4 minute read
Fly High, Live Free
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOGUS BASIN
IDAHO ZIPLINE ADVENTURES
BY TIM ATWELL
Idaho’s wilderness is breathtaking, especially when you’re zipping through the sky at roller coaster speed. This summer, get your adrenaline pumping with Idaho’s variety of zipline adventures, and enjoy a birds-eye view of the state’s stunning natural landscapes.
AWOL ADVENTURE SPORTS ZIPLINE
Twin Falls - Snake River Canyon
In addition to a 25 mph zipline tour through the Snake River Canyon, AWOL adds to the experience by telling stories about the history and biology of the surrounding landscape.
“It’s an adventure that combines adrenaline and natural beauty, all while knowing you’re in safe hands,” said owner Krysta Melni.
MINESHAFT CHALLENGE COURSE
Boise
Now that the snow has melted, Bogus Basin is switching gears to mountain biking, hiking, and its newest attraction, the Mineshaft Challenge Course. The course stands 55 feet high and features ropes, bridges, and ziplines.
“Your adventure finishes with either an auto belay drop zone or several ziplines,” said Susan Saad, Director of Community Relations at Bogus Basin. “This is the perfect activity for high-altitude adventure seekers.”
ZIPLINE & ROPES COURSE
Horseshoe Bend
Beginning at the Cascade Raft River Center, this zipline and ropes course overlooks the Payette River. It takes groups through 17 ropes challenges, including seven ziplines.“Our location literally alongside the North Fork of the Payette is unique because it is a tree-to-tree tour,” said owner Tren Long. “It’s not a telephone pole thing; the entire course is built up in the canopies, so it’s just a really pretty perspective and a really fun way to spend the afternoon.”
Tamarack Canopy Zipline Tour
Donnelly
At 1,800 feet above the valley floor, Tamarack’s zipline offers a one-of-a-kind experience to explore the surrounding mountains and Lake Cascade. The course includes eight ziplines, two suspension bridges, and a panoramic perspective from a hundred-foot-high treehouse.
LAVA ZIPLINE ADVENTURES
Lava Hot Springs
At Lava Hot Springs, the adventure begins with a ride in a big army truck to the zipline course, and it quickly escalates across a zipline course that runs through a scenic private canyon. The all-ages tour also includes a ropes course, geodesic dome, and climbing wall.
ZIP TIMBERLINE
Coeur d’ Alene
Northern Idaho’s biggest zipline adventure takes participants into the canopy around Lake Coeur d’Alene from the zipline property above Beauty Bay. Here, guests soar across seven ziplines, two sky bridges, and two auto-belays, with plenty of opportunities for photo ops along the way.
HEISE HOT SPRINGS ZIP
Ririe
Covering 1.5 miles, Heise Zip takes guests off the beaten path by starting with an ATV ride to reach the course. Then, after enjoying the aerial views of the landscape, participants can keep the fun going with nearby pools, camping, and golf.
ZIP MCCALL
McCall
Those seeking extreme speed can find it at Zip McCall, one of the largest and fastest courses in the region. The course starts easy but then builds up to a grand finale that propels participants across more than eight football fields worth of open space.
“I think we have the longest and fastest ziplines in the lower 48, this side of the Mississippi. By the last zip, they’re 50 miles an hour, half a mile through the sky— it’s great,” said owner Steve Gustafson.
SILVER STREAK
Wallace
When a zipline includes a “Big Daddy” section, you know it will be an adventure. Wallace’s aerial course spans more than 250 acres and offers sky-high thrills through the mountainous terrain. The tandem line provides a unique experience for folks soaring in pairs, explained owner Scott Haney. “Or zip in the prone position and fly like a superhero,” he added.
SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN ZIPLINE
Sandpoint
Schweitzer keeps the mountain escapades going all summer long with a 700-foot zipline near the resort’s village area. Like Silver Streak, Schweitzer offers double the fun with a tandem line. “The best part is you can do it with a friend or family member right by your side,” said Taylor Prather, Marketing Communications Manager.
