Thrill-seekers of all sorts flock to California for its wide array of outdoor activities—including ziplines. Aerial adventurers can glide over vineyards, zoom down mountains, and much more in the Golden State. But for anyone who finds themselves wanting more time in the sky, the state’s longest ziplines will provide thousands of feet of high-speed flying.
We’re walking you through the longest ziplines in California, where you can get your heart pounding while taking in stunning scenery from above. Read on to learn about three places adrenaline junkies should add to their next California visit.
The 3 Longest Ziplines in California
Located in Southern and Central California, Flightline Safari Zipline, The Double Barrel, and Skull Canyon Ziplines are the top three contenders for California’s longest zipline. All three run more than a quarter mile in length, meaning more air time and faster speeds for anyone ready to tackle these thrilling rides.
1. Flightline Safari Zipline, San Diego Zoo (3520ft)
Let’s start with the longest zipline in California, San Diego Zoo’s Flightline Safari Zipline, two-thirds of a mile in length (3520 ft). After a short training flight on the 470-foot-long Fledgling zipline, riders head to the launch pad for the real deal. You’ll speed 130 feet in the air above rhinos, giraffes, and antelopes at eye-watering speeds before touching down at the Roar & Snore campground.
The full experience takes about an hour from start to finish, including a safety orientation, two flights, and a short tour of the safari park. For a more in-depth safari, book the hour-and-a-half Deluxe Tour with an extended truck ride in the park (your air time remains the same, though!).
2. The Double Barrel – Margarita Adventures, Santa Margarita (2800 Feet)
On your next guys’ or girls’ weekend, head to Margarita Adventures in San Luis Obispo county for an outing you and your friends will never forget. While the zipline tour includes six different courses, the tandem Double Barrel holds the title of the state’s second longest zipline at 2,800 feet. Margarita Adventures also hosts the state’s third-longest zipline, the 1,800-foot-long Pinot Express.
Besides six ziplines, the tour also covers a visit to the historic Santa Margarita Ranch and a wobbly walk across 300 feet of suspension bridge. Between rides over some of California’s finest wine country, guides will fill you in about local wildlife, sustainable winegrowing, and more.
3. Skull Canyon Ziplines, Corona (1800 Feet)
@skullcanyonziplines Cross ziplining off your bucket list! Skull Canyon is 60 minutes away from LA! #hiddengemsocal #coronacalifornia #temecula #orangecounty #ziplinesocal #ziplinelosangeles #fontana #sandiegocounty #riversideca #zipline #zipliningincalifornia ♬ Shooting Stars – Bag Raiders
Tying with the Pinot Express for third place, Skull Canyon’s longest zipline runs 1,800 feet in length, some 300 feet in the air above the sprawling hills of Corona, California. That’s in addition to several other courses and the popular Sky Gym, an elevated, outdoor obstacle course for all ages.
The length of your tour varies depending on which zipline package you pick—and you will want to reserve well in advance, before Skull Canyon books up. Offerings range from the Speed Run to the Monster, which sees visitors zip down more than 9,100 feet of cable after a 55-minute hike. If you time your visit right, you may be able to spot orange California poppies blooming in the hills, an annual occurrence that usually takes place between March and May.
What About the La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline?
La Jolla Zip Zoom in Pauma Valley once ranked as one of the longest ziplines in California, with one course spanning over 2,700 feet. But it permanently closed in 2021 after an employee fell off the landing platform to his death while trying to assist a guest. At the time of writing, it appears unlikely that La Jolla Zip Zoom will reopen in the future.
What’s the Highest Zipline in California?
Off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island’s Zip Line Eco Tour is the highest zipline in California, starting roughly 600 feet above sea level. As you fly down this steep line to the coast, you’ll take in stunning panoramic views, zoom through eucalyptus groves, and learn more about the island’s unique plant and animal life from your guides. Cap off your day with a beachside meal and drinks at Descanso Beach Club.
Other Long Ziplines in California Worth Mentioning:
Besides the state’s three longest ziplines, a number of runner-ups offer a decent amount of cable time in California. Check out these tours if you have time:
- Ziplines at Pacific Crest, Wrightwood (1,500 feet)
- Sonoma Zipline Adventures, Occidental (1,500 feet)
- Leoni Meadows Adventures, Grizzly Flats (1,320 feet)
- Hot Shot Zip Line, South Lake Tahoe (1,000 feet)
If you are looking for another long zipline, Oregon offers Mount Bachelor’s Broken Top Drop, with a whopping length of 3,443 feet and an 866-foot elevation drop. They have 3 zips that are all super long! See more info on Oregon ziplines in our Oregon Zipline Guide here.
Final Thoughts
You can find thrills and adrenaline rushes at so many fantastic places in California, and all of these ziplines will deliver in spaces. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly zipline to do with the kids, or a heart-pounding thrill ride through the trees, you have numerous options to choose from. So, add the longest ziplines in California to your bucket list!
Looking for more adventure in California or nearby? Check out our related adventure posts:
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- 7 Ziplines in Los Angeles for Thrill Seekers
- 10 Best Ziplines in California
- How Many 14ers Are There in California? (Full List)
- Are There Any Bungee Jumps in Los Angeles?
- Bungee Jumping in Las Vegas (The Ultimate Guide)
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!