Flying off a cliff is the point. This Manitou Springs zipline tour sends you over the alpine canyon at the foot of Pikes Peak on a natural-terrain course with five lines (about 225 to 650 feet). I like that it feels rustic cliff-to-cliff instead of a big, tower-based amusement ride, and the guides keep it fun while staying safety-focused.

What really sticks with you is the mix of adrenaline plus coached control. You’ll get to do safe freestyle moves while you zip, and there’s just enough “walk between lines” to keep the whole thing from feeling like a video game. One drawback to plan for: the active parts include short hikes at about 6,700 feet, and the landing feels sporty since speeds can reach up to 10 mph.

Key points to know before you book

• Five ziplines on a natural-terrain course at Gregory Gulch, ranging from about 225 to 650 feet
• Small groups (max 8 travelers) that tend to feel smoother and more personal
• Included gear and coaching, with helmet, harness, and trolley provided
• Guides mix safety with laughs (names you might hear include Devin, James, Elle, Ronan, Aiden, Eric, Ben, and Nolan)
• Short hikes between lines (about half a mile total) at elevation, plus sturdy-shoe requirements

Gregory Gulch in Manitou Springs: why this course feels different

Manitou Springs sits in the shadow of Pikes Peak, and this zipline run uses that drama in a good way. Instead of climbing from tall platforms, the course is described as a rustic cliff-to-cliff style with no towers to climb. That matters, because it changes how you experience the “start”—it feels more like stepping into the view than marching up to a ride.

Gregory Gulch is the key setting. Your lines fly over an alpine canyon and foothills, so even when your brain is busy yelling, the scenery does the job of keeping you present. Several guide duos (like Devin and James, or Elle and Ronan) are specifically praised for making first-timers comfortable—fun is part of the safety culture here.

If you hate feeling rushed, you’ll still want to focus. This is an active participant activity: you’ll be moving, walking a bit between lines, and then zipping with coached timing. Go in expecting a “one-and-done session” of thrills, not a long sightseeing tour.

Your 90 minutes: what the tour actually feels like

The tour runs about 1 hour 30 minutes. It’s built around one main stop in Manitou Springs: you start on the course at Gregory Gulch and then work through five zip lines with short nature hikes between them.

Here’s the shape of the experience you can expect:

• Line 1 to Line 5: five separate zips, with lengths varying from roughly 225 feet up to around 650 feet. That range is why it works for lots of skill levels. The early lines help you learn how to position yourself in the harness and with the trolley, and the later lines deliver the longest, most “hang in the air” moments.
• Tiny nature hikes between lines: you’re not just riding. You’ll walk between segments that are about half a mile total for the tour. It’s short, but it’s real walking, and it connects the lines so you feel like you’re traversing the gulch rather than teleporting across it.

The speed is part of the excitement. Landing zone speeds can be up to 10 mph, and the notes say impacts at launch and landing can feel sporty. In plain terms: keep a relaxed stance, listen to the guide, and don’t try to stiff-arm the process.

And yes, there’s a moment of play. The course allows participants to safely complete freestyle moves as you zip across. I wouldn’t treat it like freeform stunt driving, but it’s a fun add-on if you like being active instead of just gripping and staring.

Safety and guides: what you’re buying besides the lines

You’re paying for a lot more than “the cable and the cliff.” This tour is explicitly described as fully licensed, insured, and inspected, and the course is run as a rustic system rather than a series of tall platforms.

The guide team shows up again and again in the feedback. People call out guides who are entertaining and funny without turning safety into a joke. Names that appear in the experience include Devin and James, Elle and Ronan, Aiden and Eric, El and Rowan, and Ben with Nolan—so it’s clear the guides aim for a consistent mix of humor, clear instructions, and confidence-building.

That matters for first-timers. If you’ve never zip lined before, your biggest fears are usually basic: What do I do with my body? What if I freeze? What if it feels too fast? The guides on this course are praised for explaining each line clearly and making sure people feel comfortable from the moment you get geared up.

Also worth noting: you’re required to sign a release waiver confirming your abilities. Ziplining has real risk (that’s stated plainly), so the “safe and confident” vibe is not just marketing—it’s built into how the course is run.

Gear, shoes, and the body checklist (this is where people win or stall)

Gear is included, which is a big value point. You’ll get the helmet, harness, and trolley, so you’re not hunting for the right equipment before you show up. The tour is set up for you to focus on the experience, not on gear logistics.

But you do need to bring the right shoes. You must wear sturdy closed-toe shoes—no flip flops or sandals. This isn’t a tiny rule either. You’ll be walking on natural terrain and moving around between lines, and you’ll want grip and stability.

There are also clear physical limits:

• No riders under 6 years old
• No riders under 40 lbs
• No riders over 250 lbs
• Guests must be sturdy on their feet and able to walk and talk at about 6,700 feet elevation

That last one is easy to underestimate. If you get winded quickly, treat this as part fitness test. The course isn’t just sitting on a platform and watching scenery.

One more practical safety note: landing at up to 10 mph and the nature of launch and landing can be rough on the legs if you don’t stay loose. If you’re injury-prone, talk with your physician before booking, as the tour materials recommend.

If you have a medical condition, flag it early. One guest specifically mentioned a Type 1 diabetic rider being supported by the guides. I can’t promise how every situation is handled, but I like that this team can be responsive when people need extra attention.

Views over Pikes Peak country: the timing and pacing that make it memorable

The biggest reason people remember this tour isn’t just the height—it’s the sequence. The first lines help you adjust your breathing and your grip. Then the longer lines let you actually feel the glide, especially as you look out toward the foothills around Manitou Springs.

The final lines tend to be where the adrenaline turns into pure “wow.” That’s also when you’ll notice how the course is stitched together by those short walks. You’re not only flying; you’re also repositioning, looking at the next launch point, and building anticipation.

Weather matters here, and that’s not a small detail. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. In Colorado, that’s smart. You don’t want wind, rain, or unsafe conditions turning your day into a day you didn’t plan.

For a lot of families and couples, this is the highlight because it gives everyone a shared story. Feedback includes multi-generational trips with ages spanning kids and adults—so long as they meet the age/weight requirements and can handle the active walking at elevation.

What $150 buys: value compared to what’s not included

At $150 per person, this isn’t the cheapest activity in Colorado Springs. But when you break it down, it’s close to fair value for what you get.

You’re paying for:

• A local guide
• Round-trip shared transfer
• All ziplining gear (helmet, harness, trolley)
• Five lines plus short walks, all run through a licensed and inspected course

What you don’t get:

• Souvenir photos (sold seasonally, listed as available from Labor Day through Memorial Day)
• Gratuities (appreciated)

Here’s the value lens I’d use if you’re deciding between this and another activity: you’re not just buying “a ride.” You’re buying coaching, safety systems, and a structured flow that takes about 90 minutes. Gear and transfer being included removes two common hidden costs.

One practical money tip from real-world experience: if you’re comparing booking sites, check the final total. One guest mentioned an extra $30 per person on a third-party platform and said booking directly through the operator felt cheaper. So compare the full price, not just the headline number.

Who should book (and who should think twice)

This zipline tour is a strong fit for:

• First-timers who want clear instruction and guides who keep the vibe light
• Families with kids old enough to meet the age/weight rules and handle the walking
• Couples looking for a shared adrenaline moment with great views

It’s also a good choice if you don’t want a giant crowd. The group cap is 8 travelers, and feedback repeatedly mentions smoother, less chaotic pacing compared with larger operations.

Think twice—or ask a medical professional first—if:

• You struggle with walking or balance on uneven ground
• You’re sensitive to altitude. You need to be able to walk and talk at 6,700 feet
• You’re uncomfortable with the active nature of launch/landing. Speeds can reach 10 mph, and impacts can be sporty

And if you’re traveling with kids, know that 6 to 17-year-olds need a parent or guardian to sign waivers. The release paperwork is required either way, so plan for that in advance.

Should you book the Manitou Springs Colo-Rad Zipline Tour?

Yes—if you want a real zipline experience with a grounded safety approach and a course that feels more like cliff country than a theme-park set. The combination of five lines (up to about 650 feet), included gear, and small group size is a solid value play at $150, especially if you’re traveling with someone who will actually enjoy the walking-to-the-next-launch part.

I’d also book if your group includes first-timers, because the guides are repeatedly praised for making safety feel natural instead of scary. Names like Devin and James, Elle and Ronan, Aiden and Eric, and Ben with Nolan show up in positive feedback, and that tells me the guide experience is a core part of the product.

But book with clear expectations if you’re altitude-sensitive or injury-prone. The tour is active, the elevation is real, and the landing can be a bit punchy. If you match the requirements—shoes, weight, age, and mobility—you’re set up for one of those Colorado days you’ll talk about later.

FAQ

How long is the Manitou Springs Colo-Rad Zipline Tour?

It lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour take place?

The ziplining course is in Manitou Springs (at Gregory Gulch).

What is the price per person?

The price is $150.00 per person.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip shared transfer is included.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get a local guide and all ziplining gear, including helmet, harness, and trolley.

What age and weight limits apply?

No riders under 6 years old. Riders must be at least 40 lbs and no more than 250 lbs.

What shoes do I need to wear?

Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Flip flops and sandals are not allowed.

How much hiking is involved?

There are short nature hikes between lines totaling about 1/2 mile.

Do children need waivers signed?

Yes. Guests ages 6 to 17 need a parent or guardian to sign waivers.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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