My grandparents raised, bred, and sold parakeets when I was growing up. As long as I can remember, my dad has had some type of aviary for love birds, parakeets, and finches in our back yard. I think you can honestly say that I too am a bird person and I find myself bird watching and admiring them in flight while daydreaming constantly! I think this is why I will jump at every chance to zipline, it’s the flying and soaring sensation that takes over me body and makes me feel like a bird! When my whole family can join in the fun, it’s even better!
On our recent family trip to Mariposa, California we took a few hours out of our day for some adventure and fun. We headed to Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch to fly like the birds and I was pumped up and ready to go. Now my youngest daughter (nine) and I ziplined in Kauai and my husband zipped with me in Oregon last year. The two teenagers have done a short zip but not too far off the ground in Mono County so they seemed a bit hesitant. I assured them we’d be completely safe and to only bring with us excitement and we’d be sure to leave with an amazing feeling of exhilaration!
Meeting our guides they were completely professional and serious about safety but at the same time could crack a joke and make you laugh! We suited up in helmets and harnesses for our 2 hour guided tour, met a few other families and couples, and were informed that this was our last chance at a restroom until the tour was over, so be prepared! If you’d like there are GoPro helmets available for rent if you’d like to document your trip. Cameras and cell phones are allowed but at your own risk, I brought mine and when I wasn’t gripping it with my life, my son kept it in a zippered pocket on his jacket.
The tour consists of 6 zips with the first one a short and easy introductory ride. As I was clipped in, I kept a smile on my face for the kids while my heart beat fast in my chest. I assure you my feelings were of pure excitement, I love ziplining and I couldn’t wait to feel the wind on my face. The first line did not disappoint, I even let go a little bit to show the family my confidence as I soared through the low fog. After the smack of the breaks, I was already eager for the next line and ready for photos and videos of the family!
Line two increases the distance and the height from the ground, but one by one our family and the tour group started and ended with happy anticipation becoming more confident each time. Then it was time to race! Lines three and four are dual lines which allows two riders to zip-race 600′ to the finish. A little family competitions, oh bring it on!Watch this quick video and see who wins between my husband and son, then my two daughters! Notice my husband’s technique and see if it helps him!
Ride through the trees on line five and have another shot at a little friendly competition. Here you have the opportunity to toss a beanbag into a target in the way down for a prize. Everyone gets a color to choose from a bucket before you head down, drop the beanbag earlier than you expect to for the proper trajectory!
There were a few people who hit the target but none went in, never did find out what that prize was, notoriety perhaps? My little girl is such a trooper, bragging to the older kids how this is easy as pie while they are still taming the butterflies in their stomachs. The guides are so good with her and you just can get that grin off her face the entire day!
To the top of the mountain we go in the Rangers up bumpy terrain, all of us thankful there isn’t a hiking component with this adventure! The view are even more spectacular here at Cowboy Camp and the downtown historic Mariposa in the distance! Perfect spot for a photo opportunity or two and the guides share a little local history for us.
The longest and steepest ride is at line six, it offers 1000′ feet of zipping and stunning views have you in awe as you fly by. Finally the grand finale takes you over tree tops, across a Sierra foothill ravine and through a tunnel in the trees and back to ground zero. The total length of the zip lines is 3800 linear feet!
We made it! The kids were talking about a mile a minute claiming they were not scared at all and how much fun this family adventure was. I made my yearly dream of flying a reality and if I could do this more often I will!
Other great adventures on the ranch include a Ropes Course, Panning for Gold, and a Shooting Experience. Because we were pressed for time, we couldn’t pan for gold but my youngest daughter did leave with a bag of dirt to excavate for gemstones and fossils! Our experience was amazing and yours will be too, for more information visit http://yosemiteziptours.com/ to plan your family adventure!
Our experience was part of a press trip with the Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, all opinions 100% our own.
The quaint little town of historic Mariposa, California is a perfect spot to stay after a 
The town of Mariposa is pretty small with one major thoroughfare. The Mariposa Lodge is within walking distance of the town’s shops, restaurants, and even some great wine tasting venues. We spent a lot of time eating (as a family with growing kids and teens do) so it was great to have Subway just over a block away, plus our favorite spot, the Sugar Pine Cafe. With a great homey feel, servers that treat you like family, and delicious food, we enjoyed at least one breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert during our 3 days in the area. 
Also to the delight of the kids and especially me, the Pizza Factory is a few blocks further down the main street. The pizza recipe reminds me of my favorite college town and our go-to restaurant there, so we may have had pizza twice that weekend! Also downtown, my husband and I walked into Ciera Wine Cellars late one evening to sample some local wine. We were greeted by proprietor Tori who was hosting a local club of women also there to enjoy some wine. Happily she tended to us and her group at the same time while giving us some history on the area and their winery. Her husband Mike works downstairs in the historic hotel for Yosemite Ale Werks, so they’ve hit the tasting jackpot in the area. Whether you’re their as a couple or with friends you can’t go wrong when looking for some music and a drink! If you love olive oil, there’s a room in back for that as well.
Head back to the California Gold Rush days at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum. This was my husband’s favorite place (unfortunately photos are not allowed to be taken inside. He’s still excited that he found a mineral ALLENITE, as his name is Allen!
