Ziplining is the fastest way to see Big Bear from an angle almost no one gets: soaring through the tops of the pines, high above the forest floor, with the mountains stretching out around you. It is a genuine adrenaline hit that still works for first-timers, and it runs all year.
The valley’s zipline tour sends you across a series of lines that get longer and faster as you go, guided by a crew the whole way. This guide covers exactly what the tour involves, who can ride, what to wear, how to book, and how it fits with the rest of a Big Bear trip, so you know what you are signing up for before you clip in.
The short answerBig Bear’s zipline canopy tour, run by Action Tours (formerly Action Zipline Tours), sends you across nine high-speed ziplines plus a suspension bridge, reaching speeds up to about 35 mph over roughly a three-hour outing that includes transportation. Guides lead every step, so no experience is needed. Riders must be 8 or older, weigh between 65 and 250 pounds, and be 6 feet 6 inches or under. It runs year-round, weather permitting, and Big Bear Vacations guests get a discount. Book ahead, especially on weekends and holidays.
Experience Package – Available with a Big Bear Vacations Cabin Rental! ️10% OFF with code BBV10 Guests of BBV do receive a 10% discount for all tours when they book. Book over the phone and give your BBV booking confirmation number the discount will be applied. To book this experience call: 909-866-0390
What is the Big Bear zipline tour?
The tour is a guided canopy adventure through the forest above Big Bear. You work across nine ziplines and a suspension bridge, with the lines getting progressively longer and faster as you build confidence, reaching speeds of up to about 35 miles per hour. The whole outing runs roughly three hours, which includes the short transportation to and from the course, and a trained crew guides you through every clip-in, launch, and landing. You do not need any experience. If you can walk a short forest trail and follow simple instructions, you can do this tour.
Who can do it
The tour has clear requirements so everyone stays safe on the lines. Check these before you book, especially for a group with kids or a wide range of body types:
- Age: 8 years and older.
- Weight: Between 65 and 250 pounds.
- Height: 6 feet 6 inches and under.
- Ability: You should be able to walk over uneven ground and follow the guides’ instructions.
These limits exist because the harness and braking systems are engineered for a specific range. If someone in your group is close to a limit, confirm with the operator when you book rather than showing up and hoping.
What to expect and what to wear
Plan to arrive a little early to check in, sign waivers, and get fitted into a harness and helmet. The guides run a quick ground briefing, then you progress through the lines together, so there is time to settle in before the longer, faster runs. Dress for the outdoors and the season: closed-toe shoes are a must, and layers work well because you warm up between lines and cool down on the platforms. Long hair should be tied back, and loose items are best left behind. Many zipline courses limit hand-held cameras and phones on the lines for safety, so plan to keep valuables secured and enjoy the ride rather than filming it.
Season, booking, and cost
The tour runs year-round, weather permitting, which makes it a reliable pick whether you are visiting for summer on the lake or a winter snow trip. Tours book up on weekends, holidays, and through the busy summer season, so reserve ahead rather than counting on same-day space. Big Bear Vacations guests receive a discount on the tour, so ask about the current offer when you book your stay. Prices vary, so confirm the current rate directly with the operator when you reserve.
Is it safe?
Ziplining with a professional operator is a guided, equipment-controlled activity. You are in a full harness and helmet, clipped to the line by trained guides who manage every launch and braking landing, and the age, weight, and height limits exist precisely to keep the systems working as designed. As with any adventure activity, follow the guides’ instructions, disclose any health concerns when you book, and skip it if you are pregnant or have a condition that the operator flags. Done by the book, it is an accessible thrill that riders of very different comfort levels enjoy.
Pair it with other adventures
Ziplining slots neatly into a bigger Big Bear day, since it only takes a few hours. Riders who want more from above can add a scenic helicopter tour, and there is a whole menu of options in our guide to the best tours in Big Bear, from lake cruises in summer to snowshoe treks in winter. Because the zipline runs all year, it is an easy anchor for a day of adventure in any season.
Base your Big Bear adventure here
Zipline by day, unwind in a hot tub by night. Book a Big Bear cabin close to the action for your trip.
Search Big Bear Cabins or call (877) 417-6504Frequently asked questions
How fast and how high is the Big Bear zipline?
The Big Bear zipline tour reaches speeds of up to about 35 miles per hour as you soar through the treetops high above the forest floor. You cross nine ziplines that get progressively longer and faster, plus a suspension bridge, over a guided course. The exact heights vary by line, but you are up in the canopy for the fast runs.
How long does the zipline tour take?
Plan for roughly three hours, which includes the short transportation to and from the course along with the ground briefing and the lines themselves. It is long enough to feel like a real outing but short enough to pair with other activities the same day, which is part of why it works well on a packed Big Bear itinerary.
What are the age, weight, and height limits for ziplining in Big Bear?
Riders must be 8 years or older, weigh between 65 and 250 pounds, and be 6 feet 6 inches or under. You should also be able to walk over uneven ground and follow the guides’ instructions. These limits exist because the harness and braking systems are built for a specific range, so confirm with the operator if anyone in your group is near a limit.
Can you zipline in Big Bear in winter?
Yes. The zipline tour runs year-round, weather permitting, so it is an option on a winter snow trip as well as in summer. Dress in warm layers and closed-toe shoes for cold-weather tours, and check with the operator on the day, since heavy weather can pause the lines for safety.
Do you need experience to go ziplining?
No experience is needed. Trained guides handle every clip-in, launch, and braking landing, and they run a ground briefing before you start, with the lines getting longer and faster as you build confidence. If you can walk a short forest trail and follow simple instructions, you can do the tour. It is a common pick for first-timers.
How do I book, and is there a discount?
Reserve ahead directly with the operator, especially on weekends, holidays, and during the busy summer season, when tours fill up. Big Bear Vacations guests receive a discount on the tour, so ask about the current offer when you book your cabin. Prices change, so confirm the current rate with the operator when you reserve your time.
Tour specifications (nine ziplines and a suspension bridge, speeds up to about 35 mph, roughly three hours, ages 8+, 65 to 250 pounds, 6’6” and under, year-round) reflect information published by the operator, Action Tours California, as of 2026 and may change. Confirm current specs, schedule, price, and any health restrictions directly with the operator before booking.
