Gliding across canyons and through tree tops on zip lines is a tourist adventure that was born in Costa Rica, where it promoted awareness of the rainforest. The technology also has roots in Himalayan history where "ropeway trolleys" have been used for more than 100 years to transport goods, according to the website Knol.
These days, thrill seekers can find zip lines from Alaska to Zimbabwe. According to the publication Hotel Online, about 300 commercial zip lines are operated in the world and one-third are in the United States.
Juneau is the base for Alaska Zipline Adventures, which offers a variety of packages, including a mountain zip line tour combined with a rainforest bike ride. Tourist reviews of the company at the online site Trip Advisor are mostly enthusiastic. However, as one tourist's experience indicates, it is possible to be denied participation for medical reasons.
Alaska Zipline Adventures
P.O. Box 21691
Juneau, AK 99802
907-321-0947
alaskazip.com
Santa Catalina Island Company's Zip Line Eco Tour is one of the new attractions featured in Hotel Online's article "24 Ziplines Open in USA in 2010." Catalina is off the coast of Southern California. The company offers five zip lines at heights up to 440 feet descending from the hills above Avalon, through a canyon and down to the beach.
Santa Catalina Island Company
P.O. Box 737
Avalon, CA 90704
800-626-1496
visitcatalinaisland.com
Soaring Tree Top Adventures, near Durango, Colorado, was featured in a USA Today article headlined "The zany joy of ziplining catches hold in the USA." The article notes that the zip line is part of a small, exclusive resort called Tall Timbers, which is only accessible by helicopter or the seasonal Durango & Silverton Railroad.
Soaring Tree Top Adventures
Tall Timbers Resort
970-769-2357
soaringcolorado.com
Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours is 7 miles north of Branson, Missouri, the state's No. 1 venue for live entertainment. Wolf Creek Preserve is home to the zip line, which offers six tours, including two after dark. The tours last from 30 minutes to 2-1/2 hours.
Branson Zipline
2339 U.S. Highway 65
Walnut Shade, MO 65771
800-712-4654
bransonzipline.com
While thrilling, zip line tours can also be risky. Various online publications, including the California Injury Lawyer Blog, note that deadly accidents have occurred. They also note that tour companies generally require participants to sign lengthy documents protecting the companies against liability claims.
