Attraction Type: Mild mine train dark ride.
Location:The western-most end of the land, behind Timber Mountain Log Ride.
General Description: Board a train for a scenic ride through a mine.
Will’s Review: One of Knott’s first attractions, the Calico Mine Ride opened in 1960 through a joint partnership between property owner Walter Knott and amusement ride designer Bud Hurlbut. Very different from the fast-paced adventures of Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Calico Mine Ride’s origins actually trace back to the glory days of Coney Island. Back then, this type of scenic rail ride was commonplace; it has now all but disappeared from theme parks. After boarding the mine trains near a waterfall, the trains accelerate a bit as they enter the depths of Calico Mine. Passing through dazzling rainbow caverns and vast chasms of blackness, the illusion of traveling to a dark pit in the center of the earth is convincing. The focal point of the attraction is the vast Calico Glory Hole – a cavernous multi-level pit where riders can look down and see Audio-Animatronic miners working hard in the mining pit. Soon after, guests learn that a gas leak has developed in the pit and the mine is in danger of exploding; accelerating once again, the train speeds out and back into the daylight in the nick of time. The attraction itself is a classic of Knott’s and old-school theme park design. It does, however, suffer from very few upgrades since its opening. The audio system is especially at fault, resulting in a barely-audible tour guide aboard each train. You don’t need to hear the audio for the complete experience, though, as the rainbow caverns and the glory hole more than make up for this missing piece of the show.
Touring Tips: Visit anytime; this attraction is likely to be busy during peak hours only on the most crowded of days.
Family Info: Thrill-seekers won’t be satisfied with this ride, but most adults and children enjoy the adventure.
Ghost Town & Calico Railway - Timber Mountain Log Ride - Calico Mine Ride - Butterfield Stagecoach -GhostRider - Screamin’ Swing - Silver Bullet
