We decided to try out the Max Zipline tree-top canopy tour in Provo Canyon, near the Alpine Loop/Sundance Resort turnoff. We called and made reservations at 2pm on a Monday afternoon. We drove down the Canyon, across the river on a dirt road to their base operations. They have a mobile trailer set up where you sign a waiver (of course) and get your equipment: harness, helmet and gloves. Besides us, there were 6 other people scheduled to be in our group, so we sat down and waited for everyone else to arrive.
Once everyone got their equipment, we piled into the Polaris Ranger and took a 10-minute drive up a dirt road to the top zipline. We had two wonderful guides with us, but for the life of me I just can’t remember their names. Anyway, they give you a quick safety spiel and then your off!
The first line was an easy, gently one and with a headwind, most of us were coming in short at the end. You have control of the brake, so you can go as fast or slow as you like. In this case, no braking was needed. If you come in short where a guide can’t reach you, they will have to go out on the line to bring you in or you can pull yourself in by grabbing the line above hand-over-hand.
The next one was much faster and needed some braking at the end. Then there was a slower line, followed by the steepest and fastest line which was a lot of fun. The last line is very mellow and slow. We did 5 lines, but I heard on one of their videos that there are 6 total lines. It was kind of windy the day we went, so perhaps that’s why it was shortened to five.
Our Max Zipline Experience
Our group had people of all ages, from teenager to retired. Some were terrified to take that first step off the platform, but by the second or third line were good to go and were able to enjoy the ride. The entire tour took about 1 1/2 hours. This will vary based on the size of your group and if you have to wait on people who are scared. 😉 If you have very young children, they can ride attached to you. There are no age restrictions, only weight – 35 lb min, 275 lb max. Wear closed-toe shoes and if you want, you can bring your own helmet and gloves.
There are also zipline rides at the Olympic Park in Park City and at Park City Mountain Resort. The difference between those and Max Zipline is a one-line ride vs multi-line ride. Because it’s a longer experience, it is also more expensive. I can’t find prices listed on Max’s website or Facebook page, but we purchased a groupon for 2 for $49 which they said was $118 value, so one tour would cost regularly $59. I don’t know if there is separate pricing for adults or children. Their site does list that group rates are available.
Max Zipline Website and Facebook page. They have detailed directions on their website for whether you are coming from Park City/Heber or from Provo. You can either park in the paved parking lot just off 189 (Provo Canyon Rd) and walk to the equipment trailer or drive across the bridge up the dirt road for about 1/2 mile. They are opened Monday-Saturday and although I don’t see it stated anywhere on their website at the moment, our guide told us they are going to be opened through the winter. They also will be renting snowshoes for hiking trails along the Provo River.
For more information and reservations call: 801-960-3113
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