Elitch Gardens
In the summer of 2025, we traveled to Colorado to visit some of my wife's relatives, whom she hadn't been in touch with for decades. Thanks to modern genealogy and social media, they managed to reconnect. We explored the town where my father-in-law grew up and learned about what Colorado was like during his youth. It was wonderful to meet them, and I hope we can visit them again.
While there, we went to Elitch Gardens Theme Park, which originally opened in West Highland in 1890 and moved to downtown Denver in 1995. The park combines classic mid-century amusement charm with a compact, modern urban design. Unlike other theme parks, it is flat and easy to walk around.
The park has 5 roller coasters for my son and me to enjoy. In the xxx area, there is a carousel.
Twister III: Storm Chaser
Initially opened as Twister II in 1995, it was later transformed into Twister III: Storm Chaser. It reaches 10 stories high with a 90-foot drop, a pitch-black tunnel, and over 4,600 feet of extensive wooden track.
Mind Eraser
Opened in 1997, this suspended coaster allows riders' legs to dangle as it goes through various inversions, such as a rollover, sidewinder, and double inline twist, reaching speeds of approximately 50 mph. It is fairly typical, with similar rides found in many theme parks.
Boomerang
A traditional shuttle design lifts riders up a backward lift hill before launching them through a cobra roll and a vertical loop, then the whole course is done again in reverse. Standing at 125 feet, it is the tallest coaster structure in the park. While it's an enjoyable ride, it's a fairly typical roller coaster that is quite common.
Sidewinder
Initially opened at Magic Mountain, the ride was relocated to Elitch Gardens' previous site in 1980 and then moved to its current location in 1995. Riders ascend an elevated launch tower, descend into a single vertical loop, climb a corresponding return tower, and then experience the entire sequence in reverse. It is among the few remaining Arrow Launched Loops still in operation worldwide. The ride is enjoyable, but there are many stairs to reach the loading platform, similar to climbing a water slide tower. On warm days, note that there is almost no shade in the line or on the ride.
Blazin' Buckaroo
A family-friendly coaster crafted for younger riders and coaster fans seeking a gentler experience, complete with smooth drops, sweeping turns, and small hills. We didn't ride it, but it appeared to be well-designed.
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