Gold Striker facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gold Striker
California's Great America
Location	California's Great America
Park section	Celebration Plaza
Coordinates	37°23′48.26″N 121°58′29.76″W / 37.3967389°N 121.9749333°W / 37.3967389; -121.9749333
Status	Operating
Soft opening date	April 30, 2013 (2013-04-30)
Opening date	May 31, 2013 (2013-05-31)
Cost	$10,000,000
Replaced	Whizzer
General statistics
Type	Wood
Manufacturer	Great Coasters International
Designer	Jeff Pike
Lift/launch system	Chain lift hill
Height	108.2 ft (33.0 m)
Drop	103.3 ft (31.5 m)
Length	3,197 ft (974 m)
Speed	53.7 mph (86.4 km/h)
Inversions	0
Duration	2:30
Max vertical angle	50°
Capacity	850 riders per hour
G-force	4.2
Height restriction	48 in (122 cm)
Trains	2 trains with 12 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 24 riders per train.
Theme	Old West
Fast Lane available
Gold Striker at RCDB

Gold Striker is an exciting wooden roller coaster located at California's Great America amusement park. It was built by Great Coasters International and designed by Jeff Pike. This thrilling ride opened to the public on May 31, 2013. Gold Striker has a special feature: its 174-foot-long tunnel is the longest on a first drop in the world! When it opened, it was known as the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in Northern California. The ride's theme takes you back to the Old West and the exciting time of the California Gold Rush.

History of Gold Striker

Building Gold Striker: A Quick Look Back

California's Great America first thought about building Gold Striker around 2009. However, there were some issues, and the project was put on hold. The plans started up again in 2012. The park asked for and received permission to build the roller coaster in the northern part of the park.

Construction Begins

Construction for Gold Striker began in May 2012. The first pieces of wood for the ride arrived in June of that year. On July 25, 2012, the company that owns the park, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, officially registered the name Gold Striker.

Announcing the New Coaster

Gold Striker was officially announced on August 29, 2012. Everyone learned it would be the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in Northern California. Representatives from the San Francisco 49ers football team were even there! The ride's theme and name were inspired by the historic Gold Rush.

Key Milestones Before Opening

On January 30, 2013, a big step happened: the ride's lift hill was completed. On February 20, 2013, California's Great America announced that the first drop would be fully enclosed. This made it the world's longest tunnel on the first drop of a wooden roller coaster. Gold Striker officially opened on May 31, 2013, with a special opening ceremony the next day.

Ride Experience: What to Expect

Gold Striker's Exciting Path

After you leave the station, the train makes a couple of turns to the right, then a left turn onto the 108-foot-tall lift hill. Once the train reaches the top, it enters a tunnel. Then, it drops 50 degrees to the right, followed by another small drop. You'll reach a top speed of about 54 miles per hour! This first drop wraps around the park's tall Star Tower.

Twists, Turns, and Thrills

Next, the train turns left into a "bunny hop," which is a small hill that gives you a feeling of weightlessness. You'll pass by the station and lift hill again. Then, the ride makes a sharp turn to the right, followed by an 80-degree banked turn. After that, the train goes back under the track into another 80-degree turn called the "Midway turn," which faces you towards the park's Celebration Plaza. Finally, the coaster goes through one last flat turn before slowing down on the brake run and returning to the station.

Track Details

The wooden track of Gold Striker is 3,197 feet long. The highest point of the ride, the lift hill, is about 108 feet tall.

Awards and Recognition

Gold Striker has received recognition in the annual Golden Ticket Awards, which celebrate the best in the amusement park industry.

Images for kids

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  Aerial view of the park with Gold Striker

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  A view of Gold Striker from the ground