Review: Soaring Tree Top Adventure, Durango, CO
Chance to win a zipline adventure for two at Soaring Tree Top Adventures Valued at $998 !
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The steam whistle blows with gusto, signaling a soaring adventure ahead. The clank of the wheels against the train track resembles a herd of horses as we move with full force through the San Juan National Forest, leaving Durango, Colorado. Aboard the steam powered Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, we settle into cushy seats in an open air railcar named “Knight Sky.” I sneak my head out a wide-open window to watch the train snake around the tracks. Then looking down, I open my eyes wide to stare directly over a 200-foot cliff leading to the Animas River where the sun is putting its shine on the water. After a two hour train ride and 20 mile trek into the canyon, we step off the train to be greeted by a group of smiling and brightly dressed Sky Rangers ready to harness us for the adventure at hand: experiencing the world’s longest and largest zipline at Soaring Tree Top Adventures.
The course with 27 ziplines starts with a series of shorter zips to build comfort and confidence. Scenery changes quickly from zip to zip from Ponderosas forest, Aspen groves and even across the rushing water of the Animas River. The owners of the course go to great lengths to make sure guests are continually surprised. From the switchbacks to the “turn and burn” sections of the course, excitement stays peaked. The dueling lines, where two people race down parallel 606 foot ziplines, were one of my favorites. I challenge my mom after a guide sneaks me a victory tip, to tuck into a ball. But truth be told- we both won with an experience that will be tough to top.
This zipline is different than any other because the course has been designed in a way that eliminates the need for leather gloves or helmets. Each landing takes you directly to the platform with no effort. Still, you may find you work up an appetite for the catered four-course lunch, which is enjoyed overlooking the Animas River on a custom built elevated open-air dining room.
Along the way, ecology talks inform as well as provide fun and tasty facts. Who would have ever guessed Old Man’s Beard (a lichen) packs a protein punch? All ages are able to enjoy the tour, from toddlers all the way to the oldest customer to date, a 94-year-old man (who also came Soaring at 93). It’s also an excellent experience bonding grandparents to grandchildren, moms to sons, dads to daughters and friends to friends. Which is the goal of the Beggrow family: husband and wife Denny & Judy, their son Johnroy and his wife Dionne and their seven-year-old daughter, Keira.
As we pull back into Durango, people floating and kayaking along the Animas River on one side of the track wave as drivers on the other side to do the same. I wave back already planning my next trip.
Carri’s Catch: The man who created the zipline, Johnroy, patented a tree hugging system to protect the trees, some of which are 300 years old. You will find this fascinating design allows platforms to be built and suspended without any damage or drilling done to the trees.
What you need to know:
Ease: The entire experience is seamless with ticketless travel. Check in with a Soaring Tree Top Adventures Train Attendant before joining other guests inside the exclusively reserved rail cars for Soaring Tree Top guests.
Getting There: Soaring is not road accessible. The only way to reach Soaring Tree Top Adventures is by train. The train leaves Durango at 8 a.m. or from Rockwood at 9:10 am. The train arrives back to Rockwood at 4:00 p.m. and Durango at 5:15 p.m.
The other option for the traveler with an extra padded wallet is to take a helicopter.
Cost: (includes First Class train transportation, your zipline adventure, a snack, a four course gourmet lunch served in the trees, an eco tour, and all guides and equipment) $479 for the all-inclusive package.
Contact: Reservations are required – please call Soaring Tree Top Adventures 970-769-2357 to reserve your zipline adventure, or reserve online at www.SoaringColorado.com.
