New Zipline Attraction Hitting the Grand Canyon

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Long before paved roads and Grand Canyon tours, visiting the Grand Canyon was difficult. Only the most adventurous of explorers dared to brave the elements to visit this remote location. Starting May 27 (Memorial Day), a new way to tour Grand Canyon becomes available to park lovers:  Ziplining.

Soaring Eagle Zipline will install two Route 66 themed ziplines next to each other at the Grand Canyon Boulevard and Railroad Avenue intersection in the city of Williams.  Riders will enjoy a two minute ride at 30 mph while traveling upward approximately 110 feet. The ride does not require people to climb a tower and they will sit buckled up in the zipline’s racecar seats. Throughout this spectacular experience, riders will hear the sounds of squealing tires, engines revving up and braking.

According to Logan Checketts from Soaring Eagle Zipline, people will be able to see everything around them; freeway, mountains and Route 66. The rides are scheduled to operate Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at a price of $12 per ride.

Soaring Eagle Zipline which operates 22 ziplines around the country will set up the rides on 1-inch steel plate bases. This will allow them to remain portable. Soaring Eagle Zipline and the city of Williams still need to agree on the payment method. They are negotiating between a one-time payment of $35,000 or a one-time payment of $25,000, plus 18 percent of gross revenue after the $25,000 share is reached. Soaring Eagle Zipline projects the city will make about $271,000. In addition to the projected revenue, Soaring Eagle will also employ between three and five locals at a time to operate the ride, depending on the demand.

While most council members voted in favor of the zipline, some expressed concerns about preserving the historic charm of downtown Williams. Several residents fear that downtown will resemble an amusement park or a carnival. Vice Mayor Don Dent believes that while the ride is a great idea, the location is terrible. According to Mayor John Moore, Williams City is in need of more recreation and the zipline will add much needed entertainment to current Grand Canyon attractions.

Soaring Eagle will run the operation through December 31, 2013, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods. Sure looks like visitors should add another adventure to their Grand Canyon Things to Do list.