Zipliners Celebrate Independence Day by taking in Manitou’s natural beauty

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - What better way to celebrate America the Beautiful than by experiencing the country's natural beauty firsthand?

That was the spirit in Manitou Springs on Independence Day, where families and visitors spent the holiday soaring above the mountains on ziplines while reflecting on the freedoms and landscapes that make the United States special.

For Taylor Fleming, who was visiting with her family from Dallas, the patriotic atmosphere helped make the outing an easy choice.

"We saw they have the flag out and it's just really cool—patriotism," Fleming said, explaining why her family decided to go ziplining on the Fourth of July.

At Adventures Out West, employees leaned into the holiday spirit from the moment guests arrived.

"There will be a little walking that you need to do," employee Nola Braunstein joked while giving a safety briefing in a Founding Fathers costume. "Nothing like marching from Valley Forge to New York City."

The festive atmosphere continued as guests geared up and made their way into the hills, trading nerves for sweeping views of Colorado's mountain landscape.

Alongside the excitement were moments of appreciation for our country and the freedoms many associate with Independence Day.

"It's a free country," said Abby August, who was visiting from Kansas.

For U.S. Navy veteran Kent Riedel, the holiday carries a deeper meaning. Inspired to serve after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Riedel said Independence Day reminds him of the resilience and unity he believes define the nation.

"Our country finds a way to come together after division no matter what," Riedel said. "I think it's just a testament to the multitude and the diversity of the people and skillsets that we have here."

Standing among Colorado's mountains, Riedel said the setting itself made for a fitting Independence Day celebration.

"Purple mountains majesty, like here in Colorado," he said. "We wanted to celebrate America the best way we knew how—just get out and get into the mountains."

"We thought it would be great to celebrate America outside and just enjoy the beauty that is America," Kent's wife, Samantha, agreed.

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