Ever felt the thrill of a launched loop coaster? Then you’ll understand the Sidewinder. This isn’t your average roller coaster. The Sidewinder at Elitch Gardens in Denver Colorado is a unique experience.
First opened in 1980 as the Roaring Tornado at Magic Springs & Crystal Falls in Arkansas the Sidewinder has a rich history. It wasn’t always in Denver. It moved to the original Elitch Gardens location in 1990. Then it relocated to the current Elitch Gardens in 1995. Think about that journey that incredible ride across states.
The Sidewinder is special. It’s one of only three Arrow Dynamics launched loop coasters still operating worldwide. That’s pretty rare. The others are the Diamond Back and the Revolution. It’s a testament to the ride’s enduring appeal. This coaster isn’t about extreme heights. Instead it’s about the thrill of the launch. You climb fifty feet to the loading station. The launch propels you down a hill into a loop. Then you ascend a slope before repeating the layout backwards. The whole ride lasts only a minute and six seconds. But it’s packed with excitement.
You experience a G-force of 4.0. That’s quite a push. The coaster features a single train with six cars. Each car holds twelve riders. The total capacity is 400 riders per hour. In 2010 the Sidewinder received a fresh coat of paint. It’s now a vibrant lime green a far cry from its original white. The lime green is certainly eye-catching against the Denver skyline.
The Sidewinder is more than just a ride. It’s a piece of amusement park history. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-designed thrill ride. This coaster offers a unique combination of speed and excitement within a relatively compact layout. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting Elitch Gardens. So step right up and experience the legendary Sidewinder for yourselves.