Zip lining – soaring above trees, canyons and other terrain with the clever use of a pulley system and spanning cable – has exploded in popularity in recent years. If you’re ready to jump into the air with both feet, check out our favorite picks for Colorado zip lining outfitters.
Captain Zip Line Adventure Tours: One of the earliest zip line outfitters in the nation, Captain Zip Line has a proven record to put your nerves at ease. Participants as young as 7 years can join in the majority of tours, which range from one and a half to two and a half hours. Expect to see incredible views of local fourteeners, canyons and mountain bluffs as well as the Arkansas River. Check out the eco tour for an education to accompany the local scenery.$69 - $89331 "H" Street PO Box 3, Salida; 719-221-6463
Full Blast Adventure Center: You have three options at Durango’s Full Blast, all of which include snacks, drinks and speed. The “Ponderosa,” the best option for the entire family, includes two and a half hours of zip lining above the forest floor, while the “Ponderosa Grande” includes four hours over a mile’s worth of cables. For a little less scenery -- but a thrill of the unseen -- try the “Night Flight.” $145/Ponderosa, $195/Ponderosa Grande, $145/Night Flight20673 Hwy 160, Durango; 970-759-9880
Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours: The newest zip line tour in Colorado – officially opened this month – offers a near three-hour adventure across nine lines, spanning a mile throughout the stunning landscape of the Gorge at extremely competitive rates. Take note: Weight must be between 90 and 250 pounds, and there will be light hiking. $89/Zip Line Tour45045 Hwy 50 W., Cañon City; 719-275-7238
Glenwood Canyon Zipline Adventures: Stare down the powerful Colorado with one of three 350-foot zip lines across the river – the only zip lines to cross the Colorado’s white water. This family-friendly adventure outfitter also offers a climbing wall, the “Leap of Faith” challenge jump from a 35-foot tower, and the “High Adventures Rope Course.” Mix up adrenaline rushes by purchasing a combo package of activities.$32/2 cross-river zips1308 County Road 129, Glenwood Springs; 970-945-6737
Soaring Tree Top Adventures: For the ultimate – albeit, pricey – experience, Soaring Tree wins the prize. Accessible only by a steam-powered locomotive – family-friendly and luxurious -- this outfitter is the largest worldwide with 27 spans reaching a mile and a half, and parallel cables running a distance of 600 feet. In addition to zipping, this full-day tour includes round-trip, first-class train transportation, a four-course gourmet meal atop a platform in the trees, Sky Ranger guides and an eco-tour with Eco Rangers. Note: No tips are accepted. $439964 County Road 200, Durango; 970-769-2357