Captain Zipline provided our entire group with an afternoon of exhilarating fun. Our two guides were extremely knowledgeable and both had a terrific sense of humor that made the whole adventure more enjoyable for all of us. They provided excellent training on the equipment and their expertise gave everyone a feeling of safety, which was vital considering the canyons we were to to zip over. Being an engineer, and also concerned for our safety in general, I checked out the equipment and the zipline construction in particular very carefully. The equipment provided, which we used on the lines (cable trolleys, harnesses, carabiners, and helmets) were all in very good condition. The ziplines cables themselves seemed almost brand new, and all were extremely well designed and anchored.
.From Denver, it was an easy three hour drive, We chose the seven zipline tour, which was just right for our group of five. That zipline tour itself, including the short commute from downtown Salida (in provided vans) to the zipline area, the zipline rides, and the return to Salida took roughly three hours. We drove up from Denver, rode the ziplines and drove back in about 11 hours altogether, making this a great day trip.
I strongly suggest that their website be used to make reservations ahead of time. Several folks who showed up without reservations at the Salida headquarters, where the tours start, were unable to go because the tours had been filled up.
Although cameras are not encouraged, small ones (that will fit securely in a pocket) or cell phone cameras (again, which must securely fit in a pocket) seem to work. Trust me on this - you need both hands to ride the lines and unless you have a hands free helmet camera, there's no easy way to take pictures while zipping down the lines. However, you can easily take pictures of your friends as they take off or land while you're waiting your turn.
Regarding weight restrictions, the website gives general guidelines. I'm about 5'11", weigh 235 lbs., and have a tummy measurement (at the bellybutton, where they ask you to measure) of just about 44". In other words, I take an extra tubby size. I had no problems with the harness or the lines. My guess is that as long as you can get the harness fastened safely, you're okay. The guides will let you know if there's a problem. Rumor has it that they had a 360 lb customer who made it through fine.
About children. One family in our tour had a seven-year old who had no problems at all. He had a terrific time and couldn't stop grinning There are child-sized harnesses available, and the guides take extra time and care with the kids (and nervous adults).
All in all, this was well worth the money and we will certainly be doing it again in the future.