Zipline Tour – 9 high-speed ziplines & fun suspension bridge

Nine ziplines carry you down a Big Bear mountain, with runs from 140 to 860 feet and speeds reaching 45 mph. Between flights, you cross a suspension bridge, ride a 4WD vehicle, and take in views toward Johnson Valley. It is an active half-day outing, not a quick amusement-park ride.

I like the patient guides, who explain each step and help nervous first-timers settle in. I also like the variety: nine runs mean you have time to learn the ropes, then enjoy faster, longer flights as your confidence grows. The catch is that a full group can reach 18 people, so some waiting in the heat is possible.

Key points to know before you book

• Nine separate zipline runs: Lengths range from 140 to 860 feet, with speeds up to 45 mph.
• Mountain access included: A 4WD ride takes you from the Big Bear departure center to the launch area and back.
• A scenic break from the cables: The suspension bridge gives you views toward Johnson Valley and a chance to catch your breath.
• Strong guide support: Guides including Caroline, JR, Riley, Abe, and Draven have helped guests manage first-time nerves.
• Strict participation rules: You must be at least 8 years old, weigh 65 to 250 pounds, and be no taller than 6 feet 6 inches.
• Allow a full three hours: The tour includes check-in, gearing up, instruction, transport, waiting between runs, and the nine ziplines.

Nine ziplines from 140 to 860 feet

The main reason to choose this tour is simple: you get nine separate runs rather than one short ride. The lines vary in length, so the experience changes as you move down the mountain. Shorter flights help you learn the position and braking instructions. Longer lines give you more time in the air and a stronger sense of speed.

The fastest sections can reach about 45 mph. That is quick enough to feel exciting without turning the whole outing into a blur. If you are nervous at the start, the repeated format works in your favor. You get several chances to adjust your grip, body position, and comfort level.

You should expect active participation. The tour requires the use of both hands and feet, and you need vision in at least one eye. Guides provide the equipment and safety briefing, but you still need to listen closely and follow instructions at every platform.

This is not a passive scenic ride. You will walk over uneven ground, move between platforms, wait for your turn, and manage your own body position on the lines. The physical demands are moderate for many people, but anyone with walking limitations should think carefully before booking.

Starting at Action Zipline Tours in Big Bear

The tour begins at Action Zipline Tours, located at 41693 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake. Check in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. The group leaves on time, and late arrivals are not guaranteed a place once the vehicle has gone.

At the departure center, you can use the restrooms, collect drinking water, and place loose belongings in a secure locker. Bags, purses, and items that could fall are not allowed on the course. This rule is sensible, since anything dropped from a platform could be lost or create a hazard below.

Bring clothing suited to the weather and movement. The activity operates in all weather conditions unless conditions become extreme, so a cool morning, heat, wind, or light rain may all be part of the day. Tobacco, alcohol, and chewing gum are not allowed during the activity.

You will sign an electronic release form. Anyone 18 or older must show valid identification. These are small details, but handling them before the departure time makes the start calmer.

The 4WD ride to the launch deck

Once the group is ready, round-trip transportation takes you from the Big Bear center up to the mountain launch area. The 4WD ride is part of the experience, not just a transfer. It gets you to the starting deck without requiring a long uphill walk and adds a little mountain character before the cables begin.

The exact tour time is approximate. The stated duration is about three hours, but traffic, the time of day, group size, and operating conditions can affect the schedule. Plan the rest of your day with breathing room. I would not book a tight dinner reservation or an appointment immediately afterward.

A full group can include up to 18 people. That keeps the tour social, but it also means the pace depends on the whole group. You may wait while each person clips in, rides, lands, and clears the next platform. One lower-rated experience specifically found the group too large and the waiting uncomfortable in the heat.

If you prefer a quieter outing, ask about group size when booking, though a smaller group is not guaranteed. The trade-off is clear: a larger group can make the activity more lively, while a smaller one usually means less standing around.

Gearing up and learning the system

At the mountain launch deck, you receive a helmet, gloves, and harness. The guides then explain how to use the ziplines, how to position yourself, and how to follow the platform instructions. This orientation matters most if you have never tried ziplining.

The staff’s approach is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Guides have included Caroline, JR, Riley, Abe, Draven, Cole, Cory, John, Jordan, and Don. The repeated praise for the crew centers on calm explanations, humor, attention to safety, and support for people who feel uneasy.

That is useful in practical terms. First-time participants often worry about stepping off the platform more than the ride itself. A guide who explains the next action clearly can take away much of that uncertainty. Children and older adults may especially value this steady help.

The age range also makes this more flexible than many adventure activities. The minimum age is 8, and past bookings have included children as well as adults in their 70s. Still, age alone does not determine suitability. You need enough strength, balance, mobility, and confidence to use both hands and feet throughout the course.

The suspension bridge and Johnson Valley views

The suspension bridge adds a scenic change to a day built around speed. Instead of flying from one platform to the next, you walk across the bridge and look out toward Johnson Valley. It is a good pause between the more intense sections, especially if you want to take in the setting rather than focus only on the next cable.

The bridge also helps make this feel like a mountain outing instead of a collection of mechanical rides. You get the 4WD journey, elevated platforms, wooded surroundings, and a broad view from the bridge. The scenery is part of the value, though the emphasis remains on the ziplines.

Do not expect a long nature walk or a quiet sightseeing tour. The course is active and organized around moving the group through nine runs. The best fit is someone who wants scenery with a strong dose of adrenaline, not someone seeking a slow outdoor excursion.

How the guides shape the experience

I would put the guide team near the top of the reasons to book. The equipment and lines matter, but the quality of the instruction controls how safe and enjoyable the day feels. A good guide keeps the process moving while giving each person enough attention.

Specific guides named in the experience include Caroline, JR, Riley, Abe, and Draven. Abe has handled photos for some groups, while Draven has been singled out for helping reduce anxiety. Staff members have also received praise for being funny, organized, attentive, and reassuring.

That support is particularly useful for families. A child may arrive excited, then freeze at the first platform. The guides can explain the steps, demonstrate the ride, and help the participant decide what to do next. The activity does not remove all fear, but it gives nervous people a fair chance to enjoy the day.

The same goes for older participants. People in their 70s have completed the tour, but you should judge the activity by mobility and health rather than age. There are uneven surfaces, repeated movement, and time spent standing. If that sounds tiring, the nine-run format may be too much.

Is the $178.21 price fair?

At $178.21 per person, this is a costly Big Bear activity. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: nine runs, professional instruction, helmet, gloves, harness, water, restrooms, lockers, the 4WD ride, the suspension bridge, and return transport to the meeting point.

You are also paying for a roughly three-hour block of organized outdoor activity. Compared with a single short zipline, nine runs offer much better substance. The question is whether you will use the full experience. If you already know that heights, harnesses, or uneven ground are not for you, the price will feel high very quickly.

Photo and video costs are extra. Souvenir photos can be purchased, and a GoPro rental is available with an SD card to take home. One past participant considered the photo price of $45 too high, so decide in advance if recording the day matters to you.

There is also a practical booking point: one person reported finding a lower price when booking directly with Action Zipline Tours rather than through a third-party seller. Prices and policies can change, but it is worth checking the provider’s own rate before paying.

Weather, cancellations, and the fine print

The tour runs in all weather conditions, but extreme weather can stop operations. Lightning and other dangerous conditions are taken seriously. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The standard cancellation rule allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. A minimum number of participants is also required, so the company can cancel a confirmed tour if too few people book. In that case, you are offered another date, another tour time, or a full refund.

Weather decisions can create frustration if you are visiting Big Bear for only one night. Leave room in your schedule when possible, and ask what happens if a tour is stopped after it has begun. One past weather-related complaint involved an incomplete tour and confusion over a partial refund, followed by a company response promising better communication. That does not define every booking, but it is a reason to read the terms carefully and keep the provider’s contact details handy.

Who should book this Big Bear adventure?

I would recommend it to families with children 8 and older, couples seeking a memorable activity, and first-timers who want close instruction. It also suits active older adults who can walk on uneven ground and manage the required equipment.

It is a particularly good choice if you want several chances to build confidence. Nine lines give you more than a single burst of courage, and the final runs may be much more enjoyable than the first.

I would hesitate if you dislike waiting, struggle in hot weather, or have limited mobility. A group of 18 can slow the pace, and the tour is not recommended for people with walking disabilities. The weight range is 65 to 250 pounds, with a maximum height of 6 feet 6 inches. There is no minimum height requirement.

Should you book the nine-line tour?

Book it if you want a substantial, active Big Bear outing with fast runs, mountain views, and guides who are used to calming first-time nerves. The nine-line format gives this experience more value than a short introductory zipline, and the included transport and equipment make the day fairly simple to manage.

Skip it if you want a quiet sightseeing activity, need a guaranteed short schedule, or dislike group pacing. At $178.21, this is best treated as a major part of your Big Bear plans, not a casual add-on. Check the direct price, arrive early, dress for the weather, and leave the rest of your day open.

FAQ

Where does the Big Bear zipline tour begin?

The tour begins at Action Zipline Tours, at 41693 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California 92315.

How long does the tour take?

The tour lasts about three hours. The actual duration can change with traffic, the time of day, and operating conditions.

How many ziplines are included?

The experience includes nine zipline runs of different lengths.

How fast do the ziplines go?

The ziplines can reach speeds of up to 45 mph.

How long are the ziplines?

The lines range from 140 feet to 860 feet.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip 4WD transportation from the departure center to the mountain launch area and back is included.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides a harness, helmet, and gloves. Drinking water, restrooms, and lockers are also available.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 8 years old. Children aged 7 and under are not recommended for this activity.

Are there weight and height limits?

Participants must weigh at least 65 pounds and no more than 250 pounds. The maximum height is 6 feet 6 inches. There is no minimum height requirement.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refundable. If the company cancels because of extreme weather or too few participants, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.