A zipline is defined as a cable that is suspended above an incline to which a pulley and harness are attached for a rider. The incline of a zipline allows the rider to be pulled by gravity along the line.
Ziplines have been around for over 2,000 years, often being used as a means of transportation in mountains areas like the Himalayas and Alps. People would hang ziplines to make it possible for them to quickly traverse across hazardous and rugged areas. These ziplines weren’t just used to transport people but often used to send or receive supplies and as a substitute for bridges as they are much quicker to build and utilize. The purpose of ziplines has slowly evolved from its beginnings as a form of transportation, scientific uses to observe hard to reach areas, and now as a means of entertainment in the tourism markets.
Colorado has some of the best views! Why not experience them from one of the many zipline courses Colorado has to offer?! Here is a guide to the best courses!
Lost Canyon Zipline Tour – Salida, CO
- Seven zipline cables
- Expect some hiking from platform to platform
- Views of Sangre De Cristo Mountains/ Arkansas River/ Old Silver Mine Shafts
AVA Cliffside Zipline – Idaho Springs, CO
- Six zipline cables
- 50 foot free fall feature
- Surf zipline feature
Cloudscraper Zipline – Cañon City, CO
- Highest zipline in America
- Royal Gorge- Granite Cliffs, located 965 feet of the Arkansas River
- 2,400 feet long, 1,200 feet high
Top of the Rockies Zipline – Leadville, CO
Image courtesy of www.topoftherockieszipline.com
- Located at an elevation of 11,2oo feet
- Views of Mt Massive and Mt Elbert – Highest peaks in Colorado
- Soars over Leadville Colorado and Southern Railroad – the only zipline that crosses over the top of a train
The Canyon Plunge – Vail, CO
- New zipline featuring 20mph top speed
- 65 foot free fall drop
AVA Mountaintop Zipline – Buena Vista, CO
- Seven Zipline cables
- Dual zipline for racing with friends
- Enjoy other activities with AVA in Buena Vista such as whitewater rafting, horseback riding, rock climbing
Castle Rock Zipline – Castle Rock, CO
- Ten ziplines
- Gains speeds up to 50mph
- Side by side race ziplines
Adventure Out West – Manitou Springs, CO
- Five ziplines
- Views of Pikes Peak
- Cliff Hanger zipline is known as the world’s slowest zipline so that there is plenty of time to soak in the views
Soaring Tree Top – Durango, CO
- Twenty-seven ziplines
- Longest zipline in the USA
Denver Adventures – Conifer, CO
- 30 minutes outside of Denver
- 250 feet off the ground
- Ziplines in the steep pines of the Rocky Mountains
Broadmoor Soaring Adventures – Colorado Springs, CO
- Located in South Cheyenne Canyon
- “Grandest mile of scenery in CO – Waterfalls/Mountains/Green Hills
- Ten ziplines divided between the two courses
No matter which zipline adventure you decide to experience for yourself, you will definitely in for an incredible Colorado experience and presented with some beautiful views.
