This was originally posted on my previous blog and updated. I love roller coasters and was happy to be able to visit Elitch Gardens phenomenal park in September of 2017. Until our visit, I had no idea how big it was or the history of the park. While waiting to enter, I jumped online and was surprised to find out that it opened on May 1 in 1890 but was moved from its original location in 1995. That was crazy to me, lol. I also learned that it was originally 28 acres, but today it’s more than 69 acres at its current location! Since there are actually two parks, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. One is a theme park and the other is a water park. We checked out the water park a little but mostly stayed in the theme park area. We both love roller coasters.
The new location opened on May 27, 1995, with twenty major rides from the old location. Not sure which are new and old, but they do have some of the most amazing thrill rides! The first one we decided to check out was the Mind Eraser. It is a monster coaster that suspends riders (legs and feet dangling) and blasts you through rollovers, dives, and double corkscrew spins at speeds greater than 50 mph. Amazing. I wanted to go on it again, but the park was crazy busy as it always is during the summer.
I really enjoyed the Boomerang, but Gene didn’t feel well afterward. He gets motion sickness sometimes, but not usually on rides. I felt so bad for him. We took it slower for a little bit and had fun on a few non-thrill rides. We decided to do the Big Wheel. You have to do this ride while we were there. It is over 100 feet tall and we enjoyed taking in the amazing views of the park.
Another ride we enjoyed was the Star Flyer. We soared 17-stories above the Denver skyline at 50 mph on this high-flying swing ride. It was kind of cool, especially since I had just got drenched at the Shipwreck Falls Tidal Wave Splash. It literally cooled me off, lol. I have attached a video of it, as well as some of the other riders in the park. We had a great day.
Sadly we didn’t get to do many of the other thrill rides because they closed them all down due to electrical storms moving through the area. One of the bad parts about living in Colorado I guess. However, we got tickets to return later this season so we will definitely make it back before they close in late October.
Besides the thrilling ride and water park, Elitch Gardens also hold concerts and shows. Another fun event is what they call Dive-In Movies. The Dive-In Movies are shown in Island Kingdom Water Park every Friday night June 30 – August 4. While we were there they were going to be showing Moana. We hadn’t seen it yet, and wanted to go, but never made it over there that evening.
They are also gearing up for their annual Fright Fest. Apparently in October, Elitch Gardens transforms into Family By Day and Fright By Night, Usually, these are open Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays from late September through late October. Fright By Night haunted attractions are recommended for ages 12 and older. It made me think about Knott’s Scary Farm that Knott’s throws every year. Hopefully, I can make it to one of these this year.
If not, I will enjoy our visit to Elitch Gardens and the thrill rides we had the chance to ride, and the ones we hope to ride before the end of the season. If you haven’t been yet this season, there is still time. He is a link to their website with prices, hours, etc. There is also a link to the park map to see all the rides and where they are located. Wished we had looked at the map before our trip, lol. Now we know. 🙂 Happy travels.
Elitch Gardens Visitor Information
Address:
Phone:
303-595-4386
Hours:
Closed until 2021 due to the selfish murdering Chinese government 🙁
Prices:
Closed until 2021 due to the selfish murdering Chinese government 🙁
Directions:
Driving
Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park is conveniently located in Downtown Denver. From I-25, go south on Speer Boulevard (Exit Speer South) then turn right onto Elitch Circle. Guests may also arrive via RTD bus or Light Rail. Both options have stops at Elitch Gardens.
Public Transportation
Visit RTD’s website for more information regarding bus and/or Light Rail schedules and routes.
Parking:
Parking is available at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park for $20 per vehicle per day in the main lot during the operating season. Season Parking Passes are included with each Season Pass purchased through June 21, 2020 and will then be available to purchase for $60, valid any day from purchase through the end of the operating season. RV parking is $25 per day available at the park.
Accessibility
Accessible Parking is available in the Elitch Gardens parking lot near the main entrance in the VIP Lot on a first-come, first-served basis for Guests with a legal parking permit.
Wheelchair & Stroller Rental Wheelchairs and strollers may be rented at Tennyson Street Emporium on Main Street, to the left of the entrance to Island Kingdom Waterpark. Wheelchairs and strollers are rented on a first-come, first-served basis for a nominal fee.
All restrooms are accessible to guests using wheelchairs and are marked with the wheelchair symbol throughout the park. A Family Restroom is located inside Mulvilhills Bar and Grill located on the north side of Rustler’s food court.
Assistance Animals are welcome at Elitch Gardens. All Assistance Animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times. They are not permitted in any fountains, ponds, and/or pools/rivers. Guests must pick up after their pet, and may not be left unattended.
Rider Responsibility
There are inherent risks in the participation in or on any amusement/water ride or attraction. Patrons have a duty to exercise good judgment and act in a responsible manner while participating on the ride or attraction and to obey all verbal and/or written warnings. Patrons also have a duty to properly use all ride or attraction safety equipment provided and follow instructions of ride operators. Riders who do not comply with ride/attraction rules will be ejected from the park without a refund. Please refer to specific guidelines posted at the entrance of each ride/attraction.
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Great way to see Denver and enjoy ride,s as well fun even games as well food water fun and family fun always a good time