Suppose you've been at the indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge for 2 full days and you are ready…read morefor a different, less soggy activity. The weather outside is a gorgeous, sunny, breezy 65 degrees. You don't mind spending $13 per person to balance on tightropes 5 stories up in the air. Now is the perfect time to conquer Howler's Peak.
Our group of 3 went out around 2pm on a fall weekday when most kids are in school, so we had no wait at all. The staff quickly helped us get harnessed up, then we were attached to the safety track snaking throughout the course and set free to roam at will.
From the ground, it doesn't seem too tough. You can see that many of the paths look like sturdy wooden-looking ladders on their sides, with plenty of stable foot landings and hand-holds for your crossing. However, once you climb up the stairs to each level, you realize that many paths you must cross are only rope, or with large breaks between tiny foot holds, and few or no handholds. The wind feels stronger up there, balancing takes more effort, and everything seems to sway a bit. Even though you know that there is no way the safety harness can let you fall, it is quite a feat to overcome your brain's message to your body, "Hey, dummy, you're about to plummet to your death!"
After going around the 2nd and 3rd stories, including 2 thrilling zip line paths, my 8 year old had had enough. He was ready to get his feet back down on the ground, but I knew it was my duty to continue on. I had to show him (and myself) that even though I was nervous, I was not going to quit until I reached the top.
From 30 feet to 40 feet to 50 feet I climbed, as a crisscrossed my way around the course. My goal was the top southwest corner of the structure, where I'd jump down to the ground. I've never been interested in bungee jumping elsewhere, as I question the safety & maintenance of the equipment & training of the staff at most of those tourist trap, beach town places. However, the staff & equipment at this attraction made me feel that risk was minimal. Once I made it to the prep station, my harness was transferred to the pulley system and throrough safety check was done. At that point, I just had to make my legs walk off the end of the platform. Wheeeeeeeeee!
I'm probably not going to start base jumping any time soon, but man, that was fun. I'll definitely be coming back to do this again the next time I'm visiting Great Wolf.
By the way, even if you aren't a guest of the hotel, you can experience Howler's Peak for $25. Closed-toe shoes are required, and I recommend that long hair be secured and sunglasses worn if it's daytime. For little kids under 48 inches, there is a smaller version of the course on the ground, with a smaller fee and no harness required.
