Family travel :: Zip Lining in Durango, Colorado

As fun as it was, river rafting in Colorado wasn’t the jewel of our vacation crown.  In researching for our trip I discovered that Colorado is home to the world’s largest, highest, and safest zipline course: Soaring Tree Top Adventures.   After having experienced it firsthand, I can assuredly tell you that Soaring is highly-rated for a reason: it’s a blast!

Here’s the strange thing about Soaring: there is no road access.  The one and only way to arrive is via the Silverton/Durango train.  We arrived at the train station early that morning, after stopping next door at Durango Bagel for a quick and delicious breakfast.  We took our bagels to go and walked to the station, heading directly to the platform outside where we were greeted by a representative from Soaring.  She verified that we were all wearing tennis shoes and then checked us in.  Ten minutes later we were welcomed aboard the train onto one of two private Tall Timber cars.  We chose our own seats and made ourselves comfy for the hour-long trip to Soaring.  Besides the plush, comfortable seats, our first clue that we were in for a treat was that the Soaring rep, Emma, approached us and addressed each of us by name.  We were all impressed that she would remember us personally after having checked in about sixty guests!

Aboard the train we were treated to gorgeous scenery all the way to Soaring.

Upon arrival at Soaring headquarters (the train literally stops right in front of their building) we were directed to fill out required paperwork and make our selections for that day’s lunch menu.  After that we were directed to a shaded area where a whole team of people was on hand to get us set up with harnesses.  Once everyone had been equipped we were split into groups of approximately twenty people and off we went to soar through the Ponderosa forest.

Soaring employs a team of “sky rangers” who are stationed on the platforms of each span.  It is clear–from the very first tree–that these guys (and gals!) know their stuff.  Their primary concern is safety.  The first thing they do the moment you step on the platform is “hook” you–though I’m sure there’s a more technical term–to the tree so that you’re never in danger of falling from the platform.  Because, um, there’s a long way down.

Once they’ve got you all safe and secure, their second concern is customer service.  Each and every sky ranger I met that day introduced him or herself and asked for my name.  As you progress through the spans the sky rangers you first met reappear and assist in either launching or catching at later trees.  The third or fourth time I ran into any given sky ranger he or she called me by name, and asked (also by name) how Torri and Jayce were enjoying the day.  Talk about customer care!

The first half of the spans ran in over and through the aspen groves and mountain glens.  The day was so perfectly timed that we broke at the halfway point for lunch.  And, um, quite a lunch it was.  For starters, you really can’t beat the view.

Soaring serves a four course gourmet lunch on a suspended platform overlooking the river.  Their chefs (each dressed in a fancy coat) are on hand throughout the meal to ensure that all is well.  On the day we visited, the soup was a chilled berry soup which was UH-mazingly delicious.  From there, I went on to enjoy my turkey sandwich on herbed foccacia bread.  It was served with a Mediterranean pasta salad and root vegetable chips.  The menu listed that the sandwich I chose would be spread with chipotle mayo and since I’m neither a fan of chipotle or mayo I requested mustard instead.  Guess what.  My sandwich was served exactly the way I’d asked.  And for dessert, we were offered homemade ice cream sandwiches.  I said it before but it’s worth repeating: UH-mazing.

Immediately after lunch we were led to another span just above the dining platform.  Because we’re sort of slow eaters, my family was the last in line.  As we waited for our turn to be hooked up to the line a rather pesky thunderstorm made its way in.  The GM of Soaring was supervising things nearby and–upon getting word via radio–promptly escorted my family from the {metal} platform and whisked us off to a covered shelter where we were given loaner rain jackets while we waited out the storm.  We later learned that Soaring utilizes a state-of-the-art weather monitoring system, which makes sense, I suppose, considering that lightning doesn’t play well with tall trees and metal platforms.  Any time lightning comes within striking distance Soaring grounds all of their guests.

Once the storm passed we were permitted to start the second part of the course: the spans that cross the Animas River.  By this point in the day I think it’s safe to say that most guests feel 100% comfortable zooming through the air, which I’m guessing is why they save the river spans for the last part of the day.  Zipping back and forth over the river was seriously one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced.

The very last of the spans was 1400 feet long!  The ride began in a forested area and then proceeded to cross the Animas River yet again; it lasted approximately 45 seconds.  It was easily my favorite span of the entire day.  My second favorite span?  Probably the side-by-side racing spans.  I was matched up against Torri and she was kind enough to video me along the way.  You’ll have to watch the footage to see who won.

In short, our day at Soaring was nothing short of amazing.  If you’ve read my blog long you know well that my family is not the local carnival type; we are very choosy about where we spend our money, expecting top quality for every minute of entertainment.  Soaring fit the bill.  If you ever find yourself in Durango, Colorado, you should so totally go.

Special thanks to Soaring for hosting my family.  All opinions are mine.