There are few things more enjoyable than riding a mountain coaster!
We’re always on the lookout for new mountain coasters to try and California does not disappoint.
Technically speaking, the Mineshaft Coaster at Big Bear Lake is California’s first and only mountain coaster.
However, given how close it is to the Californian border we thought it would only be fair to include the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster at the Ski Heavenly Resort in this post as well.
If you happen to be in the area, or you are looking to ride one of these mountain coasters in future, then take a look at our summary of California’s Mountain Coasters below.
Mineshaft Mountain Coaster – Big Bear Lake
Located at the Magic Mountain Recreation Area at Big Bear Lake, the Mineshaft Mountain Coaster is 2,854 ft (870m) in length and reaches a speed of up to 25 mp/h (40 km/h).
We’ve written a complete guide to the Mineshaft Mountain Coaster here. If you’re thinking of trying out this right then be sure to check it out.
Thanks to YouTube, many people have filmed their ride experiences.
And while they are not a substitute for the actual ride, they give a fairly good idea of what you can expect.
One thing to be aware of though is that the wide-angle lens can make the ride seem a bit slower than it is in real life.
The video below gives you a first-person view of what you can expect on the Mineshaft Mountain Coaster.
The official website for this mountain coaster can be found here.
Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster – Lake Tahoe
Located at the Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe, the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster is 3,400 ft (1,036m) in length and reaches a speed of up to 27 mp/h (44km/h).
We’ve written a complete guide to the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster here so be sure to check it out.
This is a very popular ride in summer but is one of the few mountain coasters that operates during some winter seasons.
We always recommend checking the official website out (link below) to confirm operating times.
As we mentioned above, one of the best ways to get an idea of what you can expect on these mountain coasters is to watch a first-person video.
We’ve watched all the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster videos and selected the best one for you to check out below:
The official website for the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster can be found here.
California Mountain Coasters
There is no doubt that the two mountain coasters mentioned above are two of the best in the United States.
With beautiful sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, both provide a thrilling experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
If you’re in the area or looking for your next adventure then be sure to check them out.
Further Reading
If you’re a mountain or alpine coaster enthusiast and you’re heading through to Colorado, then make sure you check out our comprehensive guide to Colorado’s 8 mountain and alpine coasters.
