Best Places for Bungee Jumping Near Boulder, Colorado (And Epic Alternatives)
So, you’re in Boulder, Colorado—land of hikers, climbers, yogis, and people who casually summit 14,000-foot peaks like it’s no big deal. And now you’ve got the itch to jump off something really high on purpose. First of all: respect.
You’re probably wondering: Can I go bungee jumping in Boulder? The short answer is… not exactly. The long answer? Buckle up, because we’re taking you on a wild ride through the best bungee(ish) adventures near Boulder—plus some equally bonkers alternatives that will have your heart pounding and your mom questioning your life choices.
Wait, There’s No Bungee Jumping In Boulder?
Yeah, weird, right? You’d think a place filled with mountain maniacs and thrill-seekers would have bungee towers on every trailhead. But no—Boulder’s too clean, too green, and too legally bound to allow bungee jumping inside city limits.
Why? Here’s the gist:
- It’s hard to get permits for high-adrenaline activities on protected land.
- Boulder loves nature (like, really loves it).
- Liability laws make it tough to operate extreme sports businesses unless you’re made of lawyers.
But don’t despair! Just because you can’t jump off something in Boulder doesn’t mean Colorado won’t deliver the goods. You just have to drive a bit—and trust me, the views make it worth it.
Best Places to Bungee Jump Near Boulder (Within Road-Trip Range)
1. Royal Gorge Bridge – Canon City, CO
Distance: About 2.5 to 3 hours from Boulder
Thrill level: Screaming-into-the-void level 10
Jump height: Over 1,000 feet, aka definitely don’t look down
Welcome to the Mac Daddy of Colorado jumps. The Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the highest suspension bridges in America, hanging over the mighty Arkansas River like a dare. While it’s not open for public bungee every day, special events and extreme sports festivals occasionally host bungee or rope jumps here. You’ll need to keep an eye on the calendar—or bribe a very cool tour guide.
Pro tip: Check with companies like Over the Edge Adventures or keep tabs on the Royal Gorge event calendar. Don’t just show up with a bungee cord and hope for the best. (Seriously, don’t.)
2. Pop-Up Bungee Events & Mobile Towers – Denver/Boulder Area
Distance: 45 minutes or less
Thrill level: Intro-level leap of faith
Jump height: 60–100 feet (baby bungees)
Every once in a while, the gods of adrenaline bless the Front Range with portable bungee towers—a.k.a. crane setups that show up at state fairs, college campuses, or adventure expos. It’s kind of like if a carnival ride and a skydiving rig had a baby.
They’re shorter than the mega-jumps, but still enough to make your knees quiver and your stomach scream “WHAT ARE WE DOING?!”
Pro tip: Search for local events or keep tabs on companies that specialize in mobile jump rigs. (Or just follow the screams.)
So Why Isn’t There Bungee in Boulder Again?
Look, Boulder is many things: scenic, sporty, health-obsessed, kombucha-rich—but it’s not a place where you casually toss yourself off a bridge. Between open space preservation laws and a healthy fear of lawsuits, bungee just hasn’t found its home here yet.
But that’s okay! You know why? Because Boulder is secretly an adrenaline playground in disguise.
Don’t Want to Wait for Bungee? Try These Boulder-Approved Thrills Instead
1. Skydiving in Longmont
Distance: 20 minutes from Boulder
Provider: Mile-Hi Skydiving
Thrill level: “I saw my soul leave my body and high-five a bird”
You jump out of a plane at 18,000 feet and plummet toward Earth at terminal velocity. I mean, how is that not fun? With panoramic views of the Rockies, tandem jumps for newbies, and instructors who’ve done this thousands of times, this is your chance to yell into the wind and feel alive.
You’ll never look at airplanes the same way again.
2. Via Ferrata – Idaho Springs
Distance: 1 hour
Activity: Climbing cliffs while clipped to steel cables like a high-altitude spider
This one’s for people who want a taste of bungee-level exposure without actually jumping into the abyss. You’ll climb rock faces, tiptoe across suspension bridges, and rappel down sheer walls. It’s part rock climb, part obstacle course, part “why are my legs shaking like that?”
Bonus: No previous climbing skills required—just nerves of steel and good shoes.
3. Ziplining Over the Trees and Cliffs
Where: Idaho Springs, Estes Park
Thrill level: Fast, fun, and less scary than bungee—but still scream-worthy
Ziplining is like a roller coaster, but you’re the car, the track is a wire, and you’re zooming over forests, rivers, and ravines. It’s fast, it’s scenic, and there’s usually a lot of yelling involved.
Best for: People who want to feel like a flying squirrel without actual squirrel commitment.
Rappelling & Rock Climbing in Eldorado Canyon
Where: 20 minutes from downtown
Vibe: Be your own action movie stunt double
If you’ve ever wanted to dangle from a rope on the side of a mountain and shout “I’m doing it!”—welcome to the club. Boulder has some of the best climbing and rappelling spots in the country, and guided tours make it beginner-friendly. Bring water. And maybe a new pair of pants.
What’s All This Gonna Cost Me?
Here’s a totally unofficial, semi-accurate breakdown of thrill pricing:
| Activity | Cost Range | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Gorge Jump | $100–$250 | 1000% |
| Mobile Tower Jump | $50–$100 | Cheaper therapy |
| Skydiving | $250–$300 | Yes. Yes. YES. |
| Via Ferrata | $100–$150 | Sweaty palms included |
| Ziplining | $90–$140 | Screams per dollar = high |
| Rappelling Tour | $100–$200 | Real-life Spider-Man training |
How to Get There Without Losing Your Sanity
- Royal Gorge: About 3 hours southwest. Bring snacks, a playlist, and emotional support friends.
- Idaho Springs: Just over an hour west on I-70. Great roadside jerky.
- Longmont: Basically Boulder’s backyard. Skydiving is closer than your last Tinder date.
- Denver: Mobile bungee? Zipline gear shopping? Festival stalking? It’s all here.
Don’t Forget to Capture the Chaos
- Ask your guide to film the moment your soul leaves your body.
- GoPros are awesome, but make sure it’s allowed.
- Screaming faces make great profile pics.
- Pro tip: Look terrified, then smile—BOOM, cinematic gold.
Final Words (Before You Jump)
So no, you can’t jump off a bridge in Boulder. But you can:
- Leap from a plane
- Climb a cliff
- Zoom over treetops
- Rappel down a canyon wall
- Or drive a few hours and really yeet yourself into the void
Whether you’re chasing the ultimate adrenaline rush or just looking to prove you’re braver than your sibling, Colorado’s got your back—and your harness.
Now go jump off something (safely)!
