Soaring Above the Redwoods, Zipline Style

I recently ventured to Mount Hermon for some zipping around the trees.  

Ziplining through the treetops in a coastal redwood grove was a fun, adventurous, outdoor experience.  

The Mount Hermon Redwood Canopy Tour opened in the spring of 2008 as the first canopy tour on the west coast and the first built in the redwoods. Originally, it was for the guests of Mount Hermon as something different to look forward to during the summer months. It didn’t take long for the tours to open to the public with visitors coming from all over U.S. and abroad to tour the unique outdoor attraction. To date, they have had over 13,000 people experience the high-flying zipline over the redwoods.   

The tours are open year-round, rain or shine, five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday with reservations required.  

“The forest comes alive when it’s raining and you go even faster while at the same time remaining safe,” said Josie Shafer, tour coordinator. 

The course was designed and built by Bonsai Design, a company from Grand Junction, Colorado that specializes in integrating zipline courses into the natural environment without harming the trees.   

The entire installation was environmentally friendly and not a single tree was cut down during the construction. The cables, platforms and bridges are integrated through the existing landscape. The cable system is known as “dual cabling,” where the cable jackets are quiet with the goal in mind to experience the sounds of nature.  

As their way of giving back to the community Bonsai Design hired local lumber companies to contribute to the build.

The course consists of six ziplines and two sky bridges. Each zip is a little different, some longer, faster, shorter or higher. The highest zipline is 150 feet off the ground with the longest being 440 feet.  

To start, you are outfitted with a harness, helmet and gloves. The tour guides are informative and explain safety concerns. Your first zipline is a short training run on a 4-foot zipline to learn breaking and proper positioning. After that, you head to the first platform. The hardest part was getting up on the stump and agreeing to “let go.”

Once you’re flying, It’s pure fun with a chance to enjoy the view of the redwoods and look down to see Bean Creek Canyon.

The Mount Hermon Redwood Canopy Tours coined the phrase, “Lives Transformed.”

“The program is not just about passing guests through.” Shafer said. “We want people to experience another aspect of the forest. Instead of hiking, it’s a great view from the top.  Ziplining is nice, easy gliding with a no stomach drop feeling.” 

The tour guides go through extensive training to ensure guest safety. Our guides for the day were Nick and Daniel. They were hilarious and entertaining and provided fun facts about the coastal redwoods and sequoias and engaged our group in conversation for lasting memories.

Ziplining in our own backyard is the perfect way to combine excitement and challenge while experiencing the natural beauty of our distinctive area.

Often, promotions are offered to locals as a way to give back to residents in the area. Check out the twilight tours being offered in December.

Click here for more information.