out.

[@robertwhitemoto]

wholly crap I thought your bronco was turtled.. ha! fantastic place.

[@kenworth1824]

Brad, you mentioned that E3 Overland has a app? Could you please start putting links to the app in the description, pretty please, with sugar on top, please? What a great place. I'm thinking once we start our adventures, we'll have to visit here! I'm not much into rock crawling. But this place is right up my interests! Thanks a ton for all that you do! Say "Hi" to Regena from me and Rosie!