Canopy tours mingle ziplines, rope bridges and platforms to create fun and challenging pathways through the forest canopy. Equipped with hard hats and rappelling-type harnesses, adventure seekers glide through the treetops, swish across ravines, and shimmy across rope sky-bridges. While the Original Canopy Tour was created in Costa Rica in 1996, Austin now boasts two canopy tour locations in its own backyard.
Located approximately 35 miles west northwest of the Austin city limits, Cypress Valley Canopy Tours offers three different canopy tours. The introductory "Canopy Tour" lasts 90 minutes and covers all the basic climbing, rappelling and ziplining skills essential for canopy tour-goers. The more advanced "Canopy Challenge" builds on these skills and ups the ante with harder and higher obstacles, faster ziplines and more adrenaline. Those with a more laid-back approach can try out the "Sunrise Birding Tour," an early morning jaunt through the treetops guided by a local wildlife biologist. Tours are offered every day except Monday and reservations are a must. 2010 prices are $75 for the Canopy Tour, $85 for the Canopy Challenge, $125 for the Sunrise Birding Tour and $140 for the Canopy Tour/Challenge combo.
Cypress Valley Canopy Tours
1223 Paleface RR
Spicewood, TX 78699
512-264-8880
cypressvalleycanopytour.com
Spread across nearly a mile of the sprawling Winn Ranch, Wimberley Zipline Adventures offers ziplining fun within a 40-minute drive of Austin. Four tours are offered daily, except on Tuesdays. Each tour lasts one and half to two hours and spans eight linked ziplines. Participants reach speeds of up to 30 mph at heights of up to 100 feet while soaring above the Texas hill country. Phone reservations are required. The 2010 price is $69 per person.
Wimberley Zipline Adventures
Winn Valley Road on the Winn Ranch
Wimberley, TX 78676
512-847-9990
wimberleyzipline.com
Canopy tours are staffed by highly trained guides to ensure your safety and provide quality instruction. However, there are some risks inherent to any canopy tour, and providers often impose weight, height and age limits. Additionally, pregnant women and those with known heart or respiratory problems should not participate. Generally, participants between the ages of 10 and 70, who weigh between 70 and 250 pounds and are at least four feet tall are accepted, but it is wise to check the guidelines of your particular tour provider when you make your reservation. Physical fitness is also important as canopy tours often involve climbing and may even incorporate a little hiking.
