Zipline Tour: Colo-Rad

Hold on tight, the canyon is below you. Colo-Rad gives you a fast, scenic introduction to ziplining above historic Manitou Springs, with five natural-terrain lines stretching from 225 to more than 600 feet. You soar about 150 feet above Gregory Gulch, with the foothills of the Rockies providing the backdrop. I like the cliff-to-cliff course, which feels more natural than a zipline built on tall metal towers, and I like the small group size, capped at eight people. The main drawback is that the tour lasts only 90 minutes, and the short hikes between lines mean you need to be comfortable walking at more than 6,700 feet.

The guides are a major part of the appeal. Aiden, Dillon, Nolan, Dom, Ronan, and Nolan have all been praised for making first-timers feel safe while keeping the mood light. I also like that the activity fits neatly into a day in Manitou Springs, though people who want a long, full-day adventure may find the five-line course over too soon.

Key Points

• Five cliff-to-cliff ziplines: Lines range from 225 to over 600 feet, with no towers to climb.
• 150 feet above Manitou Springs: The course crosses Gregory Gulch at the foot of Pikes Peak.
• A strong first zipline choice: Guides explain what to do clearly and help nervous beginners relax.
• 90 minutes door to door: The tour includes 4×4 transport, safety instruction, ziplines, and short hikes.
• Small groups of eight or fewer: You get more direct attention than on a large commercial course.
• Plan for mountain conditions: Closed-toe shoes, layers, sunglasses, and steady footing are essential.

Starting at the Far West End of Manitou Springs

Your tour begins at 1335 West Manitou Avenue, at the far western end of Manitou Springs. Look for the Adventures Out West sign below the town’s Welcoming Arch. You should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start, which gives you time to find the meeting point, check in, and prepare for the activity.

This location is handy if you are already exploring Manitou Springs or planning to visit the town before or after the zipline. The tour does not begin at the actual lines. Instead, the company provides 4×4 transportation from the station to the course, saving you from dealing with the rough access route yourself.

The group is limited to eight participants. That number matters on a safety-focused activity. You are not simply sent down a line in a crowd. The guides have time to explain the equipment, answer questions, and watch each person complete the launch and landing.

The minimum booking requirement is two people, so solo visitors cannot reserve a spot by themselves under the stated rules. The live tour is conducted in English.

A Short 4×4 Ride to Gregory Gulch

The 4×4 transfer takes you from the Manitou Springs station to the start of the course. It is a practical part of the tour, not just an extra thrill. The zipline sits high above town in a rugged section of Gregory Gulch, and the vehicle brings you directly toward the natural-terrain course.

At the start, the guides fit you with safety gear and a helmet. The lines are fully licensed, insured, and inspected. You will also sign a release confirming your physical ability to take part.

The guides appear to be especially good at handling first-timer nerves. One person described the guides as funny and clear about safety, which is exactly the right combination here. Too much joking would be unsettling, while a stiff lecture can make a new zipliner more nervous. The strongest praise for this activity centers on guides who keep things casual without becoming careless.

You should expect instructions on how to use the line and how to follow the guide’s directions. The supplied information does not spell out every movement or braking technique, so listen closely during the on-site briefing rather than relying on general zipline experience.

Five Lines Above the Alpine Canyon

The course contains five ziplines, ranging from 225 feet to more than 600 feet. That mix gives the activity some useful variety. The shorter lines let you settle into the feeling of leaving solid ground, while the longer lines offer more time to take in the canyon and foothills.

The tallest point is about 150 feet above Manitou Springs. That is high enough to create a genuine rush, but the course is not described as a giant, multi-hour zipline network. The experience is compact and focused.

The setting is the key reason to choose this tour. You are not flying over a parking lot or an artificial adventure park. The lines run across a rugged mountain canyon at the foot of Pikes Peak. The natural cliff-to-cliff design gives the activity a more outdoorsy feel, with the ground dropping away beneath you and the rock walls forming the setting.

The course is not built around towers, so you do not spend the tour climbing tall platforms. That is useful if you want the zipline experience but would rather avoid repeated stair climbs. You still need to walk between lines, and the course includes a couple of short nature hikes.

The hikes are not long, roughly half a mile in total, but the elevation changes the effort. At more than 6,700 feet, a short uphill walk can feel harder than expected, especially if you have just arrived from a lower elevation. I would take the walking requirement seriously. You need to be steady on your feet and able to walk and talk at that altitude.

What the Short Hikes Add

The walks between lines break up the action. Instead of racing from one launch point to the next, you get brief pauses to recover, listen to instructions, and look around the canyon.

They also mean the activity is more than five quick rides. You are moving through a natural mountain setting, not simply queuing beside a series of platforms. Still, anyone expecting nonstop motion should adjust expectations. The 90-minute duration includes transportation, equipment, instruction, walking, and the zipline runs themselves.

One past participant specifically pointed out the two small hills between lines. That detail is easy to overlook when you see a list of five ziplines. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and do not choose sandals or flip flops. Closed-toe shoes are required, and sunglasses are worth bringing for sun and wind.

Layers are a smart choice. Conditions can change quickly in the foothills, and you may feel different temperatures while standing around, walking, and flying through open air. The supplied guidance does not require special technical clothing, just comfortable shoes and practical outdoor layers.

Why Beginners Often Enjoy This Tour

Colo-Rad makes a good case for first-time zipliners. The course is limited to eight people, the guides provide safety equipment and helmets, and the activity has received repeated praise for clear instruction and a reassuring manner.

Pamela’s experience is a useful guide for nervous beginners. She described the tour as a good first zipline choice because the guides used humor to put people at ease while still explaining exactly what to do. Another first-time participant said the staff made the experience feel safe and fun.

That balance is important. A zipline can look simple from the ground, but launching from a cliff takes a moment of trust. You need to follow instructions, use the equipment correctly, and remain calm enough to enjoy the ride. The guides appear to be the strongest part of the operation, with several named guides praised for being fun, professional, and reassuring.

The activity also works for families with older children, provided everyone meets the physical rules. It is not suitable for children aged five and younger. A parent and son described having a particularly good time together, and the small group setting should help a parent stay close to the experience rather than watching from a distance.

The Views and the Sense of Height

The setting gives Colo-Rad its character. From the lines, you look across Gregory Gulch and toward the foothills surrounding Manitou Springs. The tour places you above town rather than inside it, so you get a different view of the area than you would from the streets or a standard lookout.

The height is enough to make the experience exciting without needing extreme line lengths. The longest run stretches more than 600 feet, and the course reaches about 150 feet above the town. That combination should satisfy you if you want a clear adrenaline hit but do not need the largest zipline in Colorado.

You should not book this as a sightseeing tour with a little ziplining added. The views are part of the experience, but your attention will also be on gear, instructions, launches, landings, and the next line. If you want time to study the scenery, the pauses during the hikes are likely your best chance.

Is $145 a Fair Price?

At $145 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The price makes more sense when you consider what is included: a professional local guide, safety gear, helmet, small-group service, 4×4 transportation, and five lines in a mountain setting.

You are paying for access to a course that would be difficult to reach on your own, along with inspected equipment and staff who manage the safety side of the activity. The small group limit also gives the price more weight. You are not paying for a mass-market ride where a large crowd moves through a course with little personal attention.

The value is strongest for people who want a scenic, beginner-friendly mountain activity that fits into a half day. It is less convincing for someone focused only on maximum ride time. Several people enjoyed the tour but wished it lasted longer. That is the clearest price-related consideration: you receive a polished 90-minute experience, not a long day of repeated ziplines.

Because the course is near Manitou Springs, you can pair it with other local plans. The short duration is useful if your schedule includes more of the town or the Pikes Peak area. You can also reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

Physical Requirements You Should Take Seriously

This is an active mountain excursion. You need to walk approximately half a mile, handle short hills, and remain steady on your feet at an elevation above 6,700 feet. You also need to be able to walk and talk comfortably at that height.

The stated weight range is 40 to 300 pounds, or 18.1 to 136.1 kilograms. Elsewhere, the activity is described as unsuitable for people over 254 pounds, or 115 kilograms. Since those figures conflict, confirm the current limit with the provider before booking if you are near either threshold.

The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with heart complaints, or people with other serious medical conditions. You will sign a waiver regarding your physical ability, and the activity operates only when weather permits.

I would also think about altitude before you arrive. Even a short walk may feel demanding if you are not used to mountain elevations. If you have health concerns, consult your doctor before booking, as the operator advises.

What to Pack and Wear

Keep your clothing simple and practical:

• Closed-toe, comfortable walking shoes
• Layers suitable for changing mountain conditions
• Sunglasses
• Clothing that allows easy movement
• No sandals or flip flops

Smoking is not allowed during the activity. Arrive 15 minutes early, and avoid carrying anything you would be worried about losing while moving between the lines.

You do not need to bring safety equipment. A helmet and the required gear are provided. The most important thing you bring is the ability to listen and follow instructions.

Who Should Book Colo-Rad?

I would recommend this tour to first-time zipliners, couples looking for a short adventure, families with children older than five, and anyone who wants an active break while visiting Manitou Springs. The guides receive the most consistent praise, and that matters more than flashy equipment when you are trying a zipline for the first time.

It is also a good match for people who want a natural setting rather than an artificial tower course. The cliff-to-cliff layout, Gregory Gulch location, and views above town give it a stronger sense of place.

I would hesitate if you want a long, full-day course, dislike short uphill walks, or have medical concerns related to altitude or heart health. The activity is exciting, but it is not designed as a gentle scenic ride. You need to be physically capable, comfortable with height, and ready to take part in a controlled outdoor activity.

Should You Book It?

Book Colo-Rad if you want a well-guided first zipline experience with mountain views, a small group, and enough action to feel worthwhile without taking over your day. The five lines and 150-foot height provide real excitement, while the guides help keep the experience friendly and approachable.

Skip it if your priority is maximum duration or if walking at more than 6,700 feet could be difficult. At $145, the tour earns its price through the setting, equipment, transportation, and personal guide attention, but the 90-minute schedule may leave serious zipline fans wanting more. For most beginners visiting Manitou Springs, it looks like a lively and sensible way to get above town.

FAQ

How long is the Colo-Rad zipline tour?

The tour lasts 90 minutes. This includes transportation to the course, safety equipment and instruction, five ziplines, and short walks between the lines.

How many ziplines are included?

The course includes five ziplines. They range from 225 feet to more than 600 feet in length.

How high above Manitou Springs does the course go?

The ziplines reach about 150 feet above Manitou Springs, over Gregory Gulch near the foot of Pikes Peak.

Where does the tour meet?

Tours meet at 1335 West Manitou Avenue in Manitou Springs, Colorado, at the far western end of town. Look for the Adventures Out West sign below the Welcoming Arch.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes and dress in layers. Bring sunglasses. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed.

Who should not take this activity?

The activity is not suitable for children aged five and younger, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with heart problems, or people with other serious medical conditions. You must also be able to walk and talk at elevations above 6,700 feet.