Thrill-seekers are known for traveling across the globe to find their next big adrenaline rush, but you don’t have to go far to feel like you’re sitting on the edge of the world. There’s a ride in Colorado that promises to have you “laughing and praying for your life at the same time,” and by the looks of it — and the faces of the riders — this ride delivers.
The Terror-Dactyl ride at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park in Manitou Springs, Colo., isn’t for the faint of heart, as brave riders will embark on an epic 200-foot free-fall drop into Williams Canyon. You’ll be hoisted up 200 feet on the edge of a cliff before being released to swing back and forth over the canyon floor at nearly 100 miles per hour.
But don’t let the name scare you away. While this crazy canyon swing may take a bit of courage, and plenty of G-forces, it gives you a whole new way to take in the Colorado scenery. Cave of the Winds is just outside Colorado Springs, the second-largest city in the state with an abundance of natural wonders in the area, making it a great place to catch a once-in-a-lifetime view.
The Terror-Dactyl is one of three outdoor activities at Cave of the Winds. While it’s the most extreme of the three, you can still get your adrenaline pumping on a 1,200-foot flight across Williams Canyon on the Bat-a-Pult or test your limits on the 3-story Wind Walker Challenge Course complete with a maze of beams, ropes, and ladders. In addition, the park offers three types of tours into the Manitou Grand Caverns.
Those interested in riding the Terror-Dactyl must be at least 48 inches tall and between 100-250 pounds. You’ll be securely strapped into the swing, but your feet will dangle as you fly through the canyon, so you may want to avoid shoes that can easily fall off your feet.
Address: 100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Phone: (719) 685-5444
Official Website
