Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course = Fun, Confidence Booster for the Whole Family

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course at Fort Tuthill County Park is an awesome experience for families to challenge themselves, mentally and physically, in the cool pines of Flagstaff. My daughter and I recently tried out their courses – she the kids course, me all four of the adult courses. Going into it I knew only 25-30% of people actually complete all four courses, so I was prepared for some fun and hard work. But I wasn’t prepared for how rewarding and proud of myself I’d feel when I climbed down the last course… nor was I prepared for the overwhelming sense of pride I’d feel for my daughter's accomplishments on the kids course. She beamed with happiness and excitement. She sung a little song as she made her way around the course again and again about how cool she was, what a great job she was doing, and how much fun she was having. It was great to be a part of. We both really bonded with our climbing experience.

Flagstaff Extreme’s adult course features four sections for folks 16 and up who can reach 5’11”– green, which is the lowest and least difficult but still fun; blue – a medium course; red- an advanced course that takes you high up into the trees; and the black advanced course that, frankly, might make you doubt yourself and your abilities, and have you call for help. But the staff is really encouraging and can help you get through all levels that you are mentally and physically ready for. Children who can reach 5’11” and are 12-15 years old can do the green and blue course (at the half adult course rate).

During my adventure through the trees, I was in a group with Kathryn, the oldest woman (70 years old) to attempt the red course (check out this FB post on her). She was a firecracker of energy and excitement for the challenge and an inspiration for anyone of any age. Add to that, she was so encouraging during my final leg of the black course. I had an absolute blast! I hope to make a monthly visit to the course. When I first came down I doubted I’d do the black course again, but now, a week plus out, I actually can’t wait to try it again. I made time of under two hours, but generally I’m told it can take three hours or more to complete the whole thing. Some people take all day, taking breaks between sections – even having lunch on the picnic tables that are scattered around the park in between courses. Do note that if your children aren’t able or big enough to complete the adult course, they’ll have to wait for you and watch from the ground. Same is true for you while they complete their kids course.

The kids course is incredible. There aren’t many challenge courses with zip lines, ladders, bridges, barrels, net bridges and such for children to try their hand at in the world. That adds to the coolness of the Flagstaff kids course. It’s designed for children seven and up who have good manual dexterity, like adventure and who can reach to at least four feet, seven inches. Being there is only one kids course, participants are allowed to take several turns around.
My daughter was raring to go. She loves indoor rock climbing, so she loved the idea of this. When she got harnessed up and started on the first leg of the training section, I was amazed at how good she naturally was - and how brave. It was a thrill for her (and me to see her make her way around), each time getting better and better. She didn’t want to leave. I had to promise a return visit, which we will definitely make… repeatedly.

Passes to the adventure course make for a good vacation activity as well as a good birthday present – for kids and adults. I’m asking my mom and dad for a pass for my next birthday and my daughter said that’s what she’s asking for from her grandparents too. Not much better gift you can give then fun wrapped in confidence-building. You can make a cool gift pack via their website – with t-shirt, stickers and gloves plus gift certificates.

Check out the videos (below) of the kids course. (Please excuse the wind. We were there on a blustery day.) For more photos of the adult course, go to  Flagstaff Exrtreme’s Facebook page and website.

Passes are $25 for kids 7-11, $35 for the half adult course for kids 12-15 and $42 for 16 & up. Check the local paper Flagstaff Live for coupons or on the company’s website. They have 10% off for college students with ID. Folks in the 55 and up crowd also get 10% off.Seniors 75 and up get a discount of their age, so if you are 82, you get 82% off! If you are 90 and want to do the course, you are free with another paying adult.

All in all, Flagstaff Extreme is an adventure I’d do with my kids again (and again). We look forward to going back to the course often.

More info on their rules, pricing, courses at http://www.flagstaffextreme.com.