8 Amazing Zip Line Experiences From Around the World

From gliding alongside bridges over rocky canyons to flying over bustling city centers, take the ride of your life on these death-defying, record-breaking zip lines.

Zip lining offers some of the biggest thrills of any outdoor activity and can make an exciting addition to any trip itinerary. For adventure seekers looking for the tallest, the longest, the steepest or the fastest, here are eight of the most mind-blowing zip line experiences from around the globe.

Zip World Velocity

Two people come in to end a tandem ride on the Big Zipper of Zip World, which runs over Penrhyn Quarry at Bethesda in Wales. The 1600 metre (one mile) long zip wire is the longest in the northern hemisphere.

Wales Velocity Zipline

Two people come in to end a tandem ride on the Big Zipper of Zip World, which runs over Penrhyn Quarry at Bethesda in Wales. The 1600 metre (one mile) long zip wire is the longest in the northern hemisphere.

Photo by: Getty Images/ullstein bild

Getty Images/ullstein bild

Branded the longest zip line in all of Europe, Zip World's Velocity wire in Bethesda, Wales is a must-see for any true adventurer. Stretched across the edge of the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park, Velocity includes two zip lines, nicknamed the Little Zipper and the Big Zipper. The Little Zipper is much less daunting and is used to prepare riders for the thrills to come, while the Big Zipper carries riders almost 1,600 yards over mountains and water before dropping them safely to the ground on the opposite side of Penrhyn Quarry.

El Monstruo

Located at Toro Verde Park in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, El Monstruo, or "The Monster," holds the official Guinness World Record for being the longest zip line in the world. Approximately the length of 28 football fields, this monstrous 8,3000-foot cable takes riders on a fast-paced journey through the Puerto Rican jungle, zipping down mountain sides and over rivers. The Monster's 95 mph speeds make this line the perfect zipping experience for any serious thrill-seeker.

Cloudscraper

Scenic train in gorge under Royal Gorge Bridge

Colorado Cloudscraper Zipline

Scenic train in gorge under Royal Gorge Bridge

Photo by: iStock/sshepard

iStock/sshepard

Towering 1,200 feet over the roaring Arkansas River, the Cloudscraper holds the title of highest zip line in North America. This thrilling, death-defying wire located in Canon City, Colo., carries adventure-seekers alongside the Royal Gorge Bridge and over the breathtaking canyon below. At a length of 2,400 feet, riders can fly through the air at breakneck speeds, making Cloudscraper the perfect fit for anyone searching for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Zipflyer

Beautiful village in western Nepal with Dhaulagiri Himal

Nepal Zipline

Beautiful village in western Nepal with Dhaulagiri Himal

Photo by: iStock/DanielPrudek

iStock/DanielPrudek

Nepal's Highgrounds Adventure Park is home to the steepest zip line in the world. Located in Pokhara amidst the breathtaking, snow-capped Himalayas, Zipflyer is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any adventurous soul. With a 2,000-foot vertical drop, Zipflyer is perfect for big-time thrill-seekers. Reaching speeds up to 80 mph, this 6,000-foot ride is sure to seem daunting to even the bravest of adrenaline junkies.

Mega Zips

Located 17 miles beneath Louisville, Ky., Mega Cavern adventure park is home to the world's only fully underground zip line course. Complete with six different zip lines, including one dual-racing wire that sends riders barreling into the darkness below, Mega Zips is perfect for anyone looking for a unique zip lining experience. With educational tours and additional ropes courses and activities, Mega Cavern has something to offer everyone.

La Tyrolienne

French Alps, Val Thorens

Val Thorens, La Tyrolienne zipline, France

French Alps, Val Thorens

Photo by: iStock/Gosiek-B

iStock/Gosiek-B

Tucked away between the peaks of the French Alps on the famous Val Thorens ski resort, La Tyrolienne zip line offers some of the most astounding views in the world. Holding the record for the highest zip line, La Tyrolienne sits at an altitude of 10,597 feet and sends riders on the flight of their lives down one of the tallest mountains in France. Although the ride only lasts one minute and 45 seconds, the experience is enough to leave riders reeling for a lifetime.

Zip Now London

Londoners and tourists alike are in for a treat with Zip Now's newest attraction that opened last summer on London's Southbank. Zip Now London sends riders flying nearly 800 feet over central London, offering never-before-seen views of the iconic skyline. The attraction has been named the biggest and fastest city zip line in the world.

ZipRider

CHICHAGOF ISLAND, HOONAH, ALASKA, UNITED STATES - 2009/06/23: The Tinget town of Hoonah, Chichagof Island, Icy Strait. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Alaska Zipline

CHICHAGOF ISLAND, HOONAH, ALASKA, UNITED STATES - 2009/06/23: The Tinget town of Hoonah, Chichagof Island, Icy Strait. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Photo by: Getty Images/John Greim

Getty Images/John Greim

Flying high above Hoonah, one of Alaska's most beautiful villages, the ZipRider gives guests a once-in-a-lifetime view of the breathtaking Icy Strait Point and the surrounding glaciers and misty green mountains. At a height of 5,495 feet with a 1,320-foot vertical drop, ZipRider is thrilling for even the bravest of adventurers. With six cables running side by side, it also holds the title of the largest zip line in the world.

Next Up

Volcanic Sight-Seeing Activities

Check out the best ways to see Hawaiian volcanoes and lava flows.

Arizona’s Top Alternatives to the Grand Canyon

Get away from the crowds by exploring Arizona’s other amazing attractions.

Puerto Rican Outdoor Adventures

From caving to zip-lining, this small island has enough adventure for everyone.

Top Tours for Single Travelers

Put your mind at ease. We provide solo travelers with a few options to help them choose the best tour company to suit their needs for an amazing outdoors and adventure trip.

What You Need to Know About Spelunking

World traveler and photographer Lola Akinmade Åkerström tells you what you need to know before planning your next trip spelunking or caving.

Top 5: Fast and Furious

Crisscross America to experience its TOP 5 adrenaline pumping thrills.

America's Wildest Rodeos

Saddle up and see America's wildest rodeos.

Florida Wildlife

Travel Channel's top picks for spotting wildlife in Florida.

Weekend Adventures

Given some advance planning, even the wilderness will offer itself up in convenient bite-sized chunks.

How Travel Channel Fans #OptOutside

Skip Black Friday madness and go outside.

More Creepy Content

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.

On TV