Zipline & Canopy Tours

Zip lines are sprouting as fast as foliage in the tree canopies you'll slide through during a zipline adventure. Once, considered an exotic way to view nature from above, now days, you can find a zipline adventure (sometimes called a "canopy tour") in dozens of places around North America, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Peru, New Zealand and many other countries. Click on any of the links below to learn more about specific zipline and canopy tours. In many locations, zipline tours are offered year-round.

What is a Zipline Adventure?

Zipline adventures let you soar from tree to tree in rain forests, across canyons and through a variety of landscapes, giving you a bird's-eye view of the world surrounding you. Imagine flying high, wrapped in a body harness (picture a massive diaper) that's clipped to a steel line strung through a canopy of trees. As you fly along, you may see monkeys and birds in the trees or a chasm below you, depending upon where you are taking your zipline adventure. On many of these zipline tours you reach the ziplines by climbing stairs or ladders to platforms high in a tree. On other canopy and zipline adventures you'll also walk across bridges strung between trees.

10 Best Zipline Adventures inthe U.S.

Do you agree these choices are the 10 Best Ziplines in the U.S.?.

A Zipline Adventure in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

You can take zipline tours in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, after a day on the ski slopes in the winter or a round of golf in the summer. This five-zipline adventure takes you through the dense forest between the adjacent Whistler and Blackcomb ski mountains. Whistler Zipline Ecotours offers zipline adventures where you'll move from one zipline to the next on a network of boardwalks and trails, and by aerial stairways and bridges at heights reaching eighty feet above ground.

A Zipline Adventure at Heavenly Resort in California

Be prepared for a fast, steep descent if you're zipping down the Heavenly Flyer, which stretches 3,300-feet, because the 525-foot vertical drop matches that of the Space Needle. This zipline at Heavenly Resort, which straddles the California and Nevada state line, is open year-round, so whether there's snow on the ground or the slopes are summer-green, you're guaranteed spectacular views of Lake Tahoe as you descend.

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A Zipline Adventure in Tsitsikamma, South Africa

Zipping along 10 zip lines in one trip was a wild intro to the world of zip line adventures. But that's what you get when you take the Zip Line Adventure at Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park in South Africa. (Adrenalin junkies note: When you've done this, head over to Bloukrans Bridge and do the bungie jump.)

A Zipline Adventure in Maui, Hawaii

The Haleakala Skyline Tour take you on the slopes of a massive volcano on Maui, Hawaii. The zipline tour by Skyline Eco-Adventures includes a short hike, five picturesque zipline crossings, and a walk across an "Indiana Jones" style swinging bridge.

A Zipline Adventure in Kauai, Hawaii

During Kauai Backcountry Adventures seven- zipline adventure you'll descend a mountainside. It's a spectacular way to see Hawaii's Garden Isle.

A Zipline Adventure at Utah Olympic Park near Park City

Even if you've already been on ziplines elsewhere in the world, the Xtreme and Ulta Ziplines at the Utah Olympic Park, just outside Park City and less than 30 minutes from Salt Lake city, Utah, will give you a thrill. The steep Xtreme Zip takes you right over the K-120 ski jump hill.

Zipline Adventures in Thailand

Contestants in Amazing Race Asia 3 flew along the Flight of the Gibbon ziplines and you can, too. If you're on a trip to Thailand and visiting Chiang Mai, take the Flight of the Gibbon. You'll spend three hours zipping along cables and walking on bridges high in the Mae Kompong rainforest. Treetop Adventures runs this tour. There's a video of the Amazing Race contestants stop here, and how they felt about going on a zip line, on the Web site.

Side-by-side 160 meter zip lines which come off a wooden deck nestled along the side of a limestone karst cliff - and zip on down to a tree-lined meadow. Located just 2 Km NW of Chiang Rai at Boomerang Adventure Park.

A Zipline Adventure in Icy Strait Point, Hoonah, Alaska

The ZipRider cable ride at Icy Strait, Alaska claims to be the longest zipline in the world at 5,330 feet, and includes a 1,300 vertical drop. During the ride - when six people head downhill side by side at the same time - you'll pass through woods then over open ground ensuring spectacular views of Port Frederic and Icy Strait. This locale caters to cruise ships, so if you're taking an Alaskan cruise that stops here, book early. Click on Icy Strait Point for more information about the ZipRider, but you must book through your cruise line.

A Zipline Adventure in Costa Rica

About a quarter of Costa Rica is covered with rain forests and many of Costa Rica's national parks have canopy and zipline tours. Your choice might be dictated by where you are staying. Click on this link to learn more about the companies that offer canopy and zipline tours, and the specific tours. The Original Canopy Tour company has several zipline and canopy tours in Costa Rica, and other countries including Jamaica, Belize, Nicaragua and Mexico.

A Zipline Adventure in Mokai Gravity Canyon, Taihape, New Zealand.

Definitely for thrill seekers, a ride on the Fox is a straight shot off a ledge toward the river below in Gravity Canyon. Click on Gravity Canyon to learn about the Fox, and the other stomach-droppping rides.

A Zipline Adventure on the World's Largest Cruise Ship

On the Oasis of the Sea, the world's largest cruise ship, you can ride a zipine strung nine decks above Boardwalk. If you want to see what it looks like, About.com's cruise editor, Linda Garrison, has a picture of someone flying overhead on the Oasis of the Sea zipline, while people shop below.

How to Take a Zipline Adventure

Before you hook onto a line and start zipping, reputable zipline tour operators give you basic training, which may include a fast ride on wire close to the ground. Click on How to Take a Zipline Tour to see how easy it is to take a zipline tour. Pre-teens to grandparents are loving canoy and zipline adventures.

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Adventure Travel Wannabees: Win the Adventure of Your Dreams

Ask ten travelers their definition of adventure travel and you'll get ten different answers. If they've entered the competition for Outside magazine's first annual Adventure Grant, one of them might win a $10,000 endowment.? To celebrate its 35th anniversary, the magazine will "help fund a smart, creative, and (perhaps) slightly foolhardy project" that will be featured? in an upcoming issue.

The types of far-out ideas, according to the magazine, include sailing a homemade raft down the Hudson River, walking a perfectly straight line across Canada's Prince Edward Island, and paddling a canoe from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine.

To enter,? go to Outside Adventure Grant, read the application carefully then create a 500-word essay outlining your idea and explaining why it's so unique.? Entry deadline is May 8.

Photo: c Lois Friedland

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Define Zip Lines

Definition: Zip Line: A zip line consists of a cable stretched between two points at different elevations. On zip line tours, which are very popular, you wear a harness (like a big diaper) that is hooked onto a pulley, which is hooked onto the cable. Step off the platform on the first point and gravity will "zip" you along to the other platform.

Find Zipline Tours

Zip line tours are offered in countries around the world. For a list of many of the best zip line tours from the United States to South Africa visit Top Zip Line Tours. If you want to know how to take a zip line tour (and it's easy and lots of fun) visit How to Take a Zip Line Tour

Also Known As: canopy tours

Alternate Spellings: ziplines, zipline tours, zip line tour

Examples:

Zip line adventures let you soar from tree to tree in rain forests, across canyons and through a variety of landscapes, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the world surrounding you.

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Summer Trips For Adventure Travelers

Would you like to watch polar bears running through wildflowers instead of snow?? How about swimming with sea lions?? Does mountain biking and hiking in the Rockies, or kayaking in Alaska sound appealing. Here are some terrific adventurous summer vacations.

Photo: (c) Lois Friedland

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Rock Climbing in Montana

"Montana is one of the last places in the country where you can climb a dramatic seemingly classic rock face or ice line and have it still feel like a complete adventure. No matter how often the rocks get climbed in Montana, they still get much lower traffic than basically anywhere else in the country. If you're looking for an adventure, Montana is still a place where you can get that." says Justin Boening, Missoula Rock Garden Manager and 12-year climbing veteran.

If you're looking for dynamite rock, crowd-free climbs and enough terrain for every skill level, Western Montana is the place to fill all your climbing needs.

ROCK CLIMBING DESTINATIONS

LOST HORSE: Located in the Bitterroot Valley, approximately 15 minutes south of Hamilton, this area offers crag climbing and bouldering. Lost Horse is known for its diverse terrain, great rock quality and numerous climbing options in a small area. It offers routes as long as six pitches, although most routes run at an average of two-- three pitches.

BLODGETT CANYON: Located right outside of Hamilton, this canyon is one of the most beautiful climbing destinations in the area. Known for its serious characteristics, this is the place to go for an adventurous climbing route. The canyon offers longer routes (in the range of 1,000 - 1,200 feet) that are eight - 10 pitches in length.

"It is a big commitment to do any of the routes," said Boening. "But it is also the most beautiful that I know in the area. If you're in climbing for the adventure, this is the place to go."

In winter, there will frequently be ice at the beginning of the routes, offering a fun mix climb as you make your way up the ice toward the upper rock pitches.

KOOTENAI CANYON: Located in the Bitterroot Valley, Kootenai offers a variety of climbing routes, ranging from steep, sport routes to traditional climbing lines. Offering paths for every level of climber, this area presents the widest range of grades and is a fine place to learn the ropes. Plus, no climbs are longer than two pitches.

"If you want to have a fun, relaxing day, Kootenai is the place to go," said Boening. Insider Tip: If you are new to climbing in the Bitterroot, keep in mind that the rocks can be variable and crack systems are frequently smaller than they seem from the ground. Be prepared by carrying a variety of equipment and be sure to wear a helmet.

ICE CLIMBING

BEAR CREEK: Bear Creek - located in the Bitterroot Valley. "This is one of my favorite places for ice climbing," said Boening. "This rock quality is good and it is bolted for mixed climbs."

MISSION FALLS: This popular ice climbing destination is located outside of St. Ignatius in the Mission Valley. The longer approach compensates climbers willing to put in the effort, rewarding them with a huge wall of ice. This is a great place to cut your teeth ice climbing.

FINLEY CREEK: Located outside of Arlee, this area offers a short approach and about a dozen climbs, making it a superb option for a half-day destination climb. Insider Tip: Most of the climbing areas in the Mission Valley are located on tribal lands. Be sure to attain the appropriate permit.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK: It's no surprise that the "Crown of the Continent" offers world-class ice climbing. Designed for the more-experienced climber, most of the routes offer direct, exposed, steep and logistically complicated climbs. If you are a well-seasoned climber, this is a place you will not want to miss. The quality and aesthetics of the climbs are incredible.

This climbing route information was compiled by Glacier Country Tourism and Justin Boening specifically for www.adventuretravel.about.com.

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Early Detection System Against Identity Theft

You're walking down a street in a foreign country and someone grabs your wallet.? Or, you hung your purse on the back of your chair while eating in an outdoor cafe and when it's time to pay the bill you realize it's gone.? If you're a member, just call ProtectMyID and they'll call all your credit card companies and monitor the Internet for other illegal uses of your identity.

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It's "Never Too Old to Play" Month

May is "Older American's Month" and some of the adventure travel companies that cater to the active travelers age 50+ are promoting active vacations for this age group. "How older vacationers travel today is far different than from just a generation ago."says Alan. E. Lewis, Chairman and CEO of Overseas Adventure Travel.

While a decade ago it was perceived that the 50+ crowd like bus tours, today this group prefers to be active, hiking. biking and exploring on foot or with smaller group tours.

Lewis says that top ten travel destinations for this group include Botswana, Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, Baltics, Peru, Turkey, China, Vietnam, Costa Rica, India and the Serengeti.

Both OAT and Road Scholar offer a variety of soft- and harder adventure travel.

Photo by Frank Montanaro - Riding a camel in Uluru, Australia, while on a trip with Road Scholar

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Take a Zipline or Canopy Tour

Ready to soar like a bird from tree to tree in a rain forest? Zipline or canopy tours give you a bird's-eye view of the forest, move you across canyons and show you scenery that can't be viewed from the ground. Before you hook onto a line and start zipping, however, reputable zipline tour operators give you basic training, which may include a fast ride on wire close to the ground.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 30 minutes to a few hours

Here's How:

1. What is a zipline tour?

   One zipline lover describes it as "being as close as you can get to flying across the top of the jungle." Participants don a harness with a caribiner that is attached to a wheel on a cable strung between trees. You push off from a platform on one tree and zip along the cable to a platform on another tree. You can be anywhere from 20- to 80-feet off the ground and, literally, flying between the trees at a height in jungles where birds and monkeys hang out on the branches.

2. Different types of zipline tours

   Zipline tours vary both in length and style. Many tours in Costa Rica and other countries with jungles or rainforests include a jeep tour to the zipline site during which a guide tells you about the wildlife and flora. At some mountain resorts, the zipline experiences are near the base of summer-green ski slopes and the first zipline is reachable via a chairlift. Some experiences only have five or six ziplines; others have many more strung between trees.

3. What does the basic training include?

   Ideally, the experience will include some "how to" information plus a safety briefing. You'll learn how to put on the harness, latch onto the cable and how to brake if you want to slow down while zipping on a cable. After you learn the basics and watch a demonstration, you may get a chance to practice once or twice on a short zipline that is just a few feet off the ground.

4. Who enjoys zipline tours?

   Many zipline experiences can be enjoyed by entire families. But before you book, ask about the number of ziplines and the heights at which they are strung to make sure you are comfortable with the heights for both you and your children. Also, make sure of the age, weight and height limits.

5. What do I need to wear and bring?

   You should wear long pants and gym shoes or hiking boots. Shoes must not have open toes. If you have long hair put it in a pony tail. Use a strap to keep your glasses secured. Don't have any sharp objects, such as keys or pens in your pockets. Keep your camera in a case close to your body, not dangling on a strap. The company should provide the harness, a helmet and gloves. But, confirm that they provide all three.

6. Do I need to be in great physical condition?

   The answer depends upon the tour. A basic zipline experience requires little physical exertion, although it's not for anyone who has a serious fear of heights). If the tour you want to take includes hiking, mountain biking, kayaking or other activities, you’ll have to be in the proper shape to participate.

7. What's the minimum age?

   Always verify the minimum age before you book the tour. Some tours require participants be 18 years or older.

8. Are there minimum and maximum weights?

   Brad Morse of Canopy Tours, Inc., says that anyone on the big side concerned about fitting into a harness properly should check in advance with any waist-size requirements and ask if there is a chest harness or full body harness.

9. How much do these tours cost?

   Prices vary dramatically depending upon whether it’s just a zipline experience, or if the zipline tour is part of a longer tour that might include a jeep tour to the site where the ziplines are set up and lunch. They can cost as little as $45 for just the zipline experience up to $120 or more for a zipline experience and other activities.

10. Companies offering zipline tours

    Zipline tours are offered in many places around the globe from Whistler and Alaska in North America to Hawaii, Costa Rica and New Zealand. Canopy Tours, Inc. has a directory of Zip Line tours around the world. With Kauai Backcountry Adventures you can zoom down a mountainside on a series of 7 ziplines.

11. How do you find zipline tours?

    Start at Top Zipline and Canopy Tours. If you already know where you are vacationing, many vacation packages offer a zipline tour option and other countries you can usually book them through the hotel concierge or front desk. You can also book before you go directly with a company via its Internet site.

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Would You Follow His Footsteps?

He's one of several adventurers on an expedition led by famed mountaineer Conrad Anker, along with photographer Cory Richards.? The team seeks to repeat the historic climb of the 1963 National Geographic-sponsored American Mount Everest Expedition.

The two athletes are attempting to summit via Everest's seldom visited West Ridge in the coming weeks.? You can see more images and videos of? the expedition on the daily blog.

You? might get vertigo watching what it's like to climb Mount Everest on videos made by sherpas carrying cameras on their helmets.

cPhoto by Samuel Elias: Stepping over a crevasse on the way to camp 1

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