Manitou Springs Colo-Rad Zipline Tour

Above Manitou Springs, this five-line zipline course sends you across a rocky alpine canyon at the foot of Pikes Peak. The lines range from 225 to 650 feet, and the course uses natural cliffs rather than tall platforms, so the setting feels more like a mountain adventure than an amusement-park ride.

I like the small maximum group of eight, which keeps the turns moving, and I like the guides’ mix of safety and humor. Guides such as Aiden, Dom, Ben, James, Elle, Rowan, and Eric have been singled out for making first-timers feel at ease. The main drawback is the short running time: at about 90 minutes, this is a compact course, not an all-day outing.

Key points to know before you book

• Five cliff-to-cliff lines: Routes range from 225 to 650 feet, with the longest line offering some of the best views.
• No towers to climb: The course uses the natural terrain above Gregory Gulch, with short hikes between lines.
• Strong fit for first-timers: Guides explain each line clearly and help nervous participants get moving.
• Family-friendly age range: Children must be at least 6 years old, weigh at least 40 pounds, and have a parent or guardian sign the waiver if under 18.
• Active mountain outing: You need sturdy closed-toe shoes, steady footing, and the ability to walk and talk at about 6,700 feet.
• Weather matters: You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start, and poor weather may lead to a new date or full refund.

Flying above Manitou Springs for 90 minutes

The tour begins in Manitou Springs, the colorful mountain town at the foot of Pikes Peak. From there, round-trip shared transport takes you to the course above Gregory Gulch. The setting is a major part of the appeal: you are not simply gliding between metal towers in a flat field. You are crossing a natural canyon among foothills and rocky slopes.

The experience lasts about an hour and a half. That includes gearing up, a safety briefing, five zipline runs, and short walks between them. You should expect a steady rhythm: prepare at one platform, zip across, walk to the next launch point, then repeat.

The course is licensed, insured, and inspected. That does not remove the normal risks of ziplining, but it does give you a clear operating framework. You will sign a release acknowledging that falls, hard landings, and other injuries are possible. The company also notes that landing speeds can reach 10 miles per hour, and contact with the ground can feel sporty.

Five lines, five different moments

The first lines are shorter, with routes beginning at 225 feet. These give you time to learn the basic position, braking instructions, and landing routine. If this is your first time, the early runs are useful because you can concentrate on the equipment rather than the view.

The longer lines reach 650 feet. They provide more time in the air and a better sense of the canyon’s shape. The final zip is often the visual high point, with broad views across the surrounding mountain area. You should not expect a huge multi-hour course with dozens of lines. Instead, think of this as a compact, scenic introduction to ziplining.

A fun feature is the chance to try freestyle moves while zipping, as long as your guide approves and the move is safe. That can mean turning your body or attempting an upside-down position. The guides can set the tone here. First-timers can stick with a simple seated or upright ride, while more playful participants may get a chance to add a trick.

The short hikes between lines are worth noting. They are not long mountain walks, but the total route covers roughly half a mile. You need to be comfortable walking on uneven natural ground while wearing your harness and carrying yourself at high elevation.

Why the guides matter so much

The equipment is important, but the guides shape the day. You will depend on them to fit your helmet and harness, explain the trolley system, check each setup, and tell you how to land. Good instruction is especially valuable on the first line, when many people are still wondering how fast they will go and how they will stop.

The guide teams have included Aiden, Dom, Elle, Rowan, Ben, James, Eric, Devin, Nolan, Hannah, Chris, and Ronan. Names and assignments can change, but the pattern is clear: the staff are expected to keep the mood light without treating safety casually.

That balance matters. Several participants have needed extra reassurance as first-timers, and the guides have been praised for helping both children and adults feel secure. One account also noted that a participant with Type 1 diabetes felt supported during the outing. That is not a promise of medical care, so you should still plan for your own health needs and ask a physician before booking if high-altitude activity is a concern.

The humor helps during pauses. Ziplining involves waiting while the person ahead lands and gets unclipped. A guide who can explain the process clearly and keep the group laughing makes those pauses feel shorter.

The natural course is a real advantage

This is a cliff-to-cliff course, not a set of tall towers. You do not climb a long ladder or ascend a large platform before every line. That makes the setting feel more connected to the canyon, and it can be less intimidating for someone who dislikes tower heights.

The tradeoff is that natural terrain brings natural footing. You will walk short sections between lines, and the company requires you to be sturdy on your feet. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Flip-flops and sandals are not allowed, and even comfortable casual shoes should be replaced with something that holds your foot securely.

At roughly 6,700 feet, Manitou Springs is high enough that the walking may feel harder than expected, especially if you have just arrived from a lower elevation. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be able to walk and talk without trouble. Drink water before the tour and take the elevation warning seriously.

The $150 price: good value for the right kind of outing

At $150 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The price includes a local guide, shared round-trip transport, helmet, harness, and trolley. You are paying for a guided activity with inspected equipment and a small group, not just for access to a zipline.

The value is strongest if you want a ready-to-go mountain activity in Colorado Springs. You do not need to arrange equipment, find the course, or figure out how to use the lines. You also get five separate runs rather than one short ride.

The value is weaker if you expect a full-day adventure or a large number of lines. The tour takes about 90 minutes, and one participant felt it ended sooner than expected. If you want a bigger course with a long sequence of ziplines, compare the length and number of lines before booking.

One participant reported that booking directly through the operator cost about $30 less than using a third-party site. That price difference may change, so check the current direct rate before paying. The supplied price for this experience is $150 per person.

Souvenir photos are available for purchase from Labor Day through Memorial Day. They are not included, so decide ahead of time if photographs matter to you. The views are part of the draw, but you should not count on a photo package being included in the ticket.

A strong choice for families and first-timers

The age rules make this workable for many families. Children must be at least 6 years old and weigh at least 40 pounds. The upper weight limit is 250 pounds. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign the required waivers.

The course has worked well for mixed-age groups, including families with children around 9 and 12 and adults up to age 70. That does not mean every family member will find it easy. The key test is steady footing, comfort with heights, and the ability to handle a sporty landing.

This is also a good birthday activity or a shared outing for couples. The experience gives you something to talk about afterward, especially if one person tries a freestyle move and another sticks to the basic ride. Couples should know that the group format means you will share the course with other people rather than have a private outing.

The maximum group size is eight. That is small enough for the guides to keep track of everyone and for the group to move at a reasonable pace. If you dislike waiting, a group of eight is still not the same as a private tour, but it is more manageable than a large commercial crowd.

What to wear and how to prepare

Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with a secure sole. Sandals and flip-flops are not accepted. Choose clothing that lets you move freely under a harness, and avoid anything that might catch on equipment.

The company provides the helmet, harness, and trolley. You do not need to bring zipline equipment. You should, however, arrive ready for an active outing that includes walking, standing, launches, and landings.

The release form asks you to confirm that you can participate safely. The company specifically advises consulting a physician before booking if you have concerns about the altitude or physical demands. This is especially relevant if you have a heart or breathing condition, mobility limits, or another health issue that could affect exercise at elevation.

The course requires at least two people to operate. If you are booking alone, confirm that the activity will run with the available group. The tour is offered in English.

Weather and cancellation rules

The course requires good weather. Mountain weather can change, so leave some flexibility in your Colorado Springs plans if possible. If poor conditions cancel the tour, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

For your own cancellation, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off uses local time.

That policy is reasonable for a weather-dependent activity, but it means you should not wait until the morning of the tour if your plans are uncertain. If you are building a day around Pikes Peak or another timed attraction, leave enough room for weather changes and transport.

Who should book this Manitou Springs zipline tour?

I would choose this tour if you want a short, scenic burst of mountain action and have at least one person in your group who is new to ziplining. The guides’ clear instructions and relaxed humor make the course approachable, while the five lines still provide enough variety to feel like a proper outing.

It also suits families with children who meet the age and weight rules, couples looking for an active date, and adults who want views without committing to a long hike. The natural cliff-to-cliff layout is a plus if you want the setting to feel more rugged than a standard tower course.

I would look elsewhere if you want a full-day activity, a large network of lines, or a tour that requires little walking. The half-mile of hiking and high elevation are small details that can make a big difference. Also check the direct booking price before paying through a reseller.

At 4.9 out of 5 from 86 ratings, with 97 percent of participants recommending it, the strongest pattern is clear: people value the guides, the safety instruction, the scenery, and the fun family atmosphere. The most sensible way to judge it is simple: if $150 fits your budget and 90 minutes sounds like the right amount of action, this is an easy pick for a first zipline outing above Colorado Springs.

FAQ

How long does the Manitou Springs Colo-Rad Zipline Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This includes the guided zipline experience and the short hikes between lines.

How many ziplines are included?

You will ride five ziplines. They range from 225 feet to 650 feet in length.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a local guide, shared round-trip transport, a helmet, harness, and trolley. Souvenir photos and gratuities cost extra.

What are the age and weight limits?

Participants must be at least 6 years old and weigh at least 40 pounds. The maximum weight is 250 pounds. Anyone from 6 through 17 needs a parent or guardian to sign the waivers.

What should I wear?

You must wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops and sandals are not allowed.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the experience, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.