Manitou Springs: Zipline Tour & Alpine Canyon Hikes

Summary

Zipline adventure over Gregory Gulch with nature hikes and local guides

You’ll fly over alpine canyons on five ziplines near Manitou Springs, hike between cliffside launch points with local guides who know every trail bend, and share laughs with fellow travelers as you conquer your nerves together. Expect pine-scented air, adrenaline surges—and maybe a dusty landing or two.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zipline adventure in Manitou Springs

• Arrive at Manitou Springs foothills
• Receive safety briefing and gear
• Zipline across five alpine lines
• Complete short nature hikes between lines
• Perform freestyle moves while ziplining
• Enjoy scenic views of Pikes Peak

Top questions

How many ziplines are included on the Manitou Springs zipline tour?

The course includes five ziplines ranging from 225 to 650 feet in length.

Is hotel pickup included for the zipline tour?

The tour includes round-trip shared transfer but not direct hotel pickup.

Do I need to bring my own gear for the Manitou Springs ziplining?

No, all gear including helmet, harness, and trolley is provided for you.

Are there any age or weight restrictions for this zipline tour?

Yes; riders must be at least 6 years old and weigh between 40 lbs and 250 lbs.

How difficult are the hikes between ziplines?

The hikes are short (about half a mile total) but require sturdy footing at over 6700' elevation.

Can kids join the Manitou Springs zipline tour?

Children aged 6–17 can join but need a parent or guardian to sign waivers.

What should I wear for the Manitou Springs ziplining experience?

You must wear sturdy closed-toe shoes; flip flops or sandals are not allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip shared transfer from Manitou Springs to Gregory Gulch, all necessary ziplining gear like helmets and harnesses provided on site, plus guidance from experienced local staff throughout both the ziplines and short nature hikes connecting each launch point—and plenty of encouragement along the way.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure you’re ready for this?” our guide grinned, tightening my harness as the wind picked up. I could smell pine needles in the air—kind of sharp and earthy—and honestly, my hands were already sweating before we even reached the first line. The drive up from Manitou Springs was quick but climbing out at the top of Gregory Gulch felt like stepping into a different world. It’s not polished or manicured—just raw cliff edges, scattered wildflowers, and that big Colorado sky that makes you feel tiny in the best way.

We started with a short hike—maybe half a mile?—and I remember thinking I should’ve done more cardio before coming up here (the elevation hits different). Our group was a mix: two college kids from Denver, a couple from Texas who kept joking about “surviving the Rockies,” and Li, our guide, who grew up nearby and seemed to know every bird call. She pointed out a red-tailed hawk circling overhead right before sending us off the first zipline. That first leap is wild—you just step off rock and suddenly you’re flying over this deep canyon, wind roaring in your ears, trees blurring underneath. My stomach dropped but then it was just…funny how fast fear turns into pure thrill.

The course has five ziplines in total, each one longer than I expected (the last one is 650 feet—I swear it feels longer when you’re hanging there). Between lines we’d scramble along rocky paths, catching our breath and swapping stories. At one point Li showed us how to twist mid-air—she called it “freestyle,” though mine looked more like panic-flailing than anything else. Nobody judged; everyone just laughed together. And yeah, landing can be a little rough if you come in too hot—I still have dust on my shoes from skidding to a stop.

I keep thinking about that moment right after my last run—the sun hitting Pikes Peak behind us, everyone high-fiving like we’d known each other longer than an hour or two. There’s something about being up there with strangers-turned-friends that sticks with me. If you want a zipline tour near Manitou Springs that’s got real mountain grit (and some good stories), this is it.