If there’s one thing that will always be true, it is that thrill-seekers will always look for ways to pump their adrenaline. One of these ways is called slacklining — the sport of balance-walking across a special rope, a.k.a. slackline, connecting two high points. There’s waterlining (walking over bodies of water) and highlining (at least 50 feet above ground). Here are five of the must-visit slackline destinations in the US!
1. Experience Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California
It’s no surprise that it was Yosemite’s native rock climbers that invented slacklining some 40 years ago. The Valley continues to attract adventure spirits with its highliners on El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Upper Cathedral Spire, to name a few. If you love to slackline, be sure to visit spring through fall and be mindful of the regulations.
2. Slackline in Moab, Utah
Unlike Yosemite, Moab has fewer slacklining rules, which is one of the reasons people love it. Perfect to visit in early spring or late fall, you will enjoy a number of great routes here. Be sure to check Castleton Tower, but don’t stop there, says Andy Lewis, the “Godfather of Slacklining.” Every Thanksgiving, the local slacklining community organizes the GGBY festival. In terms of world and national records, both distance and free solo achievements have been made in the area’s magnificent sandstone peninsulas and natural bowls.
3. Visit Joshua Tree National Park, California
The best thing about Joshua tree is that its iconic massive boulder clusters remain largely undeveloped. This means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to test your slackline skills without having to deal with large crowds. It’s best to visit from late fall through early spring, and be sure to check the popular highline route from Freeway Wall to the Hemingway Boulders.
4. Test Yourself at Boulder Canyon & Clear Creek Canyon, Colorado
When it comes to quality adventure, Clear Creek Canyon and Boulder Canyon certainly make it among the best slacklining destinations. The sheer granite cliffs that line the picturesque creeks represent Colorado’s highlining hub. Boulder offers longer routes, while Clear Creek adds to the adventure with 500-feet high slacklines.
5. Explore Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
With more than 30 bolted highlines and helpful rangers, honing your slackline skills will be a fantastic experience in Smith Rock State Park. The best times to hit the highlines are spring and fall when there could be a few dozen people hanging out at the four main lines.