Imagine harnessing yourself into some cords, strapping yourself onto some wires overhead, then stepping off a platform 100 feet in the air and soaring down to the ground at speeds up to 40 mph. Then add in the beauty of the state of California, with its forests, foliage, canyons and lakes. If that scenario is an appealing one, then the adventure sport of zip-lining may be for you. Run by trained and professional tour organizers, zip-line outings may be found throughout California. Purchase a single run or a package to keep your adrenaline going.
Moaning Cavern Adventure Park offers three types of zip-line tours in Vallecito. Adventurers doing the regular zip can do a single zip-line or race a friend. First-timers may wish to opt for the tandem zip, where two zip-liners are harnessed together and zip down the line as one (maximum combined weight on the tandem zip is 280 pounds). More experienced zip-liners may try the super-style zip, where you are positioned on your stomach with your arms out (like Superman); previous experience is required (including a regular zip that same day). To get to the zip-line area, guests walk a 60-foot long sky bridge, then step off a platform and reach speeds of up to 40 mph over the Gold Country foothills. Guests need not bring any equipment; it will be provided for them. Weight restrictions for the zip-lines usually fall between 70 to 260 pounds (per person).
Moaning Cavern Adventure Park
350 Moaning Cave Road
Vallecito, CA 95251
(866) 762-2837
caverntours.com
Action Zipline hurtles zip-liners through Southern California's Big Bear area. The company provides a package of nine zip line runs, each a different length, for a total of about 2.5 hours. Minimum age is 10 and weight must be at least 90 pounds. Although Action Zipline does not have a weight maximum, riders must be below 50-inch circumference at the waist and 28-inch circumference at each thigh. Guests receive training, then hike near Big Bear and walk across a suspension bridge to get to the zip-line area. The tour operator suggests that guests wear shorts and closed-toe shoes, tie back any long hair and remove any jewelry, keys and electronics. All riders must wear tour-supplied helmets.
Action Zipline
41647 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-0390
actionziplinetours.com
Soar more than 100 feet in the air through trees and canyons with a guided zip line tour by Flying Bear Zip Lines. Packages of three and five zips are available and take approximately 1.5 to three hours. Weight requirements for riders must fall between 75 and 250 pounds; there is no age restriction. Although children may not ride by themselves if they don't meet the weight requirement, they are able to ride the "Little Cubs" tandem zip-lines with a trained professional. As you speed through the area, you'll be riding through Cedar Lake, which has been made popular by starring in films such as "Bonanza" and "The Parent Trap."
Flying Bear Zip Lines
Cedar Lake Camp
1100 Mill Creek Road
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-3260
flyingbearziplines.com
