Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I get there?
• How long does it take to complete the tour?
• What tour programs do you offer?
• Do your guides accept tips?
• If I do want to tip, what is an appropriate amount?
• What if I am afraid of heights?
• How high will I be off the ground?
• What should I wear?
• Do you operate in the rain?
• How safe is it?
• What if I have never done a zipline course before?
• Who will be allowed onto the course?
• What equipment will I wear on the course?
• How do I pay even if I don’t have a credit card?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• When do I need to arrive for my tour?
• Are reservations required?
• What if I have more questions?
How do I get there?
From Highway 17 take the “Mount Hermon Road” exit at Scotts Valley. If coming from the north, turn right at the light onto Mount Hermon Road. Proceed 3.5 miles through Scotts Valley to the “T” and signal light at Graham Hill Road. Turn left onto Graham Hill Road and go past the Safeway/CVS shopping area. Turn left onto Conference Drive. Continue past the Post Office and under a pedestrian overpass, to a large lawn area and parking lot on your right. Park in this lot, near the fieldhouse – the large building at the end of the lawn. Follow the signs to our staging area by the restrooms, on the left side of the fieldhouse. Directional Map (pdf)
How long does it take to complete the tour?
The zipline canopy tour is approximately two hours in length, which allows time for check in, orientation, gearing up, and gearing down.
What tour programs do you offer?
We are in the process of developing a wide variety of programs to meet the needs of our diverse groups. Currently we offer our basic redwood ecology tour which highlights the amazing and unique ecosystem found in the Coastal Redwoods.
Do your guides accept tips?
Yes, while not required or expected, we do provide a guide appreciate box where you may leave a tip for your guide team.
If I do want to tip, what is an appropriate amount?
Any amount is appreciate by your guides and ground support staff.
What if I am afraid of heights?
It is not uncommon to have a fear of heights. Many such people have still been able to enjoy our zipline tour, due to the training we provide and the many redundant safety features. You will be double-clipped and attached to either trees or cables at all times on the course. Our professional guides are thoroughly trained in safety procedures, and will be with you throughout the entire course to answer all your questions, and provide personal support.
How high will I be off the ground?
During the tour you will be anywhere from zero feet to 150 feet above the ground.
What should I wear?
You will need to wear comfortable clothes and close-toed shoes (please do not wear skirts). Long hair needs to be tied back. Be prepared – dress for the weather forecasted, as we do operate in the rain. Please remove all jewelry and objects from your pockets, such as cell phones and wallets, and leave these in your vehicle or at home. You don’t want them falling out during the tour. Mount Hermon Canopy Tour is not responsible for property lost, damaged, or stolen during your tour. We do not provide any secure storage space.
Do you operate in the rain?
Yes, we operate in the rain. However, the course will be closed during lightning activity or high winds. If we know in advance that we will be closed, we will try to contact you at the number you provided when you booked your tour. In the rare event of cancellation due to weather, you may either rebook for another time, or get a raincheck for a future tour.
How safe is the tour?
All adventure activities done above the ground carry certain inherent risks. We have taken numerous steps to mitigate these risks. Our course was built to meet or exceed ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology) professional standards. (www.acctinfo.org) Our guides are professionally trained and our equipment is of the highest quality. The course and equipment are inspected daily. Your safety will be highly dependent on following your guide's instructions, and the procedures we teach you. Our course was "Built by Bonsai" a premier Canopy Tour Company.
What equipment will I wear on the course?
You will be fitted with a seat harness and chest harness, a double trolley system, two lanyards with safety clips, leather gloves, and a helmet. The equipment is similar to rock climbing equipment, but specially designed for a zipline course.
What if this is my first zipline course?
The majority of our participants have never been on a zipline course before. Your guides will give you a complete orientation and training session before you begin the course. This training includes a short practice zip just a few feet off the ground, so you will know what it feels like before you go out onto the course.
Who will be allowed on the course?
The zipline canopy tour is designed for use by participants of average mobility and strength, and who are in reasonably good health. No children under the age of 12 or weighing less than 75 pounds will be allowed to participate on our zipline tour. Children between the ages of 12 and 14 must be accompanied by an adult. No one over 250 pounds will be allowed to participate. Each participant must be physically able to adjust their speed of travel along the course by pressing on the cable with their leather gloves. Participants must also be able pull themselves on their trolleys a few feet along the zip cable, if they lose momentum before reaching one of the landing platforms. If you are able to walk a brisk mile, you should have the endurance needed.
How do I pay even if I don’t have a credit card?
Payment for your tour is usually made on-line through our secure payment site, with a Visa or MasterCard. If you do not have a credit card, you may send a check or money order, but payment must be received 14 days prior to your tour date. Payment may also be made in person at our administration office at 37 Conference Drive.
What is your cancellation policy?
Guides and other support staff are scheduled and waiting to make your experience the best possible. For this reason, we require 14 days notice for cancellations and rescheduling of tours. If you do not arrive for your tour, we still incur all the same expenses, and may have turned others away. Therefore, those guests who fail to show for a reservation or who cancel without proper notice will be responsible for their full tour price.
When do I need to arrive for my tour?
You must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. This will give you enough time to check-in and prepare for your tour. If you are not checked in at least five minutes prior to your tour time, your space may be released to another participant.
Are reservations required?
To enable us to provide you with the best experience, reservations are required. Each one of our tour groups is limited to eight participants and utilizes two guides.
What if I have more questions?
If you have more questions, please contact us at canopy.tour@mounthermon.org or call 831.419.0153.
