Zip Wiring - "Soaring Colorado"

It's hard to match the excitement of zip wiring - called "soaring" by this resort

WATCH THIS VID AND MARVEL!

"Zip lining" or "Zip wiring" is presented in Colorado by Soaring Colorado. They call it Soaring because they use specialized wires which reduce the "zip" noise to a minimum. These wire hawsers are 6 times the price of the wires used, for example, in Costa Rica; but they are much stronger and much quieter.

The trip to Soaring Colorado was the most exciting single day in our two weeks tour of Colorado.

The zip wiring was just stunning. The day was brilliantly organized. The safety was impeccable. The fun being had by the helpers was tremendous. The included gourmet packed lunch was brilliant. The trip to the forest location – by narrow gauge train – was both hugely comfortable and staggeringly beautiful.

Yes – it was that good a day!

First Choice of Venue

When booking our two weeks of fun in Colorado, the zip-wiring, or zip-lining was the first thing I found to do. They have video on their site of someone doing it. I ran the video by my partner and she said; “Yes – book it!”

We were in.

At $399 it was not cheap: but it was all day, the train trip was included (no road access) and a great lunch was part of the deal.

The Morning

We left our Guest House (Country Sunshine – the best guest house of our trip) north of Durango at 8.55 to get to Rockwood Station by 9am. The Durango to Silverton narrow gauge train made a special stop at Rockwood just for passengers to Soaring Colorado. The only other way in is by helicopter! 

At the station a sign said: “Wave your arms horizontally across your body to stop the train.” So sweet! There was no platform. When the train chugged in and stopped we clambered aboard.

The Journey to Soaring Colorado

Then followed the most stunning train journey I have ever had. The train chuffed around tracks cut into mountains with rivers and rapids far below, first on one side then the other. Meanwhile we reclined in superb luxury on recently re-upholstered seats. We could lift the widows half up for photo-opportunities. 

Fantastic.

As we arrived at Soaring Colorado, one of the helpers there soared upside down from one tree to another as the train slowed, giving us a taste of the day to come. 

The Day of Soaring

We alighted and had everything explained. Lockers were provided for valuables. Our first step was to use the bathroom if needed as – once in our harnesses – bathroom breaks were limited. 

Our harnesses were like climbing harnesses. Our harness had a pulley wheel attached by which we slid down the wire plus a safety clip.

Zip-wire Training

The first few 'zips' were for training. We walked out onto a platform encircling to a tree and about two feet wide. 

The platform was attached painlessly; no tree is pierced by any attachments. Everything is beautifully worked out to minimize impact on the trees. When there is weight on the platform, the platform grips the tree. When there is no weight on the platform, the tree can grow naturally and unimpeded.

The first 'zip' I found the scariest. You have to step down and trust your weight to the wire – twenty feet above ground. 

I was convinced by the fact that I was not first; and the fact that Soaring Colorado has a 100% safety record.

I stepped out, and zipped 30 yards to the next tree platform. Wow! That was good! 

From then on I was sold!

The 'zips' got a little longer and a little longer. 

In the whole day we made 27 zips. At every stage we were helped by very willing assistants – all versed in CPR – first aid. Many of these were kids from school on their summer semester. This year there were 400 applicants for 75 jobs at Soaring Colorado – these people love their jobs! And Soaring did not even advertise!

By zip 10 or 11 we were semi-expert. We stopped for a snack, water, and a break. 

Next, the pre-lunch portion. The zips got harder, longer and faster.

We stopped for lunch – which we had selected earlier. We ate it on a stainless steel platform six feet above the ground, made out of the same material as the tree platforms. There were stainless steel tables and chairs. Lovely. Lunch was very good. 

Zip Across the River

After lunch, the cross-river section started. 

We zipped over the open river and the feeling was fantastic.

One of the loveliest zips was between an avenue of Aspen trees. The Aspen trees in Colorado are just lovely – huge clumps of tall thin white-barked trees growing to fifty feet high. The zip-route was through a clump of these, through a narrow alley-way of Aspen. Very impressive. 

The Final Zip

(See video at top of the page)

The final zip was the real crescendo.

We were asked: “Do you want to do the final 'zip'? It is a fifteen minute hike, followed by a quarter mile zip”. 

What! A quarter mile!!!

You are asking us if we want to do it? Bring it on!!! 

Actually, at least one person in the day's intake decided not to do it. Of course, it's a matter of choice.

Anyway, this ZIP was the BEES KNEES!!! 

The zip started easily enough. Then down through the trees. Then the river appeared in the distance. Then you burst through the trees to travel diagonally over the river for what seems like ages, before you see your landing platform.

Just as I arrived at the landing platform I realized I was going fast – maybe 20 miles an hour. The lead assistant slowed me to nothing in two seconds. His four backups were not needed though they were there. 

I congratulated them. What a great job. Then got out of the way.

What a FANTASTIC ride! 

You must do it!

Apparently, as I write, this is the number one attraction in America according to Trip Advisor. I can see why. Go now!!