Sidewinder (Elitch Gardens) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sidewinder |
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| Previously known as Roaring Tornado at Magic Springs & Crystal Falls | |
Sidewinder's Loop
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| Elitch Gardens | |
| Coordinates | 39°44′55″N 105°00′45″W / 39.748614°N 105.012612°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | May 27, 1995 |
| Magic Springs & Crystal Falls | |
| Coordinates | 34°31′08″N 93°00′58″W / 34.519°N 93.016°W |
| Status | Relocated to Elitch Gardens |
| Opening date | 1980 |
| Closing date | 1989 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Launched |
| Manufacturer | Arrow Dynamics |
| Designer | Arrow Dynamics |
| Model | Launched Loop |
| Track layout | Shuttle Loop |
| Lift/launch system | Launch |
| Height | 56 ft (17 m) |
| Drop | 47 ft (14 m) |
| Length | 635 ft (194 m) |
| Speed | 45 mph (72 km/h) |
| Inversions | 1 |
| Duration | 1:06 |
| Max vertical angle | 47° |
| Capacity | 400 riders per hour |
| G-force | 4.0 |
| Height restriction | 48 in (122 cm) |
| Trains | Single train with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train. |
| Sidewinder at RCDB | |
Sidewinder is an exciting steel roller coaster located at Elitch Gardens in Denver, Colorado. This ride is known for its unique design and thrilling backwards journey. It's a favorite for many visitors looking for a fun and fast experience.
Contents
What is Sidewinder?
Sidewinder is a special type of roller coaster called a "launched loop" coaster. This means it doesn't use a big hill to start. Instead, it uses a powerful launch system to send riders zooming forward. The ride is fairly simple but offers a big thrill with its single loop.
How the Ride Works
To begin your adventure on Sidewinder, you first climb about 50 feet up a set of stairs to reach the loading station. Once you're seated and secure, the train is launched quickly down a hill. It then rushes into a large, twisting loop that turns you upside down!
After the loop, the train speeds up a slope on the opposite side of the station. It slows down using a braking section at the top. But the fun isn't over yet! The train then repeats the entire journey backwards, going through the loop again in reverse. Finally, it returns to the station, completing the ride.
History of Sidewinder
Before it became a popular attraction at Elitch Gardens, this roller coaster had another life! It first opened in 1980 at a different amusement park called Magic Springs & Crystal Falls. There, it was known by a different name: the Roaring Tornado.
The Roaring Tornado operated at Magic Springs until 1989. Then, it was moved to Elitch Gardens and reopened as Sidewinder on May 27, 1995. It has been thrilling riders in Denver ever since!
A Rare Roller Coaster
Sidewinder is quite special because it's one of only three "Arrow Dynamics launched loop" roller coasters still operating around the world. Arrow Dynamics was the company that designed and built this type of ride.
The other two similar coasters are:
- Diamond Back, located at Frontier City
- The Revolution, found at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
This makes Sidewinder a unique piece of roller coaster history that you can still ride today!
Sidewinder's Look
For the 2010 season, Sidewinder got a fresh new look! The ride was repainted from its original darker shade to a bright, vibrant lime green. This new color makes it stand out even more in the park.
