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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.