Cañon City: Royal Gorge 11-Line Extreme Zipline Experience

This review explores the Royal Gorge 11-Line Extreme Zipline operated by Royal Gorge Epic Adventures in Colorado. While we haven’t personally flown across these lines, it’s clear this tour is designed to attract thrill-seekers eager for an adrenaline rush and spectacular scenery. If you’re after a high-speed, high-altitude adventure, this might be just the ticket.

What we love about this experience is the promise of the fastest zipline in North America, which delivers a genuine adrenaline hit, and the breathtaking views of the Arkansas River and surrounding mountains, offering an authentic Colorado adventure. That said, it’s not for everyone: it involves some physical exertion, and strict weight limits mean not all thrill lovers can participate.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers with a decent level of physical fitness and those eager to combine excitement with scenic beauty. Families with older kids, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a memorable adrenaline hit will find this experience especially appealing.

Key Points

• Fastest zipline in North America with speeds reaching up to 1,700 feet.
• Spectacular mountain and river views overlooking the Arkansas River.
• Safety is prioritized, with professional guides and top-notch equipment.
• Duration of around 3 hours — an intense but well-paced adventure.
• Small group size (limited to 8 participants), ensuring personalized attention.
• Physical requirements include weight limits (70-250 lbs) and some physical exertion, such as climbing towers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introducing the Royal Gorge 11-Line Zipline Experience

This adventure in Cañon City offers an exciting mix of speed, height, and scenery all wrapped into a three-hour tour. The focus here is on delivering a thrilling adrenaline rush with a side of spectacular Colorado vistas. Whether you’re a seasoned zipliner or a first-timer, the experience promises a lot of fun, with safety at the forefront.

The tour begins with a ground school session where guides teach the basics of zipping — an essential step for building confidence. The guides, praised for their knowledge and good humor, make sure everyone is comfortable before heading up to the towers. You’ll learn how to control your speed by tensioning the cable with your gloved hand, a skill that adds an engaging element to the ride.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The Climb and Ground School

Your adventure kicks off with a safety briefing and equipment fitting. The gear—think seat harnesses, chest harnesses, trolley systems, and helmets—resembles rock climbing gear but is specially designed for ziplining. Guides explain how to use the equipment properly, and most seem to agree this part is straightforward even for beginners.

Climbing to the top of the towers involves a bit of a workout, roughly comparable to walking up 10 flights of stairs. While that might seem like a minor inconvenience, it’s worth noting that some reviews highlight this physical aspect, so those with mobility issues might want to consider this.

The Main Zips

Once at the top, the real fun begins. The first few lines are designed to get you comfortable zipping across the canyon. You’ll fly over the spectacular mountain scenery and the Arkansas River, with some lines reaching as fast as 1,700 feet in length. The sensation of speed combined with the panoramic views creates an exhilarating experience.

The highlight is the final dual racing line—a 1,200-foot stretch where you and a friend can race side-by-side. This is a crowd favorite, offering a chance to challenge your companion or simply enjoy the thrill of zooming across the canyon.

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The Tower and Final Options

After the final zip, you land on a 7-story tower. Here, you have choices:

• The Flightline Free Fall — a leap off the tower with a slow, controlled descent, dropping about 30 feet. Many find this the most adrenaline-pumping part.
• The True Blue Belay, used by firefighters and military tactical teams, provides a less intense alternative for those who prefer a controlled descent without the free fall.

Both options are described as epic, and guides are praised for making even the most nervous feel secure.

Safety and Equipment

Safety is not an afterthought here. The course uses professional-grade equipment, with safety gear similar to rock climbing gear but customized for ziplining. Guides are trained and experienced, and the entire process— from equipment fitting to the final zip—is carefully managed.

Reviews emphasize the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude. They keep participants informed and reassured, making the experience enjoyable for first-timers. The tour operates rain or shine, but lightning and high winds will close the course for safety reasons. If canceled due to weather, rebooking or refunds are straightforward.

Value and Pricing

At $168 per group (up to 1 person), this experience is priced for a small group, ensuring individual attention and a less hectic atmosphere. Given the inclusion of top-quality equipment, expert guides, and the unique thrill of North America’s fastest zipline, the price reflects a solid value for what is offered.

While $168 might seem high at first glance, remember that this is a three-hour adventure with multiple zip lines, a safety briefing, and personalized guidance. For thrill enthusiasts craving speed and panoramic views, it’s an investment into a memorable experience.

What the Reviews Say

Participants consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Rick, Brandon, Tarzan, and Eric. They comment on how guides contributed to making the experience fun, safe, and memorable. Several reviews mention how the views and speed combined to create an unforgettable adventure.

One reviewer mentioned a “mixup with tickets” but appreciated the staff’s helpfulness, including a free dinner voucher, which speaks to the customer service aspect. Others highlight the spectacular views and the exhilarating thrill — with quotes like, “The zip line was amazing,” and “The guides made it all the more special.”

Practical Tips for Future Participants

• Arrive early to get fitted and acquainted with the gear.
• Wear comfortable, layered clothing, especially since it involves climbing towers.
• Expect some physical exertion; if you have mobility issues, consider this.
• Be aware of the weight requirement (70-250 lbs).
• If you’re nervous about the free fall, the True Blue Belay offers a less intense alternative.
• Book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.

The Sum Up

The Royal Gorge 11-Line Extreme Zipline offers a genuinely thrilling way to experience Colorado’s stunning scenery. With speeds up to 1,700 feet and views that stretch across mountain ranges and the Arkansas River, it’s a rush you won’t forget. Excellent guides, top-tier safety standards, and a variety of zipline options make this a worthwhile adventure for those craving excitement.

This experience is best suited for adventurous souls with a decent level of fitness who want to combine adrenaline with awe-inspiring vistas. Families with older children, groups of friends, or solo travelers seeking a memorable thrill will find this tour hits the spot.

While it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, mobility issues, or heart conditions, it remains a stellar choice for most thrill-seekers visiting Colorado.

FAQ

Is there a weight limit for this zipline experience?
Yes, participants need to weigh between 70 and 250 pounds to take part.

How physically demanding is this tour?
Climbing to the top of the towers involves some exertion—similar to walking up 10 flights of stairs. Basic zipline skills are taught during the ground school.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The course runs rain or shine, but lightning and strong winds will close it for safety. If canceled due to weather, you can rebook or get a refund.

Are there different options at the end of the tour?
Yes, after the final zipline, you can choose to leap off the tower in the Flightline Free Fall or use the True Blue Belay for a controlled descent.

Can I share my experience with friends or family?
Certainly! Many reviews mention wanting to take photos or share their adventure, though the tour itself doesn’t include photo rentals.

How long is the entire tour?
The experience lasts about 3 hours, including safety briefing, gear up, climbing, and multiple ziplines.

In summary, the Royal Gorge 11-Line Zipline offers a well-rounded package of speed, scenery, and safety that will appeal to thrill-seekers and scenic explorers alike. If you’re ready for a high-octane adventure with some physical activity thrown in, this tour could be one of Colorado’s most memorable highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby