Mountain Coaster

The developer used helicopter to pour thefirst concrete pads of the mountain coaster this summer.

File photo /Estes Park Trail-Gazette

Mustang Mountain Coaster races toward opening day

By Tim Mosier Trail-Gazette

The long-awaited Mustang Mountain Coaster is on track to hold its Grand Opening during Memorial Dayweekend 2021. The coaster willbe about 1,000 linearfeet on the uphilltrack pulledbyan electric cable and bullwheel that isinstalledinthe ground, and will travel roughly2,000 linearfeet of gravity-fed descending track.

Building the Mustang Mountain Coasterhas been an exciting experience for mepersonally and professionally,”said owner and operator,CodyWalker.“Gettingtoworkwith this crew of young people and seeing their work ethic, dedication and skill really hasbeenan encouragement that the next generationhas somehope.”

The projectisasingle-ride attraction and no additional infrastructure willbe installed besides astorage shed for coaster cartsand a building that will operateas a ticketbooth, office space, and bathrooms.

A19-spot parkinglot will be at the baseofthe coaster and therewill be ashuttle service from the Mustang Mountain Coasteroffices on US 34 to thecoaster lot.

“Ourinfrastructureisbare bones. The entireproject has averysimplistic in design,wedefinitelydid not wanttodoanything overly ornatetocontrast the native land,” said Director of Operations, GreggHecker. “It’s all going to fitinwell with the natural aestheticofthe land.”

Almost daily,Walkertours the projectby taking “LifetimePassholders” on walking tours, andheseeshis dream inching towardcompletion.

According to Walker,the construction process for the coaster track itself has gone seamlessly because of the diligent work, great weather and extensiveplanning that has been partofthis process.

“The most gratifying part of building theMustang Mountain Coasterhas been the amazingfeedbackwe have received both personallyand on socialmedia,” said Walker.

“The supportinthe Estes Parkcommunity, through phone calls, emails, letters and just getting stopped on the street has been truly humbling. There isn’t aday that goes by we don’t receive anote or havea conSee COASTER,pg. 18