Climbing a roller coaster is definitely a bucket-list experience for coaster enthusiasts, and recently I got the chance to do exactly that.
At California's Great America, during Coaster Con, I was invited to climb the lift hill of Flight Deck — and of course I took video (see below).
Safety Comes First
Before we even got close to the coaster, we went through several safety briefings.
Then we walked through the empty park early in the morning toward the coaster.
Flight Deck is an inverted coaster built by Bolliger & Mabillard in 1993, and some longtime fans may remember when it was called Top Gun and themed to the movie.
Getting Up Close With the Trains
Before our group climbed the lift hill, we had time to look at the trains up close.
We even got to sit in them while we waited — which of course I did.
For fun, I also practiced doing seat checks, something ride operators do before dispatching trains.
I’ve always been curious how fast those checks can be done!
A Cool Safety Detail
One of the most interesting things I learned was about something called the lock box.
Anyone climbing the coaster has to wear a key from the lock box on their wrist.
If a lock is missing from the box, it means someone is on the coaster — which signals to operators that trains cannot be dispatched.
It’s a simple but very effective safety system.
The Lift Hill Climb
Eventually it was our turn.
The lift hill is over 100 feet tall, and even though I’m not usually afraid of heights, seeing straight down definitely made my knees a little shaky.
We were allowed to take photos and video as long as we kept two hands free while climbing.
The View From the Top
The view from the top was incredible.
You could see the entire park and even Levi's Stadium nearby.
I had expected it to be windy and cold up there, so I wore three layers… but it turned out to be a perfectly clear and beautiful morning.
Watch the Reel
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8XVc2LPUfe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Final Thoughts
This was my first lift hill walk, and it was absolutely a bucket-list moment.
Experiences like this are part of what makes being a coaster enthusiast so fun — getting to see these incredible rides from completely different perspectives.
And yes, I’d absolutely do it again. Would YOU?