Elkhorn Stables

Mustang Mountain Coaster off and running

By Jason Van Tatenhove

Trail-Gazette

Breathtaking mountain vistas welcomed a small crowd gathered Friday, May 21st, for the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of Estes Park’s newest family-friendly attraction, the Mustang Mountain Coaster, located at 1180 Dr y Gulch Rd.

A group of Estes Park locals attended the event. Owner Cody Walker said a few brief words and then cut a red ribbon while he sat in one of the coasters.

“We are excited to bring something to families and youth in Estes. The view has always been here, but this is such a great way to experience it for people who cannot hike, and with the problems we are having with the National Park, it gives more opportunities. It allows more people to enjoy our community.” Walker said of the coaster’s grand opening. He adds with a smile, “It’s a $20 view, and the rides are free.”

Those that came out to the event were treated to free rides. The Trail-Gazette asked some of those first-time

Carissa Streib brought her kids out for the ride. “It is such a fun activity for the kids, and they get to see a view they normally wouldn’t get to see without going on a t10-mile hike. So it allows them to see some good views. It’s also an activity that doesn’t take a whole day either. You can still do other activities.” Her children say that the ride is “awesome!”

“I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know what a mountain coaster was, and then when I got here and realized it was this alpine gravity-driven experience, I thought it was amazing. This is such a great attraction that tourists would want to see when they come here. I’m geeking out on this right now because I love the adrenaline rush.” Kara Franker says of her experience.

Tickets for the new attraction can be purchased at The Sugar Shack downtown, online, and Mustang Mountain Coaster. Tickets are now $5 off when purchasing them at the Sugar Shack located 153 Virginia Dr. Discount tickets run $15 for a single ride and $30 for three, buy five and get one free.

Jason Van Tatenhove / Estes Park Trail-Gazette The Mustang Mountain Coaster is one of Estes Park’s newest attractions.

riders to give their impressions of the experience.

“It was a ton of fun!” Said Barbra Joe and Andrew Limmiatis, “Going up was really steep, and then you get to the top and turn around, and you get those great views of the continental divide. Coming down was faster than I thought it would be. It’s a great addition to Estes Park.’

Shawn Alder says the ride, “It was absolutely amazing. Beautiful views, and man, if you push (the brake lever) all the way down, you get to go fast! It feels like you’re coasting like a bird through the mountains.”

Carriage from page 9

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve driven past the abandoned Old Carriage House in the past 26 years and shook my head…” It is clear that it was time for The Carriage House to take on a new synergy with the rest of the proper ty as a restaurant and 86-seat venue.

John Cullen’s mission is to preser ve all historic buildings on The Stanley proper ty, and will finally accomplish this with $8 million into restoring the old Carriage House. F.O. Stanley would be proud to know that his beloved Carriage House that’s originally stored his Steamers has a new way to bring more people into a space that has not been used in half a century.

“ is the last building to be renovated and I can’t wait to share it with the public for the first time in over 50 years,” says John. With the Post Brewery and Restaurant opening upstairs and The Underground venue downstairs, people will love spending time in The Carriage House, which finally has a new life ahead.