Mustang Mountain Coaster Estes Park
Experience thrilling twists and turns on a mountain coaster with breathtaking Rocky Mountain views. Control your own speed!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less waiting
Mustang Mountain Coaster Estes Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less waiting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience thrilling twists and turns on a mountain coaster with breathtaking Rocky Mountain views. Control your own speed!
"The views of the Rockies and Estes Park below are amazing. 
🚗 Parking & Shuttle Hassle
Parking is limited; expect to use a shuttle. Factor in extra time for this logistics.
💰 Ride Pricing Options
One ride is ~$20-25, three rides ~$35-40. Consider multi-ride passes if you love it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Mountain Coaster Ride
Estes Park, Colorado
Experience exhilarating twists and turns with breathtaking Rocky Mountain views. Control your own speed!
Rocky Mountain Vistas
Along the coaster track
Enjoy panoramic views of Estes Park and the surrounding Rockies from your coaster car.
Goat Feeding Fun
Base of the coaster
A unique bonus activity: feed the friendly goats waiting at the bottom of the ride.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking
Control Your Thrill
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Shuttle Hassle
Parking is limited; expect to use a shuttle. Factor in extra time for this logistics.
💰 Ride Pricing Options
One ride is ~$20-25, three rides ~$35-40. Consider multi-ride passes if you love it!
👨👩👧👦 Kids Ride with Adults
Shorter children must ride with an adult. Pods fit 1-2 people.
💨 Control Your Speed
Use the brake to go slow and enjoy views, or release it for a faster thrill.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Shuttle Hassle
Parking is limited; expect to use a shuttle. Factor in extra time for this logistics.
💰 Ride Pricing Options
One ride is ~$20-25, three rides ~$35-40. Consider multi-ride passes if you love it!
👨👩👧👦 Kids Ride with Adults
Shorter children must ride with an adult. Pods fit 1-2 people.
💨 Control Your Speed
Use the brake to go slow and enjoy views, or release it for a faster thrill.
🎟️ Book Ahead (Optional)
Online booking is recommended but not always required.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Mustang Mountain Coaster to be a fun and scenic experience with stunning Rocky Mountain views. The ability to control your speed is a unique feature, and the staff are often praised for being friendly. However, some find the cost to be a bit high for the ride's duration, and the parking and queuing logistics can be frustrating.
"Run, don't walk, to Mustang Mountain. We bought the 3 ride pass for each adult and our kids rode with us. It was so fun! Staff is friendly, patient and welcoming. The coaster goes fast but it's easy to control if super speed isn't your vibe.
My son wanted "all gas, no brake" so that's what we did as you can see in his "I made a mistake" face.
We bought tickets in advance but it was easy to add-on. We went on a Friday and there was no wait."
Heather Ford
"This is a fun activity but the experience is limited by the crowds, lines and parking.
First, the ride is fun. You as the rider control to some extent how fast or slow your pod goes. You can slow your speed with a brake or let gravity take over by releasing the brake. The ride is on a single tract (no passing!) and a lot like a roller coaster. Because at least one of the pods in front of you is likely going slower than you, you can't really go as fast as you want.
The poor logistics and silly high cost are the reason for four stars. $25 for a single ride seems steep to me. There is not enough parking. So on arrival there is a good chance they will instruct you to follow a shuttle half a mile or so to a different destination to park. Then the shuttle takes you back to the ride site. That is a 15 minute or more ordeal.
Once there, the lines aren't well marked. There is a line to get back on a shuttle. One to get tickets. A third to get on the ride. It wasn't obvious which was which to a first time visitor. Further, if you get a pass from a local resort the process is even more confusing. We spent at least 30 minutes in a line before getting on the ride. Then had to get in a line to get on a shuttle to take us back to our car.
The biggest positive about the ride is the views. Do not assume you will be able to ride it like a roller coaster for the most part for the previously stated reasons. So go in expecting to go mostly slow and take in the view. The views are nice.
Kids will likely want to do it multiple times. Most adults will be good with one ride. Shorter kids must ride with an adult, though. Each pod can fit one to two people. Consider this before purchasing tickets. They have a multi-ride pass for $40.
I think it is worth doing but I would try to go at a time that isn't busy and see if the place you are staying has free or reduced cost passes."
Steve Hart
"Had an amazing time at the Mustang Mountain Coaster! The views of the surrounding mountains were absolutely stunning, and the ride itself was way more fun than I expected. You control your own speed, which is great for families or first-timers, but it also means you can go fast if you're feeling adventurous. The staff were super friendly and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable. Definitely a unique Colorado experience — fun, scenic, and something I’d recommend to anyone visiting the Estes Park area. We even rode it twice because one trip wasn’t enough!"
Ashish K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mustang Mountain Coaster is about a 1.5-hour drive from Denver. Many visitors stop in Boulder for dinner on the way back.
Parking is very limited. You'll likely need to use a shuttle service from a designated parking area, which can add significant time to your visit.
It's a bit of a walk from downtown Estes Park, and parking is the primary issue. Using the shuttle is often the most practical option.
Yes, it's conveniently located just 30 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park, making it a great stop before or after your park visit.
The coaster is located in Estes Park, Colorado. GPS will guide you, but be prepared for potential parking challenges upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A single ride typically costs around $20-$25 for adults. Multi-ride passes, like 3 rides for $35-$40, are also available and can be a better value.
While booking tickets online is recommended, it's not always required. However, purchasing in advance can save time, especially during busy periods.
Some local resorts may offer special deals or passes. It's worth checking with your accommodation provider before purchasing full-price tickets.
The coaster is open year-round, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, you control your speed using a brake lever. You can choose to go slow and enjoy the scenery or release the brake for a faster ride.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The coaster offers over 2,000 feet of twists and turns down the mountain. You control your speed, allowing for a thrilling or more relaxed ride with great views.
Shorter children must ride with an adult. Each coaster car can accommodate one to two people.
The views of Estes Park and the surrounding Rocky Mountains are spectacular and a major highlight of the ride.
Absolutely! The ability to control speed makes it enjoyable for families, with options for both thrill-seekers and those who prefer a scenic journey.
Besides the coaster, they have friendly goats at the bottom that visitors can feed, adding an extra element of fun.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire ride offers stunning photo opportunities of the Rockies. Capture shots of the landscape and your own thrilling ride experience.
Yes, you can take photos and videos, but ensure your device is secure. The views are incredible and worth documenting.
The base area offers views of the coaster track and the surrounding mountains. The shuttle ride itself can also offer scenic glimpses.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most visitors. For more advanced shots, consider a GoPro or similar action camera secured to your person.
From the ride itself, it's difficult to capture the entire track due to its winding nature. The best views are of the surrounding landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Don't forget the goats at the bottom – they're a fun bonus attraction that kids often adore. Be prepared for potential parking and shuttle logistics, which might require a bit of patience, but the overall experience is usually a hit with the whole family.
💑 Couples and Date Ideas
Combine your ride with a stroll through downtown Estes Park or a visit to the historic Stanley Hotel for a complete date experience. The unique nature of a mountain coaster makes it a more engaging option than a typical movie or dinner.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Denver
Be mindful of the parking and shuttle situation, as this can add time to your visit. Consider purchasing tickets in advance to save time. It's a fun way to break up the drive and add an element of adventure to your Colorado exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Ride: Control and Speed
However, the actual speed you can achieve is also influenced by the cars ahead of you. Since it's a single track, you can't pass, meaning a slower rider in front can dictate your pace. This can be a point of contention for some, as it limits the maximum speed you might desire. Despite this, the ability to modulate your own speed is a significant positive, especially for families with varying comfort levels.
Many visitors find the ride to be more enjoyable when they embrace the scenic aspect, using the brake to pause and absorb the panoramic views of Estes Park and the Rocky Mountains. While some may wish for a pure roller coaster experience, the mountain coaster format excels at blending natural beauty with a controlled sense of adventure.
Navigating Logistics: Parking and Queues
Once you arrive at the ride area, the queuing system can also be confusing. There are often separate lines for shuttles, purchasing tickets, and boarding the coaster itself, and it's not always clear which line is for what. This lack of clear signage can lead to frustration and longer wait times, even if the ride itself is relatively short.
To mitigate these issues, arriving early, especially on weekdays, is highly recommended. Checking for any local deals or passes from your accommodation might also streamline the process. Despite these logistical hurdles, many visitors find the ride itself to be worth the effort, especially when they manage to visit during less crowded times.
The Visual Appeal: Views and Photo Ops
These stunning backdrops provide ample opportunities for photography. Whether you're capturing the expansive landscape or the thrill of your own ride, the visual appeal is undeniable. Many visitors recommend bringing a camera or smartphone to document the experience, ensuring your device is securely held during the ride.
While the ride itself is the main attraction, the surrounding environment also contributes to the overall visual experience. The natural beauty of the Colorado landscape enhances the enjoyment of the coaster, making it a memorable and picturesque adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit