Sierra Sidewinder opened at Knott’s Berry Farm on May 26, 2007, bringing a new kind of thrill to the park’s Camp Snoopy area. Built by German manufacturer Mack Rides, it was the company’s first free-spinning coaster model, letting each four-car train rotate freely as it travels the course rather than following a fixed path like a traditional coaster.
As the park’s eighth roller coaster at the time of its debut, Sierra Sidewinder was designed to appeal to families and thrill-seekers alike, pairing moderate speed and height with the unpredictable sensation of spinning cars. It also stood out as one of the first coasters anywhere to feature on-ride video cameras, capturing footage of riders instead of the single still photo that was then standard across the industry.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Knott’s Berry Farm
- Manufacturer: Mack Rides
- Opened: May 26, 2007
- Height: about 62 feet
- Top speed: about 37 mph
- Length: about 1,410 feet
- Inversions: 0
The Ride Experience
Sierra Sidewinder’s cars spin freely on their axis as the train moves along the track, so no two rides play out exactly the same way. A roughly 39-foot drop kicks off the layout, and riders never know whether they’ll face forward, backward, or sideways through the turns that follow, which is part of what makes the ride a repeat favorite for guests of varying thrill tolerances.
Each train carries four cars with two rows of seating, placing riders back-to-back so everyone gets a slightly different view as the cars rotate. The ride’s modest height and speed keep it approachable for families, while the spinning element adds an extra layer of unpredictability that bigger, faster coasters can’t replicate.
A Technical First for Mack Rides
Sierra Sidewinder holds a notable place in coaster history as the debut free-spinning model from Mack Rides, a manufacturer based in Waldkirch, Germany known for its engineering on both coasters and dark rides. The design, credited to engineer Werner Stengel, helped establish a spinning-coaster category that Mack Rides has since built on at other parks.
Knott’s Berry Farm announced the addition in late 2006 before the ride opened the following spring. Its placement in the Camp Snoopy section situates it among the park’s other family-oriented attractions, making it an easy complement to a day spent on Knott’s larger, faster coasters.
Explore more: Explore more roller coasters.
Folds into its own pocket. Pop it on when the storm rolls in and the rides reopen to short lines.
Keeps your phone strapped to you, not in a loose-article bin. Zip it before the lift hill and walk straight off the exit ramp.
Rapids, log flumes and splash zones without the rice-bag aftermath. The touchscreen still works through the window, so you can still take photos.
Sierra Sidewinder FAQs
Does Sierra Sidewinder go upside down?
No. Sierra Sidewinder has no inversions. The thrill comes from its spinning cars rather than loops or flips.
When did Sierra Sidewinder open?
It opened at Knott’s Berry Farm on May 26, 2007.
What makes Sierra Sidewinder different from other coasters?
Its cars rotate freely while the train travels the track, so every ride feels different depending on how and when the cars spin.
Get More from Sierra Sidewinder
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Photo: ParkThoughts / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.