Our first themed ride. From the first look, park visitors can sense there’s something different about the Haunted Mine Drop. The ride is housed in a building that resembles an old mining building. Upon entering, you’ll feel like you’ve walked into an operating mine. Listen as characters introduce the narrative and story line. Once inside, you’ll be seated, strapped-in and entertained as ghostly miners appear and tell tales of a mining tragedy from long ago. You won’t realize that the floor has slid out from underneath you until you drop deep inside the mine shaft. More ghosts appear at the bottom to continue the tale, and then the ride returns you—breathless—to the main level for exit.

Fun Fact: The Haunted Mine Drop was named the Best New Theme Park Attraction of 2017 by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Haunted history. The Haunted Mine Drop opened on July 31, 2017. It was constructed by Stan Checketts in Logan, Utah. Checketts built the park’s Giant Canyon Swing and Soaring Eagle Zip Ride. He also constructed the Stratosphere Tower Big Shot in Las Vegas and has thrill rides located across the globe. At St. Louis-based Creative Visions, Mark McDonough and his team themed the attraction using Pepper’s ghosts, an illusion technique invented by Professor John Henry Pepper and English engineer Henry Dircks in the 1800s. Creative Visions has developed characters for theme parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, haunted attractions and amusement centers around the world. The company’s client list includes Universal Studios Theme Parks, SeaWorld, Knott’s Berry Farm, MGM Grand Adventure, Six Flags and David Copperfield. See what owner Steve Beckley had to say about the ride in this story and interview from the Post Independent, as well as general manager Nancy Heard having some fun with reporter Kevin Torres on this Unique 2 Colorado story.

Important note: Occasionally rides are closed due to maintenance or weather. Check our rides and attractions status to see that your favorite rides are open. Also, for the best value, we recommend purchasing the Funday pass online which includes gondola rides, cave tours and unlimited turns on all the rides and attractions!