Views, high speed, thrills, and laughs. Can you think of a better way to spend your free time in Denver than zip lining through the mountains?
No matter the season, zip lining offers year round fun around the mile high city. Zip lining is a rain/snow or shine activity that will take around 2-3 hours depending on the tour you choose. It’s a perfect activity for friends, dates, or families.
Finding a zip lining tour around Denver is easier than you think. There are a few really great zip lining companies around the area, and you really can’t go wrong with either of them. If you’re on the fence, here are a few top zip lining companies near Denver for you to check out:
Best Denver Zip Line Companies
You can find plenty of highly rated zip lining tours near Denver. These happen to be three of the best and should be easy for most people near Denver to visit, no matter which area you live in or are currently visiting Colorado.
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- Denver Adventures: Zip lining in Confier, CO with Denver Adventures is just a quick drive from the city. We loved the guides, the views, and how easy it was to enjoy zipping with them. Denver Adventures zip lining doesn’t require you to manually brake. Just sit back and enjoy the views while riding Colorado’s longest zip line at over 1,900 feet!
- Castle Rock Zip Line Tours: Drive south of Denver (towards Colorado Springs) for a few miles and you will hit the city of Castle Rock. Castle Rock Zip Line Tours provides adventurers with awesome views and excitement. A highlight of this zip line tour near Denver is the dual zip race line.
- AVA Colorado Zipline (Idaho Springs): Enjoy a cliffside zip line tour with AVA Colorado Zipline in Idaho Springs. While your zips might not last as long as the other two, the scenery is the big payoff on this tour. Idaho Springs is an old mining town You will zip line by cliffs, over Chicago Creek, and enjoy a 50 foot cliffside free fall.
Zip Lining Basics: How to Prepare and What Not to Bring
Unfortunately, zip lining isn’t for everyone. There are things like weight, height, and age restrictions that you should know before booking a tour.
Restrictions for Zip Lining
- Most zip line tours have published weight restrictions. It’s typically a minimum of 50 lbs and a max of 225 lbs to 250 lbs. Double check with your tour provider before booking and don’t forget to weigh yourself first. They will weigh you before taking you zip lining.
- Age restrictions exist for children. Most sites are a little vague on what the kids and can’t do (solo vs tandem), so it’s best to give the companies a call first.
- If you have medical issues, recently had surgery, or are pregnant, you most likely can’t zip. This is also not the time to conquer your extreme fear of heights. Your tour group will be comprised of small groups of friends, couples, or families, so you can’t be the reason for slowing down the tour/fun.
Double check with the zip line companies about any other restrictions that you might be worried about. Once you book, you will probably not receive a refund for showing up and not meeting these restrictions (the guide is already paid for).
Photography/Video Equipment on Zip Lines
- Most zip line tour companies will provide you with a GoPro (for an extra fee). Denver Adventures also includes a mini SD card in their rental fee, so you get to take home a physical copy of your video.
- You can most likely bring your own GoPro. Headgear for GoPro cameras is dirt cheap on Amazon. Most helmets have tabs that you can secure your headgear on. Some helmets will also have a clip attached and ready to go for your GoPro camera.
- You can probably bring your phone with you on the zip line, but if you drop it, you’re also probably out of luck. Hopefully you have a good insurance plan. It’s best to leave your phone locked up in your car.
- Anything bulky like a DSLR is also best if left in the car. Just enjoy the views through the eyes God gave you.
GoPros will give you the best option for zip lining. Choose video or time lapse, high speed photos. The quality is great, and it’s one less thing for you to worry about dropping.
What to Wear While Zip Lining in Colorado
Welcome to Colorado. The weather can change in an instant. It’s pretty common to experience 30-40 degree shifts in temperatures in the Denver and front range area it’s shocking to everyone. There’s a saying here; “If you don’t like the weather in Denver, wait 15 minutes.”
If you’re visiting during the summer, wear shorts and pack a very light jacket. If you’re zip lining during the fall or spring, it could be 85 degrees and sunny or it could be snowing. Check the forecasts and bring an extra layer with you just in case. During the winter, weather could swing either way. Hopefully you can catch a white tour with snow covering the ground and trees.
Front range and mountain storms can hit during the afternoon. It’s not a bad idea to pack a rain jacket or something water resistant so that you’re not miserable. Tours typically run in the rain, snow, or sunshine. The only reason for a delay or cancellation would be lightning and thunder.
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While You’re Out: Post Zip Line Activities
These zip line tours are fairly easy to find and are just off of our main highways in Denver. The fun doesn’t have to end after the tour. You can usually find a few other things to do as well.
- Zip early and go on your next adventure in the afternoon. Many tours give you options to go whitewater rafting or mountain biking as well.
- Drink local and visit a craft brewery in the area. Each of the zip line tour companies listed above are within close proximity to breweries. Great beer is part of our culture.
- Go for a hike! There are some great day hikes just around the corner. A favorite day hike around Idaho Springs is St Mary’s Glacier.
Planning Your Visit to Colorado
Colorado is one of the most beautiful states to visit year round. If you’re planning to visit Denver or Colorado, use our quick guide to help you discover a few tips (and deals) when booking your trip adventure.