Zipline Tour – 9 high-speed ziplines & fun suspension bridge

Nine ziplines carry you down a Big Bear mountain, with the longest run stretching 860 feet and speeds reaching 45 mph. You also get a 4WD ride to the launch deck and a suspension bridge with views toward Johnson Valley. The guides make the difference, especially for first-timers and nervous children.

I like the variety of nine runs, since you get time to settle in before reaching the faster lines. I also like the practical setup: helmets, gloves, harnesses, water, lockers, and transport to the mountain launch point are included. The main drawback is waiting, since a full group can reach 18 people and some participants have found the tour slow in hot weather.

The tour lasts about three hours and costs $178.21 per person. That is a serious price for a half-day activity, so you should value the full package, not just the seconds spent flying through the trees. Weather can also interrupt the outing, and cancellation or refund handling has not always been smooth.

Five things to know before you book

• Nine lines build from easy to thrilling: Runs range from 140 to 860 feet, with speeds up to 45 mph.
• The mountain ride is part of the experience: A 4WD vehicle takes you from the departure center to the scenic launch deck and back.
• The guides are central to the fun: Caroline, JR, Riley, and Abe have been praised for clear demonstrations, calm coaching, and friendly energy.
• You cross a suspension bridge: The bridge adds a slower scenic moment, with views toward Johnson Valley.
• Plan around the rules: You must weigh 65 to 250 pounds, be at least 8 years old, and use both hands and feet.

Nine ziplines, not just one quick flight

The strongest reason to choose this tour is the number of runs. One zipline can be exciting, but nine give you a chance to learn the basics, lose some of the first-run nerves, and then enjoy the faster lines with more confidence.

The lines vary from 140 feet to 860 feet. That range matters. The shorter runs help you get used to the harness and launch process. The longer runs give the outing its real punch, with top speeds listed at up to 45 mph.

You will not simply arrive, take one ride, and leave. The experience works as a progression down the mountain. Guides explain how to use the equipment, demonstrate the technique, and help you move from one platform to the next. You should expect pauses between runs for instructions, group movement, and safety checks.

That setup suits a first zipline outing. You can watch the process before your own turn, ask questions, and make small adjustments as you go. Experienced riders may find the early lines fairly modest, but the later and longer runs should provide enough speed to keep the session interesting.

Getting to the launch deck by 4WD

Your meeting point is Action Zipline Tours at 41693 Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear Lake. After check-in, the tour includes transport by 4WD vehicle to the mountain launch deck. The ride saves you from arranging your own way up and adds a little off-road flavor to the outing.

The launch deck is described as scenic, and the trip includes views of Johnson Valley. The exact sightlines will depend on weather and the time of day, but this is more than a parking-lot attraction. You reach the ziplines on the mountain, then work your way down through the course.

The 4WD transfer also helps explain the three-hour length. Time goes into moving the group, fitting equipment, giving instructions, and handling each platform. Do not book this expecting three hours of nonstop ziplining. The actual rides are short bursts, balanced by instruction and walking.

One practical note: tours leave promptly. Check in at least 15 minutes early. If you arrive late, the group will not wait, and missing the departure could mean losing the activity.

Harnesses, helmets, gloves, and a useful safety briefing

At the top of the mountain, you gear up with a harness, helmet, and gloves. The guides then explain the equipment and the basic techniques needed for the course. For a first-time rider, this is one of the most valuable parts of the tour.

The best guide comments focus on calm instruction. Caroline, JR, Riley, and Abe have been singled out for explaining what would happen and demonstrating each step. Other guides named in feedback include Douglas, Bill, Cole, Cory, John, Jordan, and Don. Names and staff assignments can change, but the pattern is clear: the guide team is a major part of the experience.

That matters because fear is normal here. Several people arrived nervous, including children and older family members, and the guides helped them feel ready. The tour has a minimum age of 8, but it is not only for young adults. One account describes a 75-year-old enjoying the outing, while another family brought parents aged 79.

Still, do not confuse friendly guidance with a risk-free activity. You need enough mobility to walk over uneven ground and use both hands and feet. You also need vision in at least one eye. The course is not recommended for people with walking disabilities.

The suspension bridge slows the pace

The suspension bridge gives the tour a welcome change of rhythm. After several quick runs, you get a slower crossing and a chance to look toward Johnson Valley. It is a scenic feature, not merely a way to get from one platform to another.

If you are booking for a mixed group, this variety helps. One person might care most about speed, while another wants mountain views and a memorable setting. The bridge gives less confident participants a different way to enjoy the mountain without asking them to race from line to line.

The course does involve walking and uneven surfaces. Wear clothes suited to active movement and changing mountain weather. The operator runs tours in all weather conditions, except when conditions become extreme, so bring appropriate clothing rather than assuming the day will stay warm and dry.

There is drinking water and a restroom at the departure center. You cannot take bags, purses, or loose valuables on the tour, but secure lockers are provided. Leave anything unnecessary behind and use the locker before you head to the mountain.

How the 18-person maximum affects your day

The maximum group size is 18 people. That is not a tiny private outing, and it affects the pace. A large group means more people need to receive instructions, launch, land, and move safely through the course.

I would expect some standing around, especially during busy periods or in strong sun. One person found the group size too large and felt there was too much waiting in the heat. That is the clearest practical criticism of the actual zipline operation.

On the other hand, a larger group can make the experience feel social, particularly for families or friends traveling together. Guides have also received praise for keeping groups organized and attentive. If you want a private, fast-moving course with no pauses, this may not be your best match.

Ask yourself what kind of day you want. If you enjoy a shared activity and do not mind waiting between runs, the group format should be manageable. If your patience runs short in heat, book at a time that fits your schedule and arrive prepared with suitable clothing and water.

Is $178.21 a fair price?

At $178.21 per person, this is not a casual add-on. The price includes nine zipline runs, professional guides, all safety equipment, water, restrooms, lockers, and round-trip transport from the meeting point to the mountain site.

That package gives the price some weight. You are not paying only for a single ride. You are paying for a guided course, equipment, mountain access, vehicle transport, staff, and several hours of organized activity.

Still, the value depends on your priorities. If you want a major adventure during a Big Bear visit, nine runs and speeds up to 45 mph may justify the cost. If your main goal is a brief thrill, the pauses and group size could make the price feel high.

Photos cost extra, and a GoPro camera can be rented with an SD card to take home. One photo package was considered expensive at $45, so decide in advance how much you want to spend on extras. If you bring a phone or camera, you will need to leave it in the locker unless the operator allows an approved recording option.

It is also worth comparing the direct price with the price shown through a booking platform. One booking account reported paying $25 more through an outside seller. Rates can change, but checking Action Zipline Tours directly before paying is sensible.

Weather can shape the entire outing

The tour operates in all weather conditions, with appropriate clothing required. Extreme weather can force a cancellation, and lightning has caused a tour to stop after part of the course was completed.

If the operator cancels because of extreme weather, you are offered another date or a voucher to return. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are offered another date or tour time. A full refund is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

The important point is to keep your schedule flexible. A weather cancellation may be the safest and most sensible choice, but it can be frustrating if you are leaving Big Bear the next morning. Ask about the available refund or rescheduling option before your tour begins, especially if your visit is short.

For your own cancellation, changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded. The cutoff uses local time.

Who will enjoy this most?

This tour fits families, couples, friends, and first-time zipliners who want several chances to get comfortable. The minimum age is 8, and the maximum weight is 250 pounds. Participants must weigh at least 65 pounds, and there is no minimum height, though the maximum height is 6 feet 6 inches.

It is also a good option for groups with mixed confidence levels. A nervous child can receive coaching from the guides, while a more adventurous adult can look forward to the longer runs. The repeated course format means nobody has to stake the entire experience on one attempt.

I would be more cautious about booking it for someone with limited walking ability, since the course uses uneven surfaces and requires both hands and feet. It is also a poor fit for anyone who dislikes waiting in a group or wants a quiet mountain outing.

Tobacco, alcohol, and chewing gum are not permitted. Everyone aged 18 or older must show valid identification and complete an electronic release form. These rules are simple, but you should handle them before the group is due to leave.

My practical booking advice

Wear comfortable clothes that allow free movement and dress for the weather. Closed-toe footwear is a sensible choice for uneven mountain surfaces, even though a specific shoe type is not provided in the tour details.

Arrive 15 minutes early. Use the lockers for bags, purses, and valuables, since loose items cannot go on the course. Bring patience for the group process, particularly during hot or busy periods.

If you are nervous, tell the guide team at the start. The strongest part of this operation is the human coaching. Names such as Caroline, JR, Riley, and Abe have been associated with clear explanations, demonstrations, and help for anxious participants, but staff assignments are not guaranteed.

Plan on about three hours, not a precise three-hour schedule. Traffic and the time of day can affect the duration. Keep later plans flexible, especially if you need to drive elsewhere after the tour.

Should you book the Big Bear zipline tour?

I would book this tour if you want a full, guided adventure with nine separate runs rather than a quick zipline sample. The combination of speed, mountain views, a suspension bridge, 4WD transport, and patient instruction gives the outing real substance.

I would hesitate if $178.21 feels hard to justify, if you dislike waiting, or if your Big Bear schedule cannot absorb a weather delay. Extra photo and GoPro costs can also push the final bill higher.

For families and first-timers, the professional coaching is the strongest reason to choose it. For experienced zipliners, the nine-line format and 860-foot longest run are the main draw. Check the direct price, arrive early, prepare for the weather, and make sure every participant meets the age, weight, height, and mobility rules before booking.

FAQ

How long does the zipline tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours. The exact duration can change with traffic and the time of day.

How many ziplines are included?

Nine zipline runs are included. They range from 140 feet to 860 feet long, with speeds reaching up to 45 mph.

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour begins at Action Zipline Tours, 41693 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California 92315. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What equipment is provided?

The operator provides a harness, helmet, and gloves. Safety information and instruction from professional guides are also included.

Is transportation to the ziplines included?

Yes. Round-trip 4WD transportation from the departure center to the mountain launch deck is included.

What are the age and weight requirements?

Participants must be at least 8 years old and weigh between 65 and 250 pounds. The maximum height is 6 feet 6 inches, and there is no minimum height requirement.

What should I do with my bag and valuables?

Bags, purses, and easily lost valuables cannot go on the tour. Secure lockers are available at the departure center.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If extreme weather causes a cancellation, you are offered an alternative date or a voucher to return. If you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, you can receive a full refund.