Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, presents Defiance, a massive roller coaster built into the side of Iron Mountain and featuring an exhilarating 102.3-degree freefall drop of 110 feet.
Photos courtesy of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Defiance’s freefall drop is the steepest in the Western United States, and with its mountain-top location at 7,123 feet above sea level, the ride offers outstanding views of the Colorado River, Roaring Fork Rivers, Mount Sopris, South Canyon, Glenwood Canyon, and the city of Glenwood Springs as thrill-seekers ascend to the top of the coaster’s 75-foot vertical hill.
“With record-breaking elements, Defiance is sure to become instantly recognizable around the world,” said Nancy Heard, general manager of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. “Perched atop America’s only mountain-top theme park, riders will experience a thrill and view unlike any other and we are looking forward to giving our guests this unique experience.”
Designed by Gerstlauer Amusement Rides in partnership with Ride Entertainment, Defiance reaches a stop speed of 56 m.p.h. and boasts extreme elements including a 98-foot Twisted Top Hat, a 111-foot-high speed bank Banana Roll, and a 41-foot Zero-G heartline-roll.
The mega-coaster celebrated its grand opening on July 9, 2022, and opened to guests on July 16. Riders can enjoy it during the park’s summer season, which lasts from early May through the end of October.
For more information visit GlenwoodCaverns.com.
