If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience set against Colorado’s breathtaking scenery, the Zipline Tour: Colo-Rad could be just what you need. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the buzz from visitors and the detailed info paints a pretty exciting picture. This tour promises to send you soaring 150 feet above Manitou Springs, zipping across cliffs and forests, and enjoying some eye-popping views of the Rockies. It’s a mix of thrill and nature, with a good dose of safety and professionalism.
What really catches our eye? First, the variety of ziplines, ranging from 225 to 650 feet, promises a solid rush on each run. Second, the expert guides seem to make all the difference, making everyone feel safe while keeping the energy high. The one potential downside? It’s not suited for everyone—people with certain health conditions, pregnant women, or those over 254 pounds should probably sit this one out. That said, if you’re in decent shape, love adventure, and want to see some stunning Colorado vistas, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.
This tour is best for adventure seekers, small groups, and those who enjoy outdoor activities with a bit of a challenge. It’s also great if you’re traveling with others who want a memorable, adrenaline-fueled experience without too much fuss. Just remember, you’ll want to dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes for comfort and safety.
Key Points
- Thrilling height and scenery: Fly 150 feet above Manitou Springs over rugged terrain.
- Multiple ziplines: Experience five different zip lines, each offering unique views and speeds.
- Expert guides: Well-reviewed guides ensure safety and add fun to the ride.
- Suitability: Best for those in good health, with weight restrictions of 40-300 pounds.
- Duration and value: The 1.5-hour experience is a solid value at $120 per person.
- Weather-dependent: The activity operates weather permitting, so flexibility is key.
What to Expect from the Tour
Right from the start, you’ll meet at the designated spot in Manitou Springs—just west of the town, under the Welcoming Arch. From there, a short 15-minute ride in a 4×4 takes you from the station to Gregory Gulch, where the adventure begins. The entire experience lasts around 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the thrill and the views without feeling rushed.
Once at the start point, your guides will gear you up with all the safety equipment, including helmets and harnesses. The course itself is a rustic cliff-to-cliff style, with no towers to climb—think more natural terrain than man-made structures. The ziplines vary in length, from 225 feet to over 600 feet, providing a steady mix of quick thrills and longer, scenic rides.
The tour begins with a brief safety and instruction session. Guides are praised for their friendly, casual approach, making even first-timers feel comfortable. After that, you’ll take a few short nature hikes between ziplines, giving you a moment to catch your breath and appreciate the landscape. The scenery is spectacular—think forested cliffs, rugged canyons, and distant mountain views. Many reviewers mention the guides’ knowledge and sense of humor as a highlight, helping everyone feel at ease.
The Scenic and Thrilling Aspects
One of the major draws of this experience is the views. Zipping over Gregory Gulch gives you a bird’s-eye perspective of the natural terrain below—beautiful, raw, and unspoiled. The height of 150 feet offers a real sense of flying, which is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. The shorter, 225-foot lines are perfect for warming up, while the longer, 600-foot-plus rides deliver the real rush.
Travelers have mentioned how safe they felt thanks to the professionalism of the guides. As one reviewer shared, “The guides were awesome and fun and made me feel safe,” which is key for an activity like this. The guides also keep things light and enjoyable, often cracking jokes and sharing interesting tidbits about the landscape.
The Overall Experience
On the whole, this isn’t just about the thrills—it’s about enjoying Colorado’s stunning outdoor environment from a different perspective. The combination of adventure, scenery, and expert guidance creates a memorable outing. The tour’s small group size—limited to eight participants—ensures personalized attention, which adds to the feeling of safety and camaraderie.
A Note on Physical Fitness & Restrictions
Given the nature of the activity, you should be sturdy on your feet and comfortable walking at high elevations (over 6,700 feet). The hikes between ziplines are short—about half a mile total—but still require some mobility. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, those with heart issues, or anyone over 254 pounds. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as Colorado weather can change quickly.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Price and Its Value
At $120 per person, this tour is priced in line with similar outdoor adventure experiences. Considering it lasts roughly 1.5 hours and includes professional guides, safety gear, and transportation, the cost seems fair. Many reviewers mentioned they felt it was a worthwhile expense, especially for first-timers or thrill-seekers. The small group size also adds a more intimate feel, which can enhance the experience.
The tour’s flexibility—allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later—makes it easy to fit into your travel plans without pressure.
Real Visitor Feedback
Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides. For example, one reviewer said, “Our guides, Aiden and Dillion, were great. They put us at ease with their jokey, casual style but were very clear on safety.” Safety is clearly a priority, and guides seem to strike a perfect balance between fun and professionalism.
Another pointed out, “It was a super fun time,” emphasizing how much they enjoyed the experience. Many reviews mention feeling safe and having a blast regardless of whether they had zip-lined before.
Some small critiques include wishing the experience lasted longer or that the ride could be a bit more intense, but overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This zipline experience is perfect for adventure lovers keen to combine scenic views with a rush of adrenaline. It’s suited for those in good health and comfortable with heights, but not meant for young children or pregnant women. If you’re traveling with a small group or family (older kids and teens), it can be a fun shared adventure.
It’s particularly appealing if you value well-guided tours with knowledgeable staff, scenic outdoor settings, and a manageable duration that fits well into a busy itinerary.
Final Thoughts
The Zipline Tour: Colo-Rad offers an exciting way to see Colorado’s stunning natural terrain from a totally different perspective. With five varied ziplines, professional guides, and breathtaking views, it’s an adventure that delivers both thrill and scenery, making it a worthwhile addition to any Colorado trip.
While it isn’t for everyone—those with health concerns or a fear of heights might want to pass—most adventure enthusiasts will find it a worthwhile experience. The combination of safety, scenic beauty, and the sheer fun of zipping through the air leaves many visitors eager to return.
If you’re after a memorable outdoor activity that balances excitement with natural beauty and expert guidance, this tour is well worth considering. Just be prepared for Colorado’s weather and ensure you’re comfortable with walking and high elevations.
Zipline Tour: Colo-Rad
FAQ
- Is the tour suitable for first-timers?
Yes, many reviews highlight how guides make everyone feel safe and comfortable, even if it’s your first time ziplining. - How long does the tour last?
The experience typically takes around 1.5 hours, including transportation, safety briefing, and multiple ziplines. - What should I wear?
Dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes. Avoid sandals or flip-flops for safety and comfort. - Are there age or weight restrictions?
The activity is not recommended for children 5 and under, pregnant women, or those over 254 pounds. The weight range is 40 to 300 pounds. - Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes 4×4 transportation from the meeting point to the start of the course. - What if the weather turns bad?
The activity operates weather permitting, so it might be canceled or rescheduled if conditions are unsafe.
In all, this ziplining adventure in Colorado offers a blend of thrill and scenic beauty that’s hard to beat. For anyone craving a quick burst of adrenaline with some of the best views around, it’s definitely worth considering.
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