Highline News · Specialty tours
Hike and Fly Tour: Earn Your Flight with a 1,100-Foot Summit ClimbJust over 2 miles up through the protea fields, then three dual ziplines back down to Basecamp.
Most zipline tours start with someone else doing the driving. The Hike and Fly Tour at Highline Adventures flips that: you climb to the top of the zipline course on your own two feet, through the protea fields in the hills between Buellton and Solvang, then fly back down to Basecamp on three dual ziplines. You don't just arrive at the view — you earn it.
The short version
The Hike and Fly Tour at a glance
A guided hike to the top of the zipline course, then the flight back down. The numbers that matter:
The idea
What Is the Hike and Fly Tour?
On Highline's classic Zipline Tour, a 4x4 Humvee carries you over 1,000 feet of vertical to the top of the course. The Hike and Fly Tour swaps the ride for a hike: just over 2 miles and about 1,100 feet of climbing across the ranch, through the protea fields, to the top of the zipline course. From there the reward is the same finish every Highline guest knows — three dual ziplines, side by side with a friend, all the way back down to Basecamp.
It's a hybrid built for people who want to feel they earned the view from the top, not just arrived at it. Guides fit you with the provided gear and are with you for your safety every step of the way.
The way up
The Climb: Just Over 2 Miles Up Through the Protea Fields
The trail up isn't a casual stroll, and it isn't a technical mountain route either. It's a steady uphill hike on the ranch — through the protea fields that bloom across these hills, with the Santa Ynez Valley opening up behind you the higher you go.
- Just over 2 miles and about 1,100 feet of vertical to the top of the zipline course
- A walk through Highline's protea fields on the way up
- Views across the Santa Ynez Valley that get bigger the higher you climb
- Ranch trail, not a paved park path — dress as if you're going on a hike
Tours start at 9am, 10am and 11am, so the climb is always a morning one.
The way down
The Payoff: Three Dual Ziplines Back to Basecamp
At the top, the tour turns into Highline's signature thrill. You fly back down on three dual ziplines — over a mile and a half of cable at speeds up to 50+ mph — side by side with a friend, over the protea fields with the valley spread out below.
This isn't a scaled-down version of the zipline tour. It's the same three dual lines; the difference is how you get to the top. After two miles of climbing, flying back down to where you started is the payoff that gives the tour its name.
Side by side
Hike and Fly vs. the Classic Zipline Tour
Both tours end the same way — flying the three dual ziplines back to Basecamp. The way up is what's different.
| Classic Zipline Tour | Hike and Fly Tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Way up | 4x4 Humvee ride over 1,000 ft of vertical | Hike just over 2 miles and about 1,100 ft of climbing, through the protea fields |
| Way down | Three dual ziplines, 1.5+ miles of cable, up to 50+ mph | The same three dual ziplines |
| Time | About 2 hours on course; plan for 2.5 hours | About 3 hours |
| Group size | Up to 8 guests per tour | Up to 4 guests per tour |
| Best for | Guests short on time, or who'd rather ride than hike | Hikers who want a workout and more time outdoors before the flight |
Prices and dates: Zipline Tour · Hike & Fly ($150 per person).
Who it suits
Who the Hike and Fly Tour Is Built For
It's open to anyone who meets the requirements below and is comfortable with a sustained uphill walk. It's a particularly good fit for:
- Hikers and trail runners who want to pair their favorite activity with an adrenaline finish
- Couples and small groups who want a longer, more immersive morning on the ranch than a ride to the top
- Anyone who likes to earn the adventure rather than be driven to it
Hike & Fly eligibility
- Must weigh between 75 – 275 lbs
- Must be in reasonably good health, with ability to descend 5ft ladder
- Must have use of both arms and legs
- Must wear closed-toe shoes and dress as if you are going on a hike
- Long hair must be tied back and loose accessories removed
- Pregnant women ineligible to participate
- Must be able to hike 2+ miles and up 1100 vertical feet
Before you go
What to Bring and Wear
Preparation matters more on this tour than on the classic one, because you hike before you fly. The harness, helmet and the rest of the gear for the way down are provided and fitted at Basecamp.
- Hiking shoes or trail sneakers. Closed-toe shoes are required; pick a pair with good tread for the climb.
- Dress as if you're going on a hike. Pants or longer shorts are more comfortable in a harness. Bring layers — temperatures can differ between Basecamp and the top.
- Sun protection. Most of the course is in full sun: sunscreen, plus a hat and sunglasses if you like (worn at your own discretion).
- Water for the climb. Water is provided; bring your own bottle too if you like to sip as you go.
- Hair tied back, no loose accessories. Leave dangly jewelry in the car, arrive on time, and sign your waiver ahead of time from the link in your confirmation email.
Reserve your climb
Booking Your Hike and Fly Adventure
The Hike and Fly Tour is reservation-only, $150 per person, with start times at 9am, 10am and 11am. Each tour takes up to 4 guests, so dates fill quickly — book ahead, especially for weekends.
Tours meet at Highline Adventures' Basecamp, 700 E Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427 — check the directions before your first visit, and the FAQ for anything else.
Make a day of it
More Adventures on the Ranch
Zipline Tour
The classic: a 4x4 Humvee ride to the top, then three dual ziplines at speeds up to 50+ mph.
See the zipline tour →
Moonlight Zipline
The same three lines after dark, on the nights around the full moon — $175 per person.
See the dates →
Adventure Park
A treetop course in the oaks with 60+ elements on two levels and four routes from easy to very hard.
Explore the park →Hike & Fly FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Hike and Fly Tour take?
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
Is the zipline part the same as the classic Zipline Tour?
What are the age and weight requirements?
Our suggested minimum age is 10 years old, and all participants must weigh between 75-275lbs. Guests are discretely weighed at check-in. Those not meeting our requirements may not be able to participate and are ineligible for a refund.
What should I wear?
We suggest that you dress as if you were going for a hike. You’ll be wearing a full body harness so dress for comfort. The temperatures can be different at the basecamp so we suggest bringing layers and making the final decision once you arrive. During the hot summer months sunscreen is recommended. We have shaded waiting areas but most of the course is exposed to full sun. Please be prepared accordingly.
What if it rains?
Our Zipline tours will run in light rain. If heavy rain, high wind or lightning interfere with operational safety we will cancel the tour for safety concerns. The course manager on duty will determine tour cancellations and guests may be notified at any time regarding cancellation. In the event that your tour is canceled by Highline Adventures, you will receive a refund or a rain check voucher depending on the circumstances. We reserve the right to postpone or ‘pause’ a tour for up to one hour to wait out inclement weather and resume normal operations. Rain gear is not provided and you are expected to dress appropriately for the weather. Synthetic clothing is recommended when wet weather is expected.
What is your cancellation policy?
All sales are final. Cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance are eligible to be rescheduled or receive store credit for a future booking. Bookings can be transferable. For more info please visit our cancellation policy page.
More answers on the full FAQ page · Hike & Fly tour page · directions to the ranch.
Earn your flight
Hike up. Fly down.
At Highline Adventures, even getting to the zipline can be part of the adventure. Just over 2 miles and 1,100 feet up through the protea fields, three dual ziplines back down — about 3 hours, up to 4 guests per tour, $150 per person.