Are You Ready for Your First Zipline Tour?
Colorado is home to many beautiful sights, including the Garden of the Gods, Bear Lake, the Ice Castle, and the Seven Falls. The majestic mountain views and wonderful natural landscapes set Colorado apart as a wildly popular destination state. In addition to the beauty and vibrant life in Denver, there’s an incredible zipline experience that takes your Colorado visit to the next level of excitement. Here’s how to prepare for your first zipline tour.
What To Expect on Your First Zipline Tour
You can find several different ziplines, rated by difficulty levels and other features, such as lines with free-fall experiences, high speeds, and even a surf zip. Some tours are available for families with children, and other tours are scheduled at sunset and during the night for spectacular views of the moon and stars.
Many zipline tours run through the breath-taking Rocky Mountains throughout the year, so you can enjoy wintry vistas as well as summertime views. Some ziplines are found at the end of scenic hikes while others are surrounded by climbing walls and rappelling opportunities.
Common Questions for Beginning Zipliners
1. What if you’ve never tried ziplining before?
Most companies offer some basic training before setting you off. This how-to information includes basic safety rules, harness and cable handling, tips for slowing down and landing, and a couple of practice sessions.
2. What should you wear?
You’ll be most comfortable if you wear long pants and sturdy shoes without open toes. Many companies recommend that long hair is kept back in a ponytail, and if you wear glasses, you should have them on a secure strap.
3. Should you take anything on the zipline?
Your safety equipment (harness, helmet, and gloves) is usually provided for you, but it’s best to check with the company ahead of time. If you want to take a camera along, choose one that you don’t mind losing and keep it in a case that is close to your body.
4. Do you need special skills to zipline?
This really depends on the tour you sign up for. Starting tours don’t require much physical exertion, so once you’re ready to go, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. Some tours require the ability to hike, kayak, mountain bike, or engage in other physical sports. Ask about the level of exertion and any included activities before you sign up for a tour.
5. What are the minimum and maximum ages and weights?
Age requirements vary by zipline company, but tours for families may have a minimum age of 6 and at least 50 pounds. There are maximum weight allowances that vary by cable, so be sure to ask before booking your tour. If you are worried about fitting into the harness, ask whether full-body harnesses are available.
6. Can you go on a tour if you’re afraid of heights?
This depends on how accustomed you are to facing your fears. If you’re comfortable with hiking in high areas, speeding along whitewater rapids, diving below ocean waves, and other adventurous activities, you may be ready to tackle your fear of heights.
On the other hand, if you can’t imagine being comfortable being next to a 50 foot drop off area, you may want to schedule an alternate activity while the rest of your friends and family enjoy the incredible Colorado views.
Unforgettable Adventures
Zipline tours give you an unmatchable experience with birds-eye views, a feeling of flight over unforgettable views, and a chance to get a peek at birds and animals you might otherwise never see. When my family visited Colorado’s Royal Gorge a couple of summers ago, we had the chance to zipline across this breathtaking canyon. It’s the tallest zipline drop in North America. I chickened out! But my brave husband and 12 year old daughter went for it… and they said it was AMAZING!
There are several options for ziplining in Denver available within a short 30 minutes of downtown.
Plan Your Next Adventure
If you’re ready to try a new adventure, ziplining is an increasingly popular activity. When you book your family vacation in Denver, don’t get so caught up at Coors Field and the Denver Botanic Gardens, that you forget to enjoy an epic zipline adventure.
