Adventure Collective Journal

Adventure Collective Journal

Ziplining Guide delivers thrilling travel magazine stories and guides about the best zipline parks and canopy tours worldwide.

← Back to Journal
Above the Canyon: A Three-Hour Zipline Through Seven Falls’ Granite Throat

Above the Canyon: A Three-Hour Zipline Through Seven Falls’ Granite Throat

Soar across granite arches and waterfall rims—three hours of guided zips through Cheyenne Canyon

Colorado Springs, Colorado
By Eric Crews
aerial adventures, land adventures, wildlife natureSeptembersummer

You step onto the wooden platform and the canyon holds its breath. Pine needles scent the air, a creek chatters below, and the cliffs of Cheyenne Canyon press close enough to make the world feel narrower and louder. Then the guide counts—one, two—and you launch. The first zip picks up speed, the rope sings, and the forest opens: a flight over a granite arch, a wide canyon sweep, the sparkle of a distant waterfall. For three hours the Woods Course Zipline Tour in Seven Falls alternates between raw adrenaline and a museum of geology you can feel in your teeth.

Trail Wisdom

Know the weight rules

Participants must weigh between 90 and 250 pounds—this is strictly enforced for safety.

Wear secure shoes

Trail runners or light hiking boots with good tread make platform transitions easier.

Hydrate for altitude

Drink water before you arrive—altitude plus adrenaline increases dehydration risk.

Stow loose items

Leave phones and hats in lockers or with guides to prevent losing them mid-flight.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Midnight Falls viewpoint (short hike off the main trail)
  • A natural granite arch visible from the longest zip—ask guides for the best vantage

Wildlife

Mule deer, Steller’s jay

Conservation Note

The canyon is an ecologically sensitive riparian corridor—stay on trails, pack out trash, and respect posted wildlife closures.

Seven Falls sits in Cheyenne Canyon and has long been a local landmark; private ownership investments in recent years improved trail infrastructure and interpretive access.

Seasonal Guide

spring

Best for: Wildflowers, Moderate temps

Challenges: Mud on trails, Variable weather

Spring brings melting run-off and blooming understory—pack for cool mornings and sudden showers.

summer

Best for: Reliable operations, Long daylight hours

Challenges: Afternoon thunderstorms, Higher visitor volumes

Summer is the busiest season with extended operating hours; avoid afternoon storms by booking early.

fall

Best for: Aspen color, Crisp air

Challenges: Cooler temperatures, Shorter days

Fall offers peak visual payoff as aspens turn—layer up for cool canyon shade.

winter

Best for: Quiet trails, Dramatic snowy vistas

Challenges: Cold, ice on platforms, Limited operations

Winter runs can be limited; check schedules and expect icy conditions in the gorge.

Photographer's Notes

Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) to freeze action on the zip lines; shoot from platforms with a wide-angle lens to capture canyon context and a 70–200mm to compress distance on longer zips—ask guides where safe shooting points are and consider having them take action shots.

What to Bring

Trail running shoes or light hiking bootsEssential

Secure footing for wooden platforms and short walks between ziplines.

Light, breathable layersEssential

Canyon shade and altitude mean temps can swing—layers keep you comfortable.

Hydration bladder or 1L water bottleEssential

Altitude and activity dehydrate quickly; drink before and after flights.

Small zippered daypack

Carries essentials; staff may request loose items be locked up during zips.

Common Questions

How long is the tour?

The Woods Course Zipline Tour lasts about three hours, which includes safety briefings, gearing up, and the five guided zip runs.

Are there weight restrictions?

Yes. All guests must weigh between 90 and 250 pounds, fully clothed—this rule is strictly enforced for safety.

Is prior zipline experience required?

No prior experience is necessary; guides provide instruction and each line is supervised.

What should I wear?

Closed-toe shoes, secure clothing, and layered outerwear are recommended; avoid loose scarves or hats.

Can I bring my phone or camera?

Loose items are discouraged; staff may require you to store devices for safety, but guides often take photos on request.

How far is the site from downtown Colorado Springs?

Seven Falls is a roughly 10–20 minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs depending on traffic—plan extra time for parking and check-in.

What to Pack

Closed-toe shoes for traction, layered clothing for canyon shade, 1L water for hydration, ID/booking confirmation for check-in

Did You Know

Seven Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls in Cheyenne Canyon and was acquired and developed for improved visitor access in the 2010s by local resort interests.

Quick Travel Tips

Book morning slots to avoid afternoon storms; confirm weight limits before arrival; arrive 30 minutes early for check-in; expect spotty cell service in the gorge

Local Flavor

After your zip, head to downtown Colorado Springs for craft beers at a local taproom like Phantom Canyon Brewery or a hearty Colorado bison green-chile stew; for a splurge, The Broadmoor’s dining options are a short drive away and pair well with a canyon afternoon.

Logistics Snapshot

Closest airport: Colorado Springs Airport (COS); Approximate drive from downtown: 10–20 minutes; Trailhead/meeting point: Seven Falls parking lot—arrive early for check-in; Cell service: Patchy inside the gorge; Permits/passes: Tour booking covers access—no additional permits usually required.

Sustainability Note

Seven Falls sits in a sensitive riparian canyon—pack out everything, stay on established trails, and avoid flying drones to protect wildlife and maintain safety.

Continue Reading

Above the Gorge: Ziplining Glerárgil Through Akureyri’s Hidden River Canyon
aerial adventuresland adventureswildlife nature

Above the Gorge: Ziplining Glerárgil Through Akureyri’s Hidden River Canyon

Clip in over a river that cleaves a town: ziplining the Glerárgil canyon in Akureyri is an urban alpine rush—short, scenic, and rooted in place. Read on for why it’s one of Iceland’s most accessible aerial adventures and how to plan your visit.

Akureyri, Northeast

One Wild Day in the Taurus: Rafting and Ziplines Through Tazı Canyon
water activitiesaerial adventuresland adventures

One Wild Day in the Taurus: Rafting and Ziplines Through Tazı Canyon

Spend a day in the Taurus Mountains rafting 12 km through a limestone gorge and flying high over the same walls by zipline. It’s a compact, beginner-friendly adventure that pairs river adrenaline with aerial perspective.

Side, Antalya Province

Ziplining Guide — Stories Worth Taking