On the edge of Glenwood Springs, Colorado lies America’s only mountain-top theme park, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The latest attraction at the park is Defiance, now the highest-looping rollercoaster in the U.S. The adventure park sits at the top of Iron Mountain, which is accessible only via a scenic gondola ride.

Glenwood Springs is a charming mountain town situated on the Colorado River. The town is a popular destination for its natural hot springs and access to the adjacent Glenwood Canyon, whose walls tower over the river floor.

Visitors to the park have an array of adventures both above and below ground to explore.

Photo Credit: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

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Inside The Highest Rollercoaster In The U.S.

Located 7,132 feet above sea level, Defiance boasts the steepest freefall drop in the Western U.S., a 110-foot, 102.3-degree drop. The ride also includes a 98-foot twisted top hat switch, a 111-foot banana roll, and a 41-foot Zero-G heart line roll.

Defiance is a one-of-a-kind Euro-Fighter roller coaster manufactured by Gerstlauer, a German amusement ride maker.

The record-setting rollercoaster is named after the town’s original name, Defiance. It has already gained worldwide recognition for its incredible setting and thrills, according to the park’s general manager, Nancy Heard.

The ride is open weather permitting, and this summer season marks the first time it is fully operational.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has several other star attractions that draw visitors, including the historic Fairy Caves, which extend over 16,000 feet inside Iron Mountain. Above ground, the Giant Canyon Swing ride, perched at the edge of a cliff 1,300 feet above the Colorado River, offers another exhilarating experience.

Tickets to Defiance and the rest of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park start at $52 in the spring, with the ride up the gondola and a visit to the Glenwood Caverns starting at $45. Visitors should note that rides can close due to cold, wind, and lightning.

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