The Mineshaft Coaster Is A Mountain Coaster In Southern California That Will Take You On A Ride Of A Lifetime
By Natasha Kayes|Published November 30, 2022
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
The town of Big Bear Lake, up in the San Bernardino mountains, is known and loved for its many vacation activities. People come for different pursuits during each season, such as skiing at the ever-popular Snow Summit resort to hiking and watersports in and around the scenic lake. What many may not know about is the family-friendly Magic Mountain Recreation Area and its exciting range of fun experiences, including a one-of-a-kind Southern California mountain coaster.
The Mineshaft Coaster at Big Bear Lake’s Magic Mountain Recreation Area is California’s one and only mountain coaster. This thrilling ride Is built into the side of a mountain
and comes with fresh mountain air and gorgeous views.
If you have never been on a mountain coaster, you may wonder exactly what it is. Mountain coasters are also called alpine coasters and they use a combination of gravity and the natural shapes of a mountain slope to achieve the roller coaster experience.
As you ascend the ride to the top at the beginning of your mountain coaster adventure, you are treated to panoramic views of Big Bear Lake, as well as the surrounding trees and mountainside.
Unlike other roller coaster rides, mountain coasters put control of the ride’s speed in the hands of the rider with a manual brake attached to each cart.
By pulling the manual brake system on each side of the cart, riders can slow the pace of their descent if it feels a little too fast, or push it back down to pick up speed, up to a maximum of 30 miles per hour.
Coaster carts have two seats, which is wonderful for families. Parents can ride with young children who wouldn’t be able to ride alone. With the manual brake, parents can adjust the speed to make sure the ride is fun, and not frightening, for little ones. Children who are at least 38 inches tall are allowed on the ride, but they must be 54 inches tall to ride alone.
Over one mile long, the steel track takes you through two mineshaft tunnels, steep drops, bridges, 360-degree spirals, and sharp turns. Depending on your chosen speed, the ride lasts approximately seven to nine minutes.
The Mineshaft Coaster is open all year long, weather permitting, and offers a unique experience depending on the season. Adults ride for $20 and children ride for $10. Operating hours vary throughout the year.
Once you are at Magic Mountain Recreation Area, you will discover that Mineshaft Coaster is just one of the exciting mountain activities available, from snow tubing in the winter to waterslides in the summer, and much more for a full day of family fun.
Have you ever ridden this mountain coaster in Southern California? Share your experiences with us in the comments. To plan your visit and see some of the other rides and activities on the mountain, check out the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain website. You can also see more photos and keep up with hours and news on the Mineshaft Coaster Facebook page.
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