Bootleg Canyon Flightlines

Imagine soaring through desert and mountain terrain more than a thousand feet above the ground – and not in a plane or helicopter.

Instead of hiking or bike riding down trails, Bootleg Canyon Flightlines’ zip-line tour in Boulder City allows adventure seekers to “fly” and get a whole new perspective on the beautiful desert valley below.

“These unique aerial trails attract, educate and amaze people,” said Ian Green, co-founder of the GreenHeart Conservation Company. “[It] allows them to follow the path of a bird. You will not find a more exhilarating trail in the world.”

While Las Vegas provides several extreme outdoor adventures, Bootleg Canyon Flightlines proves to be one of a kind.

“This ride is aided by nature,” said Green. “The freedom of silent flight – unless you like to scream – is something that leaves you in awe.”

For those who aren’t familiar with zip-lines, passengers sit in their own paragliding harness that’s suspended from cable wires. On this tour, riders travel from one point to another by flying over the desert ecosystem from the top of Red Mountain. Some will soar at speeds up to 50 miles per hour..

“All of our riders to date left with the glow, [with] a smile of somebody who feels very much alive,” said Green.

After a brief safety orientation, your tour includes a quick drive up the canyon hill. From here, you'll hike uphill for about half an hour. Once you reach your destination, you'll coast through four runs, each presenting a different kind of experience. The final run grabs the most attention since it’s the fastest.

“People tend to get a wake-up call,” said Scott Stemmer, a tour guide for Bootleg Canyon Flightlines. “It’s fun watching their expressions.”

For those who are apprehensive about flying down the canyons, the tour guides help make everyone feel comfortable.

“Making fun of myself usually works pretty well,” Stemmer said. “It gets them to laugh and lighten up a bit.”

If you’re afraid of heights, then let this be the one adventure that helps you conquer your fear for good.

“We have had people come down who were afraid when they got to the top and they were just absolutely happy that they did it when they got to the bottom,” said tour guide Max Margolis.

From teens to senior citizens, people of all ages can enjoy this trip.

“We had an 84-year-old World War II vet actually come through,” Margolis said. “I really don’t think anyone has enjoyed it more than he did. He loved it.”

Bob Keill, a pilot who visited from Salt Lake City, heartily endorsed the zip-line tour.

“Take a chance!” he exclaimed. “I think everybody should get out and try it at least once.”

GreenHeart, Green’s eco-tourism company, is responsible for bringing Bootleg Canyon Flightlines to Boulder City. It also has establishments in countries such as Guyana, Haiti, Brazil, Panama, Ghana, Belize and Canada.

Bootleg Canyon Flightlines offers an exhilarating and unique ride through the desert canyon while contributing to conserving the environment.

“Flightlines is part of a sustainable park strategy,” explained Green. “With the help of our guests’ support, the revenue is directed back to ensure the activity has a positive impact on the land. This makes protecting nature a positive experience for all involved.”

The combination of desert mountain awareness and the chance to admire the splendor of the Southwest by bird’s-eye view make the drive out to Bootleg Canyon Flightlines worth the trip.

“This is green adrenaline and something that is not to be missed,” Green said.

“It’s different,” Keill noted. “It’s just something that most people don’t normally do. I’d bring friends and do it again.”

-- Review by Jeannie Borbe