Cypress Valley Canopy Tours
30°25′14″N 98°06′20″W / 30.420668°N 98.105469°W
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | canopy research, ecotourism |
| Founded | 2005 in Spicewood, Texas, United States[1] |
| Headquarters | |
| Owner | Amy Beilharz, David Beilharz[2] |
Cypress Valley Canopy Tours is an aerial resort located along the Pedernales River in the Texas Hill Country. Founded in 2005, the company offers canopy tours, canopy walks, zip-lining and overnight treehouse accommodations for guests.[3][4]
Overview
[edit]Cypress Valley Canopy Tours was founded by Amy and David Beilharz and began operation in 2005 after they bought the property in 1999 and decided they needed to share it, making it the first canopy ziplining tour in the continental United States. The Beilharzes came up with the idea of ziplining after discovering it in Costa Rica; they had previously tried other vocations such as buffalo ranching.[2][5][6] It is situated approximately 30 miles east of Austin, Texas on 88 acres of cypress forest purchased by the Beilharz family in 1998.[7]
Guided tours focus on biology, ecology, and area history, and consist of six zip lines, three sky bridges, and a rappel.[1][2][8] Many of the cypress trees in the area exceed 100 feet in height.[9] The property also features a picnic area, a small lake and a swimming pool.[10]
Describing "The Nest," one of the treehouses on the property, the Huffington Post said, "If the Swiss Family Robinson ever thought about upgrading their home to include more luxurious finishes, this would be it."[11] Another treehouse, "The Lofthaven," has been called, "a romantic bird's-eye suite for two."[12] Other treehouses on the property include Juniper and Willow.[13] The first treehouse was built in 2006, but was damaged during the 2011 Texas wildfires.[7]
Cypress Valley Canopy Tours was recognized as one of the 20 best places in Texas to get your adrenaline pumping by the Houston Chronicle, which described it as, "an ideal destination for risk-takers who prefer not to lounge around."[14][15]
As of 2017, Amy and David Beilharz are building another treehouse resort in the California redwoods.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Kathleen Petty (1 August 2017). "Adventures in Spicewood". San Antonio Magazine. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ a b c d JoAnna Kopp (9 March 2017). "Sleep in a treehouse at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours". Highland Lakes Hill Country Picayune. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ Carla Meadows (28 July 2016). "You've heard of camping, but have you tried glamping?". The Oklahoman. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ Pam LeBlanc (6 November 2016). "Thrill-seekers soar above treetops at Zip Lost Pines". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ Blumenthal, Ralph (22 September 2006). "Going Out on a Limb at 30 Miles an Hour". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
- ^ Kopp, JoAnna (9 March 2017). "Sleep in a treehouse at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours". 101HighlandLakes. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
- ^ a b Gene Menez (27 November 2013). "From the Ashes". Austin Monthly. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ Leigh Good. "Texas Canopy Tours". USA Today. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ Kristin Finian (1 July 2009). "Big-city lights or small-town charm, Texas offers adventure". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ Haley Shapley. "Zip, Zip, Hooray! 5 Zip-Line Courses To Try". Earth911. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ Jaimee Ratliff (22 March 2015). "That Time I Slept in a Tree House and Went Zip Lining (Video)". Huffington Post. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ Ramona Flume. "Three Hill Country hideaways to remember". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ Brittany L. Anas. "Gimme Shelter: 14 Epic Campsites, No Tent Required". Men's Journal. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli (16 February 2016). "20 Texas spots to get your adrenaline pumping". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ Darla Guillen (8 March 2017). "Where to unplug and relax in Texas's best rural spots". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 15 August 2017.