Pricing
$80 per person
Bring a group of 8 or more and recieve $10 off per person!
More information on groups larger than 8 people.
GoPro Helmet Camera Rentals - $30
Don't want to risk your own camera 150 feet in the air?
Capture the tour from your own point-of-view in high definition on one of our GoPro HERO Cameras.
At the end of your tour, take the experience home on the
4 GB SD memory card included in the price.
Rentals can be made by calling our office,
or in person the day of your tour.
Canopy Tour History and Philosophy
The Redwood Canopy Tour opened in the spring of 2008 as the first canopy tour on the West Coast, and the first tour built in the redwoods. The course was designed to be of minimal environmental impact with maximum educational benefit, not just a “forest roller coaster.” Not a single tree was removed during construction. The cables, platforms, and bridges were threaded though the exsisting landscape. Today, guests are educated on the beauty, mystery and wonder of the coastal redwoods while enjoying a fun, adventurous zip-line experience.
Safety
All adventure activities have certain inherent risks. We have taken numerous steps to mitigate and minimize those risks. Our course was built by Bonsai Design and meets or exceeds the industry standards set by the Association for Challenge Course Technology. We chose Bonsai Design for their unique creativity and careful attention to detail. Top quality, certified U.S.-made cables and hardware are utilized throughout. Daily visual checks are made, complimenting periodic and annual inspections. Prior to leading their first tour, our staff completes nearly 50 hours of intense training in all aspects of guiding, safety and emergency procedures.
Sustainability
Sustainably harvested redwood lumber is used for all platforms and bridges. Professional Foresters were consulted before construction and periodically inspect the health of our trees. Each cable termination ingeniously “hugs” the tree in a way that allows for the unimpeded growth of the tree.
Our platforms are supported with minimal penetrations, and adjust with the growth of the tree. All hardware and structures have been finished to blend with the surroundings.
Tour prices are calculated to support continuous maintenance, quality programs and a well-trained staff.
Stewardship
The Redwood Canopy Tour operates on the property of Mount Hermon Conference Center. Since its inception in 1906, Mount Hermon has continually demonstrated careful and conservative use of it's resources to ensure longterm enjoyment for all guests past, present and future.
For more information on Redwood Trees and conservation efforts, visit:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Zip-Line Canopy Tour?
A zip-line canopy tour uses specialized equipment and cables to allow guests to experience the upper reaches of a forest. Each participant wears a harness and uses a pulley system to glide along interconnected zip lines that stretch between elevated platforms. The upper canopy of the coastal redwood giants went largely unexplored until the late 1980’s. Curious scientists began developing techniques to ascend the massive trunks, the first accessible branch of which might be over 100 feet in the air. The diversity of life they found in the upper canopy led to decades of continued study. The first commercial canopy tour appeared in 1992 in the tropical rain forests of Coasta Rica. Others soon followed around the world.
What is Mount Hermon?
Mount Hermon was founded in 1906 as the first Christian camp west of the Mississippi. The original site in the Santa Cruz mountains has three self-contained camp and conference facilities. Ponderosa Lodge is used for junior and senior high camps and for the Outdoor Science School, an experiential hands-on program based on the California Science Framework. Redwood Camp hosts primary school age children and our Conference Center provides a resort experience for families and large groups. Mount Hermon also operates Kidder Creek, a wilderness camp near Mount Shasta and Whisper Canyon, a rustic retreat center near Paso Robles and Lake San Antonio. All facilities are available for use by guest groups that support the educational objectives of Mount Hermon. Each year over 60,000 people experience Mount Hermon in one form or another!
Are reservations required?
Yes. Tours often fill days or weeks in advance so reservations are required.
Please use our online reservation system. If you are trying to reserve online less than 24 hours prior to your intended tour, please call us directly for availability.
Do you sell Gift Certificates for tours?
Yes. Gift Certificates may be purchased instead of a scheduled Canopy Tour. Gift Certificates are available through our online reservation system, or by calling the Canopy Tour Office.
How can I make reservations for a large group (more than 8 people)?
If your group is larger than 8, please call our office to reserve your tour or create a custom tour time. Our guided tours, and online reservation system are designed to accomodate groups up to 8 people. Groups larger than 8 will be split into multiple tour groups.
Are there any restrictions or requirements?
The Redwood Canopy Tours are designed to be a low impact experience that can be shared by anyone meeting our basic criteria. Our Course is very accessible and can accomodate most disabilities and handicaps. We want to get you in the trees! Participants must be in moderate good health, at least 52 inches tall and weigh between 75 and 250 pounds. Children must be at least 10 years old. For youth under age 14, a parent or legal guardian must accompany them on the tour. You may be asked to slow yourself using a gloved hand or pull yourself along a cable. You will also be asked to complete a “ground school” to learn the basics of zip lining prior to going in the air. If you have had a recent bone or joint injury, are pregnant, or have a serious or uncontrolled heart condition the canopy tour is not for you. For more information please see our Participant Requirements Form or call our office.
What if I am running late?
Please call our office if you are going to be late. If you arrive late and we have to start a tour without you we will make every effort to put you on a later tour or reschedule for another date. No refunds are given for late arrivals. Please be advised that traffic on HWY 17 is often heavy and plan accordingly. Check current road conditions here.
What is your cancellation policy?
We accept cancellations or changes in tour time/date up to two weeks from the tour date. Changes or cancellations within two weeks of the tour date are not available for refund, but may be rescheduled at the sole discretion of our staff.
What if it rains?
If you ask any of our guides they will tell you, "Tours in the rain are their favorite." The rain showcases redwood trees in their most dramatic form. The coastal redwoods are considered a rain forest ecosystem and the Mount Hermon area receives 60 inches of rain a year on average. Rain is always a possibility, especially November through May. Check the current weather conditions at Mount Hermon here. Our tours will go out, even in heavy rain. The thick canopy of branches over each platform is usually enough protection to keep you dry. When zipping between platforns you may get a bit wet. A light rain jacket or nylon wind breaker is usually all that is required. There are rare occations where we may cancel tours due to extreme weather (such as thunder storms or high winds). Your group will be notified of the cancelation by phone as soon as possible, and rescheduled or refunded the tour cost.
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What should I wear?
We operate rain or shine so please come prepared for the season and to be outdoors for two hours. Tours leaving before noon may be a bit chilly and foggy (especially in the summer!). For most months a light sweatshirt or windbreaker will do. Check the current weather conditions at Mount Hermon here. Please wear modest, comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops or sandals). You will be wearing both a waist harness and upper body harness as part of your tour gear. Skirts, dresses and short-inseam shorts are not appropriate or comfortable in this context. Long hair will need to tied back. We reccomend removing large or dangling jewelry and all objects from your pockets.
Can I bring a camera?
Sure! Bring your still camera or video camera. We require the camera to have a wrist loop or strap so we can secure it to your harness. Dropping your camera from a platform is not fun.
What else is there to do in the area?
A bunch.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Nearly across the street off Hwy 9. A highlight is the very accessible 3/4 mile trail loop near the main entrance through the old growth redwoods. Also miles of trails along the San Lorenzo River. Camping available.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Fall Creek Unit - Sssh! This park is usually a local secret! Most don't even know it's there. Amazing hikes along Fall Creek. Stone lime kiln ruins to explore. Lots of Big Leaf Maple Trees, which showcase themselves with beautiful Fall colors (hence the creek name!)
Big Basin Redwoods State Park - A bit of a drive up the San Lorenzo Valley, but well worth the effort. Big Basin was California's first state park. Lots of room to explore. If you have more time, try the local favorite Skyline-To-The-Sea Trail down to Waddell Beach. Camping available.
Natural Bridges State Beach - In nearby Santa Cruz. Explore the beach and tidepools. If you're lucky enough to visit in the winter, see the Monarch Grove, a temporary migration home for up to 100,000 Monarch Butterflies!
Sunset Magazine: One Perfect Day in Felton, CA
Trip Advisor: What to do in Santa Cruz
