A zip line tour in California is an adrenaline ride through some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery, all seen from a bird’s eye view. With these best places to zip line in California, you’ll be able to see and experience some the most beautiful natural environments and ecosystems that would otherwise be inaccessible. Beyond having the guts to jump off a high platform and soar through the air, be sure to double check each tour’s physical requirements and call or check the website before you book.
Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour
Propel down five seperate zip lines dropping from 500 feet to 60 feet above sea level over the city Avalon. Beginning at the Hog’s Back gate, high in the hills near Avalon and descending through Descanso Canyon, you will pause at several eco-stations along the way before continuing on your journey, where your hosts will inform you with unique and interesting aspects of Catalina Island, its wildlife and history. Eventually exiting at Descanso Beach, your journey will last approximately 2 hours.
1 Descanso Canyon Rd Avalon, Catalina Island, 90704
1-800-626-1496;
visitcatalinaisland.com
Flying Bear Zip Lines
The Flying Bear Zip Lines tour is located near Big Bear, a mountain resort town about two hours away from Los Angeles. There are five zip lines set up to cross a canyon and provide unmatched views of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding forest wilderness. Choose the one-and-a-half- to two-hour Black Bear Tour to ride three zip lines; or the Grizzly Bear Tour to ride all five zips, which takes about three hours. Both tours are lead by trained guides.
1100 Mill Creek Road Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
909-866-7627; flyingbearziplines.com
The Heavenly Flyer
Found at Adventure Peak overlooking Lake Tahoe, the Heavenly Flyer is the longest zip line in the lower 48 states, according to Heavenly Mountain Resort. A gondola ride will float you up to an elevation of 9,156 feet to the zip line. Then, Tamarack Express chairlift will lift you to the take-off deck, where the 3,100-foot-long zip line with a steep 525-foot vertical drop awaits, providing an adrenaline ride over spectacular mountain scenery. You’ll find yourself back at the top of the gondola ride, which will take you back down the mountain. Note: This tour is seasonal, and is currently temporarily closed indefinitely.
Heavenly Mountain Resort South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
775-586-7000; skiheavenly.com/activitiesdetail/Heav+-+Heavenly+Flyer.axd
Mount Hermon Redwoods Canopy Zip Line Tour
This tour takes you through the canopy of Northern California’s spectacular coastal redwood forest. The network of speed-adjustable zip lines and sky bridges–constructed with conservation in mind–reach up to 150 feet above the ground where you can view the flora and fauna ordinarily invisible from the forest floor. You must make advanced reservations for this tour.
37 Conference Dr Mount Hermon, CA 95041
888-642-2677; mounthermon.org
Moaning Cavern Adventure Park
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in the very center of California, an area known as the Gold Country, this zip line tour is available all year around with no reservations necessary. The tour begins with a 60-foot sky bridge that takes you to the launch tower. Here, you have the option of riding in a regular, upright position; in tandem with another person, or “super style,” with a horizontal, face-forward launch and super-hero-style flight. The 1,500-foot-long twin zip line accommodates two riders at once, so you can race a friend or family member.
5350 Moaning Cave Road Vallecito, CA 95251
866-762-2837; www.caverntours.com/MC_zip_line.htm
San Diego Zoo Flightline Safari
Should you be looking for more predictable wildlife sightings, the San Diego Zoo has a zip line that places you 160 feet above the animals in their habitats. The tour lasts for an hour and is open during regular park hours, which vary depending on the season.
619-718-3000; sdzsafaripark.org/safaritickets/flightline_safari.html
Skull Canyon Zipline
This reservation-only ziplining club takes tours of at least two people at a time over parts of Temescal Canyon in South Corona. The club has two courses: the original, two-hour course, which is open to anyone and offers seven zip lines, for $75 a person; and the extreme course, also two hours in total, with four zip lines, open only to those who have zipped at least once before, for $100 per person.
951-471-0999; skullcanyon.com
