Five rides. One big view fix.

The Colo-Rad tour, perched above Manitou Springs and carved through Gregory Gulch at the foot of Pikes Peak, is built for maximum adrenaline in a short window. You’re up high quickly, you move fast, and you get real Colorado scenery without a long day of hiking first.

Two things I really like: the small-group setup (max 8) and the cliff-to-cliff course that runs without climbing up towers. The guides also seem genuinely into the job. Names you might hear on your run include Nolan and Dom, plus Ronan, Aiden, Dillion, Ben, and Ashley, and the common thread is clear safety coaching paired with a fun sense of humor.

One thing to consider: this isn’t a sit-and-glide tour. You’ll do a couple short nature hikes between lines at elevation over 6,700 feet, plus you need sturdy footing and comfort with walking while you talk.

Key things that make Colo-Rad worth your time

• Five ziplines (225 to 650+ feet) for a full session of speed and airtime instead of just one or two runs
• No towers to climb: a rustic cliff-to-cliff setup that keeps the action focused on flying
• Short hikes between lines (about half a mile total) so you get a little movement, not just harness-and-zip
• Guides who balance humor and safety so first-timers feel at ease
• Small group pacing so you’re not waiting around forever on the line platform

Where the Colo-Rad ride begins: Manitou Springs under Pikes Peak

Colo-Rad meets at 1335 W Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, at the far west end of town. Look for the sign below the Welcoming Arch—it’s an easy landmark when you’re arriving from Colorado Springs or staying locally.

From the meeting point, you get 4×4 transportation to the start of the course. That matters because it cuts down the “how do I get there” stress and helps you arrive ready instead of tired. You’ll be operating at high elevation right from the start of the experience, with the course sitting in foothill terrain near Pikes Peak.

If you want an outdoorsy day that still feels convenient, this is one of those tours that gives you the mountain feeling with a tight schedule.

The 90-minute rhythm: five zipline runs plus short trail breaks

The total tour time is 90 minutes, so you’re getting an intense experience without burning half your day. The pace is structured around five ziplines, with brief breaks that include a couple short nature hikes between lines.

Here’s how the flow feels in practice: you’ll be guided from platform to platform with helmet and harness fitted on the way. Between zip runs, you’ll walk a bit along the natural terrain to reach the next launch point. Those in-between sections are short—overall, the hike portion is about one-half mile—but at elevation you’ll still feel it.

This pacing is a plus if you like action. It’s also a heads-up if your idea of fun is purely effortless. You should plan to be comfortable walking and standing in the outdoors for the full session.

Five ziplines over Gregory Gulch: what the heights and distances feel like

The big headline is five ziplines ranging from 225 feet up to over 600 feet, with at least one run described as going about 150 feet above Manitou Springs. That combination is what makes the tour feel like a real “session” rather than a quick taste.

What you’ll notice most is the variety. The shorter line segments keep things punchy and easy to stay focused. The longer lines are where the adrenaline kicks in—more time stretched out in the air and more of that “where did my stomach go” sensation. Expect the experience to feel like a controlled thrill ride, not a slow scenic glide.

The course is also described as rustic cliff to cliff, with no towers to climb. That’s a meaningful design choice. It generally keeps the experience more streamlined and reduces the time you spend focused on climbing gear or stairs before flying.

One more detail that helps you set expectations: everything is over the foothills of historic Manitou Springs. You’re not just zipping over a generic line in the woods—you’re flying above an alpine canyon-like area in Gregory Gulch, right at the base of Pikes Peak.

Safety on the line: licensed operation, helmet gear, and guide coaching

Colo-Rad is built on safety basics you can trust. The ziplines are fully licensed, insured, and inspected, and the tour includes safety gear plus a helmet. You’ll also sign a waiver that covers your physical abilities, which is normal for adventure sports and a good reminder to be honest about your comfort level.

What tends to make or break a zipline tour for first-timers is instruction quality. Here, the guides consistently come through with clear explanations and a relaxed style. Names like Nolan and Dom show up in guide feedback, and other guide names you may encounter include Ronan, Aiden, Dillion, Ben, and Ashley. The pattern is the same: they’re friendly, they use humor, and they also make sure you know exactly what to do before you go.

That balance is huge. It’s how you avoid the two extremes—either feeling ignored or feeling so nervous you can’t enjoy it. You want confident coaching, not a lecture, and that’s what this tour’s described as delivering.

Can you handle the elevation and the short hikes?

This tour has a clear filter for physical comfort, and you should take it seriously. You’ll be operating at elevations over 6,700 feet, and you need to be able to walk and talk during the activity. The tour includes short hikes between lines, around one-half mile total, so the walking part isn’t optional.

Not recommended for:

• People with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
• Pregnant women
• Wheelchair users

Other limits:

• Weight requirement: 40 to 300 pounds
• People over 254 lbs (115 kg) are not suitable
• Children 5 and younger aren’t suitable for this activity

If you’re unsure, the smartest move is to check with your doctor, especially if you have any condition that affects exertion or breathing. Also, if you’re the type who gets winded on short climbs, be ready for that in these elevation hikes—even though the hiking distance is modest.

What to wear and bring so the day feels smooth

Dress for comfort and grip. Wear layers and plan on closed-toe shoes. Sandals or flip-flops aren’t allowed, which is more than a rule—it’s about how secure your feet are when you’re moving between lines.

Bring sunglasses if you’re sensitive to glare. You’re high enough that sun and glare can feel stronger than you expect near Manitou Springs.

Other practical notes:

• You must arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
• You’ll want to be sturdy on your feet and ready to move outdoors.

And keep it simple: no smoking, and don’t show up hoping to swap gear last minute.

Price and value: is $145 per person fair for five long rides?

At $145 per person for a 90-minute tour, Colo-Rad isn’t the cheapest activity in the area. But the value holds up when you look at what’s included and what you actually do.

Your money covers:

• A local/professional guide
• Small-group tour (limited to 8 participants)
• Safety gear and helmet
• 4×4 transportation from the station to the start of the course
• A run that includes five ziplines plus short nature walks

The big value play here is the combination of quantity and intensity: five lines with lengths from 225 feet up to over 600 feet. If you compare that kind of variety to tours that do only one or two rides, Colo-Rad tends to feel like you’re buying a whole adventure, not a single highlight.

Also, the small group size matters. Waiting around is the worst part of adventure travel. When the group stays capped, you usually get more real flying time and a smoother schedule.

Who should book Colo-Rad (and who should choose something else)

I’d book Colo-Rad if you want a thrill that’s structured, guided, and time-efficient. It works well for people trying ziplining for the first time because the coaching is described as clear and confidence-building, and the course design keeps you moving through the experience instead of lingering in complicated climbs.

It’s also a great fit for:

• Couples and honeymoon-style trips in the area
• Parents taking older kids who can walk comfortably at elevation
• Anyone who likes action more than long scenery hikes

I’d skip it if:

• You’re dealing with heart concerns or serious medical limitations
• You’re pregnant
• Your mobility needs an accessible format like a wheelchair-friendly activity
• You’re outside the stated weight limits

Basically, if you’re comfortable walking on uneven ground and you can handle altitude, you’ll likely have a strong day.

A quick pre-flight checklist for your best ride

• Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction
• Bring sunglasses and dress in layers
• Plan to arrive 15 minutes early
• Expect short walking segments between zip runs
• Be honest about your ability to handle elevation over 6,700 feet
• Don’t show up if you’re in a category listed as not suitable

Should you book Colo-Rad zipline in Manitou Springs?

Book it if you want a concentrated adrenaline hit with real course variety—five long ziplines over Gregory Gulch—and you’re comfortable with short hiking at elevation. I like that the experience is time-boxed into 90 minutes, and I like that you’re not climbing towers before you fly.

Pass if walking at altitude sounds like a problem, or if you’re in any not-suitable category. This isn’t a gentle sightseeing add-on. It’s a guided adventure where your body has to participate a little.

If you match the fitness guidelines and you want an energetic, well-instructed ziplining day at the foot of Pikes Peak, Colo-Rad is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Colo-Rad zipline tour?

The tour lasts 90 minutes. Starting times depend on availability.

What does the Colo-Rad zipline tour cost?

The price is $145 per person.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at 1335 W Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, at the far west end of Manitou Springs, looking for the sign below the Welcoming Arch.

What’s included with the tour price?

You’ll get a local and professional guide, a small-group tour, and safety gear & a helmet. The tour also includes 4×4 transportation from the station to the start of the course.

What should I wear or bring, and what’s not allowed?

Wear comfortable shoes (closed-toe required) and consider bringing sunglasses. Sandals or flip flops aren’t allowed, and smoking is not permitted.

Who can participate, and what happens if weather is bad?

This activity requires the ability to walk and talk at elevation over 6,700 feet and meet the stated weight (40–300 lbs) and suitability limits. It operates weather permitting. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Queenstown: 3-Hour Zipline Adventure with 6-LinesBambuza ATV, Zipline and Horseback Adventure from NegrilTour 4 Cenotes Casa Tortuga Tulum. Food + Zipline. Includes Pickup.Adrena-Line Zipline, St. Lucia