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The Grizzly: A Classic Wooden Coaster

Experience the nostalgic thrills of The Grizzly, a classic wooden roller coaster at California's Great America, offering a wild ride through the woods.

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The Grizzly is a traditional wooden roller coaster located in the NorCal County Fair section of California's Great America in Santa Clara. Designed by Curtis D. Summers and opened in 1986, it offers a classic 'out and back' coaster experience with a focus on positive G-forces and a thrilling ride through the park's wooded area.

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

Local tips

  • Ride in the back for the most intense experience, as the whips and drops feel more pronounced.
  • Check the park map for show times and plan your day accordingly to maximize your time.
  • Consider purchasing a Fast Lane pass to shorten your wait times, especially during peak season.
  • Take advantage of the drop-off area on Great America Parkway to avoid parking fees if someone is dropping you off.
  • Visit during the weekdays or non-holiday weekends for shorter lines.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From various points in Santa Clara County, utilize the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). VTA operates buses and light rail that stop near Great America. Check the VTA website or app for the most direct route and real-time schedules. Several bus lines and the light rail's Orange and Green lines serve the area. A single VTA bus or light rail fare is $2.50, with a day pass costing $6. Payment can be made with cash (exact change) or a Clipper card.

  • Walking

    If you are arriving via the ACE train or Amtrak at the Great America-Santa Clara station, The Grizzly is located inside California's Great America, a 10-15 minute walk from the station entrance. Follow the signs for the main entrance of the park. Once inside, refer to the park map to navigate to the NorCal County Fair section where The Grizzly is located.

  • Driving

    If driving, take US 101 and exit at Great America Parkway. Follow the signs to California's Great America. Parking is available in the park's lot for $35 per vehicle. Prices may be higher during special events. A drop-off area is located just past the entrance on Great America Parkway for those not wishing to park.

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Discover more about The Grizzly

The Grizzly is a beloved wooden roller coaster nestled within California's Great America, offering a nostalgic and exciting ride for thrill-seekers. Since its debut in 1986, this classic 'out and back' coaster, designed by Curtis D. Summers, has been a park staple, providing riders with a unique experience that emphasizes traditional coaster thrills. The ride's layout is inspired by the Wildcat at Coney Island, featuring a double out and back design that sends riders on a series of hills and turns. The coaster's traditional tracks and steel-wheeled cars ensure a ride characterized by positive G-forces, enhancing the sensation of speed and excitement throughout the 3,250-foot track. Located in the Action Zone area, The Grizzly provides a thrilling journey through a densely forested section of the park. This unique setting adds to the ride's excitement as the train navigates through the towering trees, creating an illusion of near misses and intensifying the overall experience. The two trains, each accommodating 28 riders, contribute to the ride's capacity and ensure a steady flow of thrill-seekers ready to brave The Grizzly. Retracking work in 2014 and 2017 has made for a faster and smoother ride.

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