Nine zip lines. One big mountain rush. In Big Bear Lake at Action Zipline Tours, you’re set up for nine high-speed ziplines with speeds up to 45 mph, plus a suspension bridge that gives your body a brief break while your eyes take in Johnson Valley.

I particularly like the way professional guides run things step-by-step, including fitting you with the right harness setup and coaching your technique before you clip in. I also like that all the gear is handled for you, with helmet, gloves, and harness included, plus water, restrooms, and lockers so your trip stays low-stress.

One possible downside: if the schedule fills up close to the max group size, you may spend extra time waiting around on uneven ground, especially in warm weather.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Nine ziplines (140 ft to 860 ft) with speeds up to 45 mph for real variety
• Suspension bridge over Johnson Valley for a slower, scenic intermission
• Helmet, gloves, harness, and instruction included so you’re not guessing
• 4WD rides to and from the mountain launch deck that keep the route efficient
• Small-group cap of 18 travelers for more personal attention while you ride
• Lockers, water, and restrooms included so you can focus on the adventure

Nine zip lines and the Johnson Valley suspension bridge: the thrill in Big Bear

This is a classic Big Bear zipline setup: you start high on the mountain, work your way through nine separate ziplines of different lengths, and add one signature “pause and look” moment with a suspension bridge. The result is a tour that feels like more than one ride. You get multiple launches, multiple landings, and a mix of speed and views instead of repeating the same zip line all day.

The bridge matters because it breaks up the adrenaline. After line after line, your pulse drops a bit while you walk across. You’ll get scenic moments looking toward Johnson Valley, which helps make the whole experience feel more like a guided outdoor day than just a fast-and-finish thrill.

Big Bear also has that mountain-weather rhythm. This tour operates in all weather conditions, but extreme weather can still cancel the day. That means you should expect the schedule to follow mountain reality, not a perfectly flat, indoor timeline.

Price of $178.21: what you pay for (and what you pay extra for)

At $178.21 per person for about 3 hours, you’re not just buying zipline tickets. You’re paying for a bundle: round-trip transportation from the departure center to the zipline site, pro guides, all safety gear, drinking water, restrooms, and lockers. You’re also paying for the logistics that get you from parking to mountain deck via 4WD rides.

That’s the value angle I’d focus on. Many “cheaper” zipline options end up costing more once you factor in gear rental, missing transport, or add-on costs for basic amenities. Here, the basics are already included, so your spending stays predictable.

What’s not included is also clear. You’ll pay extra for souvenir photos, and there’s also an option to rent a GoPro video camera. The info you take home depends on the rental option (with an SD card given to you to take home), so if you care about recording every flight, it’s worth thinking about that before you arrive.

One practical thing: a photo add-on isn’t required. If you’re cost-conscious, you can still have a great memory day without buying anything. And if you do want photos, have your budget ready before the upsell moment arrives.

From 41693 Big Bear Blvd to the mountain deck: how the 3-hour run flows

Your tour starts at 41693 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, and it ends back at that meeting point. You’ll receive a mobile ticket and you’ll need to check in 15 minutes before your tour time, because the group leaves promptly.

That “promptly” part is not small. The tour is built as a smooth run, with safety briefings and transfers that depend on timing. If you show up late, you should expect your slot to be missed, not magically preserved.

Once you check in, you’ll gear up. You’ll get helmet, gloves, and a harness, then you’ll get a safety orientation plus ziplining tips and tricks. After that, you head down the mountain route and start working through the nine ziplines. Between them, you’ll use 4WD rides to get to the next launch deck. These transfers are part of the experience, even if they feel like “between lines” downtime.

The pacing is roughly a 3-hour window, but the operator notes that exact timing can vary based on time of day and traffic conditions. In mountain towns, that’s normal. Plan for the ride there to take a little more time than your map estimates, especially if you’re coming from out of town.

Gear up right: safety briefing, harness fitting, and the guide vibe

This is one of those activities where the instruction really matters. You’re attaching yourself to a system, so the tour’s value is tied to how confidently the team explains what to do.

Here, you get a safety orientation at the top of the mountain before the first line. The process is designed to get you clipped in correctly and moving safely. You’ll also be reminded about basics like using both hands and feet during the ride, because your body position affects how smoothly you travel and how safely you detach at the end.

You also have clear participation requirements. Most travelers can participate, but there are important limits:

• Weight minimum 65 lbs, maximum 250 lbs
• Minimum age 8
• Maximum height 6’6”
• Vision required in at least one eye
• Not recommended for people with walking disabilities because of uneven surfaces

I like that the rules are spelled out ahead of time. That means you can decide with clarity instead of hoping once you arrive.

Guide personality comes up a lot in the feedback. Names mentioned include Caroline, JR, Dray, Riley, Abe, Draven, and Delvin. If you happen to get a calm, patient coach style, that can reduce first-time fear fast, especially for kids and for adults who don’t love heights but still want the adrenaline.

If you’re nervous, pay attention during the orientation. It’s the difference between feeling rushed and feeling in control. And if you’re with family, the guide team tends to be part coach, part cheerleader, part safety manager.

Line-by-line speed: lengths from 140 to 860 feet and what to expect

The heart of this tour is the nine-line sequence. The ziplines vary widely in length, listed from 140 ft to 860 ft, and the experience can reach speeds up to 45 mph. That range is why I’d pick this tour over a shorter “single big line” option.

Shorter lines give you a confidence loop. You get clipped in, you glide, you land, and you learn what it feels like to shift your body weight the right way. Longer lines do the opposite: they leave you with more time to feel the wind, focus on your technique, and ride the full momentum.

The tour describes nine different runs, and the structure matters. You’re not just rushing from one platform to the next with no breathing room. There’s a rhythm: transfer, gear check, ride, land, listen, repeat.

Also remember: this isn’t a quiet, slow activity. It’s meant to feel fast and slightly scary in a fun way. If heights aren’t your thing, you should still be okay if you follow instructions and keep your brain anchored on what the guide tells you to do at each stage.

One more practical point about pacing: the max group size is 18 travelers, which should help with attention and flow. Still, if your group is full, you might spend some time waiting in between lines. Bring a mindset that says this is a progression, not a continuous launch parade.

When the suspension bridge hits: scenic breaks and timing

The suspension bridge is easy to overlook in the excitement, but it’s one of the best “breather” elements. Instead of another straight-line zip, you’ll walk across the suspension bridge as part of the route. That gives your body a change of movement and your eyes a chance to take in the area.

The views are tied to Johnson Valley, and that matters because it shifts the experience from pure sensation (speed and wind) to perspective (where you are in Big Bear’s mountain and valley mix). If you like photos, the bridge moment can be a great pause point, too, because it’s scenic without requiring you to keep your hands busy during a ride.

Timing-wise, you shouldn’t expect the bridge to be your only calm moment. There will be other transfer times as you use 4WD rides between launches. But the bridge is usually the most “human” part of the adventure because you’re walking instead of flying.

If you’re traveling with mixed comfort levels, this is the section that helps everyone feel included. Even people who hate the speed portion can often manage a bridge walk with a steady pace, as long as they’re comfortable on uneven terrain. The tour does note uneven surfaces, so if balance is a concern, talk yourself through your comfort before you commit.

Who this tour suits, and who should think twice

This zipline tour is best for people who want a guided, structured thrill. You’ll get instruction, all gear, and a route that covers multiple lines instead of a one-and-done ride. It’s also a solid family activity if your kids meet the age and comfort requirements. The minimum age is 8, and many people enjoy it across family groups.

It’s especially suited to:

• First-timers who want coaching, not guesswork
• People who like speed but also like having scenery breaks
• Groups that appreciate a small operation size (up to 18)

It’s not the right fit for:

• Anyone who struggles with uneven ground (the tour isn’t recommended for walking disabilities)
• People who can’t meet the weight, height, and vision requirements
• Anyone unwilling to be outdoors in variable mountain conditions

Also, a quick mindset note. You may start the day feeling nervous and finish feeling proud. The best results usually come from listening carefully during the safety briefing and committing to the process. If you freeze at first, you can still recover, but it’s harder if you don’t do what the guide asks at each step.

Practical tips for your best run in Big Bear

Here are the choices that tend to make the day smoother, based on the kind of flow this tour follows.

Dress for weather, not for comfort on paper. The operator says it runs in all weather conditions and only cancels under extreme weather, so temperatures can shift. Layers help. You’ll be outside, moving between stations, and waiting a bit between lines.

Check in early and give yourself buffer time. The tour leaves promptly. If you’re coming from somewhere else in town, I’d add extra time for parking and the pre-zipline paperwork.

Plan for what you’ll carry. You may not bring bags, purses, or other easily-lost valuables on your tour. You’ll use secure lockers at the departure center. Travel light. Keep your phone and keys simple so the day doesn’t turn into a storage puzzle.

Bring a water-friendly attitude. Drinking water is included, but you’ll still be in the sun and moving. If you’re doing this on a hot day, expect some standing around. One piece of feedback pointed out waiting in heat when the group runs full, so wearing breathable clothing matters.

Decide on photos before you see the price. Souvenir photos are available to purchase, and one person felt the photo pricing was steep. If you want the package, budget for it. If you don’t, don’t let the excitement pressure you.

The value question: speed, instruction, and small-group flow

The best way I judge value here is by how much support you get for the price. You’re paying for the full system: transport to the site, gear, safety staff, and a sequence that hits nine zips with real speed potential. That makes the $178 feel more reasonable than if you compare it only to a single line.

At the same time, you should know what can sour the experience. A couple of serious issues have popped up in past experiences: one involved a serious lack of communication when someone expected the owner to show up, and another involved disappointment around a refund and a voucher format after a weather-related cancellation. Those are not “small inconveniences.” They’re the kind of problems that matter if you’re on a tight schedule or relying on a specific return date.

My practical advice: if you’re booking, keep your plans flexible. If there’s any chance you’ll need an alternative day, it helps to be staying nearby and not planning an early next-day departure.

Should I book this Big Bear zipline tour?

Book it if you want a true Big Bear adventure with nine ziplines, pro guidance, and a scenic break on a Johnson Valley suspension bridge. The included water, lockers, restrooms, and round-trip transportation make it easier to show up and focus on the ride.

Skip it or think hard first if walking balance is tough for you, if you don’t meet the weight/height/vision rules, or if you know you hate waiting in the sun. Also, if your schedule is extremely tight and you can’t tolerate any weather-cancellation chaos, consider building in a little buffer time.

If you do book, go in expecting a 3-hour rhythm: gear up, ride line after line, and trust the safety team. When the group moves smoothly, it’s exactly the kind of mountain thrill that turns into a story you’ll want to tell on the drive back.

FAQ

How many ziplines are included?

You get nine ziplines of various lengths during the tour.

How fast do the ziplines go?

The tour can reach speeds up to 45 mph.

What’s the duration of the tour?

It’s about 3 hours, with the exact duration depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

What equipment and amenities are included?

You’ll receive the helmet, gloves, and harness, plus drinking water, restrooms, and lockers. Souvenir photos and GoPro rentals are not included.

What are the age and weight requirements?

Participants must be at least 8 years old and weigh at least 65 lbs, with a maximum weight of 250 lbs.

What if weather causes problems?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, but it’s subject to extreme weather. If canceled due to extreme weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a voucher to return at another time.

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