The Grizzly, Santa Clara Travel Guide

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Experience the thrills of a classic wooden roller coaster at California's Great America. A family-friendly ride with high-speed turns and exciting airtime.

The Grizzly is a classic wooden roller coaster located at California's Great America in Santa Clara. Designed by Curtis D. Summers and opened in 1986, this 'out and back' coaster offers a thrilling, family-friendly ride with high-speed banked turns and airtime humps.

A brief summary to The Grizzly

Monday 11 am-9 pm
Tuesday 11 am-9 pm
Wednesday 11 am-9 pm
Thursday 11 am-9 pm
Friday 11 am-9 pm
Saturday 11 am-10 pm
Sunday 11 am-10 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Grizzly.

The Grizzly is a great first 'big' roller coaster for kids ready to move up from the smaller rides.
Check for recent re-tracking, as this significantly improves the ride's smoothness.
Take in the views of other attractions as you climb the lift hill.

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Explore The Grizzly on the Map

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Getting There

Public Transport

California's Great America is accessible via multiple public transportation options. VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) light rail and buses arrive daily from points throughout Santa Clara County. You can also take AMTRAK/Capitol Corridor trains to the Great America station from Reno, Sacramento, Oakland, and other points north. ACE (Altamont Commuter Express) trains also arrive at the Great America station from Stockton, Tracy, and Pleasanton. From the VTA Great America-Santa Clara station, it's a short walk to the park entrance. A single VTA ride costs around $2.50.
Walking

If you are already within the Great America parkway area, walking to California's Great America is a viable option. From the Great America Parkway Station, head east towards the park entrance. The walk is generally flat and well-signed. There are no specific costs associated with walking.
Ride Share

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off at the designated pick-up/drop-off area located just past the entrance to the California's Great America parking lot. The address for this area is 4911 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054. A short ride from nearby locations like the Santa Clara Convention Center or hotels on Great America Parkway will typically cost between $10-$20, depending on demand and distance.

Discover more about The Grizzly

The Grizzly is a beloved wooden roller coaster residing in the Action Zone of California's Great America. Since its debut in 1986, it has provided thrills for multiple generations of park guests. Designed by Curtis D. Summers, the ride's layout is based on the Wildcat at Coney Island, offering a traditional 'out and back' experience with a focus on positive-G loading throughout the course.The ride begins with a climb to a height of 91 feet (28 m), followed by an initial drop of 88 feet (27 m), reaching speeds of up to 55 mph (89 km/h). The 3,250-foot (990 m) track features high-speed banked turns and airtime humps, delivering a classic wooden coaster experience. Recent re-tracking efforts in 2014 and 2017 have ensured a smoother and faster ride.The Grizzly offers picturesque, behind-the-scenes views of other park attractions like Barney Oldfield's Redwood Rally and Demon, as well as unique perspectives of Xtreme Skyflyer and Drop Tower. It is considered an ideal transition coaster for younger guests ready to graduate from smaller rides. The ride operates with two trains, each consisting of seven cars that can accommodate 28 riders.