Zipline Tour – 9 high-speed ziplines & fun suspension bridge

Nine lines turn a mountain outing into a real adventure. Big Bear’s Action Zipline Tour gives you nine runs, speeds up to 45 mph, and a scenic suspension bridge with views toward Johnson Valley. I like the mix of fast rides and quiet mountain scenery, and I like that the guides handle the safety training, equipment, and transfers. The main drawback is the price: at $178.21 per person, it is a serious activity budget item.

This is also a fairly long outing. You should expect about three hours from check-in to return, with a maximum group size of 18. That can make for a fun social experience, but a full group may spend time waiting in the heat between runs.

The staff is the strongest part of the experience. Guides such as Caroline, JR, Riley, Abe, and Draven have been praised for calm instruction, humor, and helping nervous first-timers feel ready. Still, weather can interrupt the tour, and the cancellation process has caused frustration when storms arrive after the activity begins.

Key Things to Know Before You Book

• Nine lines with changing speeds: Runs range from 140 to 860 feet, with top speeds reaching 45 mph.
• A mountain transfer is included: 4WD transportation takes you from the Big Bear departure center to the launch area and back.
• The suspension bridge adds scenery: You cross a bridge with views toward Johnson Valley, giving the tour a slower, more scenic pause.
• The guides matter: Expect hands-on instruction, safety checks, and encouragement if you are tense at the first platform.
• The group can reach 18 people: Smaller groups may move faster, while a full departure can involve waiting.
• The rules are firm: Participants must be at least 8 years old, weigh 65 to 250 pounds, and be no taller than 6 feet 6 inches.

From Big Bear Boulevard to the Mountain Launch Deck

Your outing begins at 41693 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, where you check in at least 15 minutes before departure. This timing matters. Tours leave promptly, and a late arrival may miss the ride up the mountain.

Before heading out, you can use the restrooms, fill up on drinking water, and place loose belongings in a secure locker. Bags, purses, and items that could fall are not allowed on the course, so arrive prepared to store nearly everything except what you can safely wear.

The included 4WD ride takes you from the departure center to the launch deck. That transfer is more than a simple shuttle. It gets you to the higher starting point without asking you to arrange another ride, and the driver may add local information along the way. Several strong experiences have specifically praised the staff who make the drive feel quick and interesting.

At the top, you receive a helmet, gloves, and harness. Guides explain how to use the equipment, how to approach each platform, and what to do on the lines. If this is your first zipline, this briefing is the part to take seriously. The speed is exciting, but the real comfort comes from understanding the equipment before you leave the platform.

Nine Ziplines from 140 to 860 Feet

The course works its way down the mountain through nine separate runs. The lines vary from a short 140-foot ride to a much longer 860-foot stretch, so the experience changes as you go. You are not simply repeating the same short ride nine times.

The first run can be the most nerve-racking. Even people who are comfortable with heights may need a moment to step off the platform. That is where the guides earn their keep. Draven, Caroline, JR, Riley, Abe, and other staff members have been praised for explaining each move clearly and keeping the mood relaxed.

Once you get moving, the tour becomes more physical and more playful. You need to use both hands and both feet, and you should be comfortable walking over uneven surfaces. The staff helps with the gear and gives you tips, but you still need to listen and take an active role.

The fastest runs can reach 45 miles per hour, which is enough to produce a genuine rush without making the entire outing feel like a single extreme stunt. One especially useful detail is that the lines are long enough to feel substantial. A 140-foot run gives you a quick introduction, while an 860-foot line provides more time to enjoy the ride and the mountain setting.

You may also spend time waiting for the person ahead of you to clear a platform. With a full group of 18, that pause can add up. In warm weather, bring appropriate clothing and use the waiting time to drink water. The tour provides water, but you should still dress for sun, changing mountain conditions, and outdoor exposure.

The Suspension Bridge and Johnson Valley Views

The suspension bridge gives the tour a welcome change of pace. After the speed and concentration of the zipline runs, walking across the bridge lets you look outward instead of straight ahead at the next landing.

The view extends toward Johnson Valley, adding a scenic element that helps justify the tour’s three-hour length. This is not just a series of mechanical rides. You get a mountain setting, a bridge crossing, historical information about the area, and a chance to look around between adrenaline bursts.

The bridge is also a good moment for anyone in your group who needs to settle down. A nervous child or first-time participant may find the course intense at first, but the guides have a reputation for building confidence step by step. Families have used the experience as a shared challenge, including groups with older parents and grandparents.

That said, the bridge does not turn the activity into a gentle sightseeing tour. You still need to walk on uneven ground, use both hands and feet, and manage the outdoor conditions. If walking is difficult for you, this is not a good fit.

What the Guides Add to the Experience

The course equipment gets you onto the lines, but the guides shape the day. The best part of the staff approach is the balance of safety and humor. You receive a formal orientation, yet the tone is not all rules and warnings.

For nervous participants, this matters. A first zipline can feel like a bad idea until the moment you step off the platform. Calm coaching can make the difference between freezing at the edge and enjoying the run. The guides have helped children, first-time adults, and older participants feel at ease, including a 75-year-old who enjoyed the activity.

You can expect the guides to demonstrate the process and watch the group throughout the course. They also provide information about the area, so the mountain ride has some local context rather than feeling like a bare transfer between platforms.

Abe has been singled out for taking photos, and souvenir photos are available for purchase. A GoPro camera can also be rented, with an SD card provided for you to take home. These extras are optional, but they can add to the cost. One practical complaint has been the $45 photo price, so decide beforehand if recorded memories are worth the extra money.

Is $178.21 a Fair Price?

At $178.21 per person, this is not a casual add-on for a Big Bear weekend. You are paying for nine lines, all safety gear, professional guides, 4WD transportation, water, lockers, restrooms, and roughly three hours of activity.

The price looks more reasonable if you plan to use the full experience. Nine runs are a solid number, and the range in length means you get more variety than with a short introductory course. The transport also removes the hassle of finding the mountain launch point on your own.

The value becomes less convincing if your group dislikes waiting or if you mainly want a single spectacular ride. A full group may spend time standing around, especially in the heat. You should also budget for optional photos or GoPro rental only if you really want them.

One important price tip: a past booking note reported that a third-party reservation cost $25 more than booking directly with Action Zipline Tours. Prices can change, but it is worth comparing the direct rate before paying. That small check may make a meaningful difference for a family.

Age, Weight, Height, and Physical Rules

The minimum age is 8 years old, and participants must weigh at least 65 pounds and no more than 250 pounds. There is no minimum height, but the maximum height is 6 feet 6 inches.

These limits are firm, so check every member of your group before booking. Children who are technically old enough may still find the first platform intimidating. The guides can offer encouragement, but they cannot remove the need for confidence and physical participation.

You must be able to use both hands and both feet, and you need vision in at least one eye. The course includes uneven surfaces, walking, gear handling, and repeated movement between platforms. It is not recommended for people with walking disabilities.

No tobacco, alcohol, or chewing gum is permitted. Leave bags and loose valuables in the provided lockers rather than trying to carry them through the course.

Weather, Timing, and Cancellations

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for the forecast. Extreme weather can stop the activity, and lightning is a serious concern. In one reported case, the zipline portion began before lightning forced the tour to end, creating a difficult refund dispute.

The official cancellation terms allow a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If severe weather cancels the tour, you can receive an alternative date or a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

The duration is approximate. The tour itself is about three hours, but traffic and the time of day can affect the total schedule. Give yourself extra room if you have dinner reservations or another fixed activity afterward.

Because the tour is often booked around 10 days ahead, reserve early during busy periods. Confirmation arrives at booking, but minimum numbers and extreme weather can still affect the departure.

Who Will Enjoy This Big Bear Tour Most?

I would recommend it to families with children aged 8 and older, couples looking for a shared challenge, and first-time zipliners who want staff support. It also suits groups with mixed confidence levels because the guides can help nervous participants without making experienced riders feel ignored.

The tour works well for an active Big Bear day when you want more than a view from the roadside. The bridge, historical information, 4WD ride, and changing line lengths give the outing more shape than a quick amusement ride.

I would think twice if you dislike heights, have difficulty walking on uneven ground, or want a quiet outdoor activity. I would also be cautious about booking it on a tight schedule, since the three-hour estimate can shift with traffic and group pace.

Should You Book the Nine-Zipline Tour?

Book it if you want a full half-day adventure with real speed, mountain views, and strong guide support. The nine lines provide good variety, and the staff’s calm approach is especially useful for first-timers and families. The suspension bridge and 4WD ride add scenery and context, so the outing is not all waiting for the next launch.

Skip it if $178.21 feels too high for a single activity, if your group will be frustrated by pauses, or if weather looks unstable. Compare the direct price with third-party options, arrive 15 minutes early, and leave your schedule flexible. For the right group, this is one of Big Bear’s more memorable ways to spend three hours.

FAQ

How long does the zipline tour take?

The tour lasts approximately three hours. The exact time can vary with traffic, time of day, and the pace of the group.

How many ziplines are included?

The tour includes nine zipline runs ranging from 140 to 860 feet. Speeds can reach up to 45 miles per hour.

Where does the tour begin?

You check in at 41693 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California 92315. The activity ends back at this same meeting point.

Is transportation to the zipline site included?

Yes. The tour includes 4WD transportation from the departure center to the mountain launch deck and back.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides a harness, helmet, and gloves. Drinking water, restrooms, and lockers for personal belongings are also available.

What are the age, weight, and height limits?

Participants must be at least 8 years old, weigh between 65 and 250 pounds, and be no taller than 6 feet 6 inches. There is no minimum height requirement.

Can I bring a bag or purse on the course?

No. Bags, purses, and other easily lost valuables are not permitted during the tour. Secure lockers are provided at the departure center.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If extreme weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a voucher to return later. The cancellation terms also state that a full refund may be offered when the activity is canceled because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not met.