header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
December 4
1962- Actress and future Soledad Canyon big-cat rescuer Tippi Hedren, "Hitchcock's New Grace Kelly," makes cover of Look magazine for upcoming thriller, "The Birds" [story]
Tippi Hedren


| Tuesday, Jun 3, 2014

[KHTS] – After 36 years of greeting fans as they drive into the Six Flags Magic Mountain parking lot, Colossus will be closing.

Both Colossus and Batman The Ride will continue running backwards until June 15, and then Colossus will remain open for another two months before closing on Aug. 16.

Opening-year pinback (1978)

Opening-year pinback (1978)

“Colossus, the king of wooden coasters, ends its 36-year reign on August 16,” said a Magic Mountain spokesperson in a statement. “Six Flags Magic Mountain will announce exciting future plans for the park we think our guests will love at a later date. In the meantime, don’t miss your last chance to ride Colossus.”

Magic Mountain officials did not comment on why they had decided to shut down the ride.

Colossus first opened on June 29, 1978 and was the fastest and the tallest wooden roller coaster in the world at the time. It was built just before Newhall Land sold Magic Mountain to Six Flags for $51 million in 1979.

Colossus became the Screaming Meemie in "National Lampoon's Vacation" (1983) with Chevy Chase.

Colossus became the Screaming Meemie in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983) with Chevy Chase.

The Magic Mountain website calls it “the granddaddy of all roller coasters, the legendary classic ride… This gargantuan creature is one of the world’s most enormous wooden roller coasters, taking up over ten acres of land, with more than 4,325 feet of track.”

The tradition of running Colossus backwards began in 1984, which the park has traditionally done during their annual Halloween Fright Fest.

Colossus has also been featured in several movies, including the cult classic, “KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park” and “National Lampoon’s Vacation.”

Leon Worden of SCVHistory.com contributed to this report.

 

MORE MAGIC MOUNTAIN IMAGES HERE.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

169 Comments

  1. Kim Sloan says:

    No, how sad! I remembered when it opened, and it was the biggest wood roller coaster on the West coast.

  2. Gary Mason says:

    Aww! Candace Kara

  3. Greg Brown says:

    Dang. And I saw KISS play there. “what a drag it is getting older.”

  4. Logan Veis says:

    Closing on my bday.. This must be a joke!!! It’s a staple in the SCV and what I think of every time I go…

  5. What a drag I’M getting older.

  6. Lol…I have this button, rode the it the first summer it was open.

  7. Jeremy McRae says:

    I like the ride, it’s a classic, but it is old. And could be costing too much on maintenance/up keeping. It has the most nails and wood pieces in the park by far and though it’s sad to see such an iconic piece of magic mountain go. I can only imagine the new ride that will take it’s place

  8. Cynthia Fischer doesn’t this suck?

  9. Gio Borda Jimmy Maldonado

  10. Javier Garay says:

    Gianella Garay Lorena Garay

  11. So sad to say goodbye.

  12. Stephanie Bryant-Mathis didn’t uncle Mark paint this??

  13. Kristy Reid says:

    Makes me think of Jocelyn Torralba. Fun times!

  14. Wow. My dad help build that.

  15. Wow! The best ride of my life was Colossus backwards in 1983. But it’s time has come. I rode it a couple months ago and it was painful.

    Batman, too, is a great ride, especially in the front row. But maybe because I’m old now, but it just wrecks my brain. I need about 30 minutes and a seltzer water to recover from it.

  16. Wtf….Yesenia Garcia

  17. So lame that they’re closing it! They’re pathetic

  18. Just wait until you see what it might become. ;)

  19. Six flags is going down the dumps :(

  20. My ❤ is sad, my neck appreciates it and the mom in me is happy that my child is no longer riding a roller coaster with no seat belts. LOL.

  21. Nooooooooooo!!!!! Can’t take it down, it’s pretty much a historical landmark for scv!!!

  22. Cody Bufkin says:

    Tommy C Bledsoe Fred Rogers Courtney Lynn

  23. Danielle Diaz Lol we’re gonna have to go again.

  24. Lisa Pope says:

    Lol Cheyanne Narez

  25. According to employees, it’s just getting the track replaced. Come on scvtv get your facts straight.

  26. Maybe we can buy a piece of the wood with certificate. Lol

  27. Bummer. I rode that ride ages ago. Loved it.

  28. I loved it when it was new, but the last time I rode it I was feeling bruised all over. It really tossed me around more than my old bod could take any more.

  29. That was. My favorite coaster back in the day forward and backward!

  30. Alyss Urrea says:

    Nestor Diaz Diego Diaz

  31. It’s closing a day after my birthday:(

  32. My sister was on colossus the same time the woman flew off of it and was killed. Can’t remember what year it was, but they were all stuck for a while the. Had to walk down from the very top. I don’t think she’ll miss it.

  33. Tabytha Gabrielle McConnell we need to go before this ride closes

  34. 36 years ago? Wow, I remember when it opened

  35. What? Now I really want to go! Baron Guinther we need to plan a time to go.

  36. Kristi John says:

    My 1st roller coaster!!! Aunt Debbie Logan….was determined to get me on it! #memories

  37. Kristi John says:

    My 1st roller coaster!!! Aunt Debbie Logan….was determined to get me on it! #memories

  38. Kristi John says:

    My 1st roller coaster!!! Aunt Debbie Logan….was determined to get me on it! #memories

  39. I don’t think I ever went on it, but I remember when it opened.

  40. I don’t think I ever went on it, but I remember when it opened.

  41. I don’t think I ever went on it, but I remember when it opened.

  42. Al Ros says:

    I’ve rode it

  43. Al Ros says:

    I’ve rode it

  44. Al Ros says:

    I’ve rode it

  45. Nicole Bass says:

    Bernard Barfield omg!

  46. Nicole Bass says:

    Bernard Barfield omg!

  47. Nicole Bass says:

    Bernard Barfield omg!

  48. Booo!! That is still my favorite ride of all time!

  49. Booo!! That is still my favorite ride of all time!

  50. Booo!! That is still my favorite ride of all time!

  51. Forward and backwards Nicole!

  52. Forward and backwards Nicole!

  53. Forward and backwards Nicole!

  54. Debbi Foley says:

    36 years??? God I’m old!

  55. Debbi Foley says:

    36 years??? God I’m old!

  56. Debbi Foley says:

    36 years??? God I’m old!

  57. Nicole Bass says:

    But it’s closing! Sad day Bernard ):

  58. Nicole Bass says:

    But it’s closing! Sad day Bernard ):

  59. Nicole Bass says:

    But it’s closing! Sad day Bernard ):

  60. Isaac Cerda says:

    Thank god that ride is crap compare to what they have now. And if colossus remained open I wouldn’t have been surprised if it would of ended up breaking down and killing someone so time to close

  61. Isaac Cerda says:

    Thank god that ride is crap compare to what they have now. And if colossus remained open I wouldn’t have been surprised if it would of ended up breaking down and killing someone so time to close

  62. Isaac Cerda says:

    Thank god that ride is crap compare to what they have now. And if colossus remained open I wouldn’t have been surprised if it would of ended up breaking down and killing someone so time to close

  63. Hey Nicole, just read the article…WTF?!?!

  64. Hey Nicole, just read the article…WTF?!?!

  65. Hey Nicole, just read the article…WTF?!?!

  66. I loved that ride but it didn’t go backwards thee last time I was there back in 95

  67. I loved that ride but it didn’t go backwards thee last time I was there back in 95

  68. I loved that ride but it didn’t go backwards thee last time I was there back in 95

  69. Rikki says:

    Why?! I dislike roller coasters but this is one ride that was an exception! I’m going to miss colossus!

  70. Aw. I wonder if it was getting too expensive to maintain.

  71. Beth Smith says:

    Good! The frame is being supported in places by 2x4s and zip ties! Love the ride, but it should have been closed a while ago.

  72. Such good memories….I contracted herpes on the Colossus. I can’t remember if it was forwards or backwards.

  73. Brock Ergo Goldberg how sad!! :( we have to go ride it one more time!

  74. WoW that sucks . That’s an awesome coaster . Gonna miss it

  75. Riding that backwards at 5 or 6 ruined me. I wouldn’t ride a roller coaster till high school!

  76. Paula Orozco we must go!!!

  77. Paula Orozco says:

    Omg yes Michelle King

  78. Lucy Salamanca we need to go before they close it down

  79. Bonnie Zydor says:

    It was one of the few roller coasters I would ride. So sad to see it go

  80. Jason Agular we have to go before they close it!!!!

  81. Maria Diego says:

    Fezzito Cabrera why???

  82. Aww man, backwards colossus is my favorite ride there! Podthingy trip for one last colossus hurrah?

  83. Troy Andrew says:

    How could they that was the face of six flags. Step by step!!!!!

  84. When I worked there the road it backwards and we would race the cars to see which track would win first it has a lot of good memories

  85. I also heard just doing renovations??

  86. Lisa Sereika says:

    Omgosh we loved this ride when we wer kids! Sad to see it go.

  87. Leslie Hynes says:

    I’m glad my son got to ride it on Sun….
    It was backwards day as well!!
    That was one of my FAVORITES!!

  88. It’s been deteriorating for years…It’s about time. Six flags sucks at maintaining older rides they just tear down and put new ones.

  89. Mike Demeusy says:

    Please don’t cry. still plenty more to ride!

  90. Mike Demeusy says:

    Please don’t cry. still plenty more to ride!

  91. Bodie Smithwe need to go!!!!

  92. Someone should start a petition to keep it open. How can the corporate minds of Six Flags think that this is a good idea?

  93. Our Mountain says:

    If you can make it, ride before August 16th!

  94. Our Mountain says:

    If you can make it, ride before August 16th!

  95. yay!! iron colossus!!!

  96. yay!! iron colossus!!!

  97. This is a good thing! And yes I’ve been riding it too since it opened .

  98. This is a good thing! And yes I’ve been riding it too since it opened .

  99. That is so sad Kim!!!! It’s a classic!!

  100. this makes me sad.. but so happy that I rode it many times.

  101. It is sad. My 12 yr old still likes it but to me it is unrideable. In it’s heyday it was great- when the trains would “race”. Especially if one was backwards.

  102. Dori Morgan says:

    OMG, so many good memories on that ride &loved it to go backwards.

  103. It’s gonna be even better!

  104. That ride was tha worst in tha park…rattle-brained

  105. Adam Mendez says:

    Lennin Parra Sunny Fernandez Lyzz Rodriguez

  106. Best ride there!!!! Especially backwards. Sucks it’s going away

  107. Veronica Lopez no way!

  108. The end of an era. Great memories! Sharon Rockwell Dalton. Mindy Smith. Debbie McKellar

  109. Oh no! That is criminal. I love that ride and even rode it backwards! Boo!!!

  110. Was. It. Fun rideing. It

  111. Was. It. Fun rideing. It

Leave a Comment


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LINKS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Thursday, Dec 4, 2025
"Fatherless No More" is a new faith-based documentary that has been officially accepted for an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run at the Laemmle Theater in Old Town Newhall.
Thursday, Dec 4, 2025
The Master's University will present "Alleluia! TMU Come Christmas Sing" on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in The Master’s University Music Recital Hall on the college campus is Placerita Canyon.
Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025
The Santa Clarita International Film Festival has announced that Casas De Arte, a national touring art gallery based in Houston, Texas, will present a curated selection of exclusive artwork from international artists at this year’s festival.
Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025
Clint Lilley, of Santa Clarita and son of the late stuntman Jack Lilley, has captured the award for Best Western Short Film October 2025 by the Independent Shorts Awards.
Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025
The Santa Clarita International Film Festival has announced the debut of its first-ever SCIFF Comedy Festival, a two-night celebration of stand-up comedy.
Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The city of Santa Clarita will present its latest art exhibition, “Let Go,” by Dani Samson, on view now through Feb. 4, at the Canyon Country Community Center.
Explore ‘Let Go’ Art Exhibit at Canyon Country Community Center
College of the Canyons celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement program on Tuesday, Nov. 25, with an event held in the Aliso Hall courtyard.
MESA Celebrates 25 Years of Student Success at COC
Kaiser Permanente joined the Saugus Union School District recently to honor its outstanding achievement in health education; all 15 SUSD district schools earned America’s Healthiest Schools All-Star Recognition from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
Kaiser Presents $10,000 Community Health Grant to SUSD
JCI Santa Clarita is seeking volunteers to support its annual Santa’s Helpers program, a beloved community tradition that brings holiday joy to children and families in need throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.
JCI Santa Clarita Seeks Volunteers for Annual Santa’s Helpers Toy Drive
"Fatherless No More" is a new faith-based documentary that has been officially accepted for an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run at the Laemmle Theater in Old Town Newhall.
Dec. 5-11: ‘Fatherless No More’ Begins Oscar Campaign at Laemmle
The Master's University will present "Alleluia! TMU Come Christmas Sing" on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in The Master’s University Music Recital Hall on the college campus is Placerita Canyon.
Dec. 6: ‘Alleluia! TMU Come Christmas Sing!’
The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Water Resources and Watershed Committee will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m.
Dec. 10: Water Resources and Watershed Committee Meeting
College of the Canyons cross country had a combined 10 student-athletes earn All-Western State Conference honors for the 2025 season, with all seven members of the women's team earning recognition.
Canyons Cross Country Teams Combine for 10 All-WSC Selections
College of the Canyons had eight players earn Southern California Football Association (SCFA) All-League awards, with three players recognized as First-Team selections.
Canyons Football Sees Eight Earn SCFA All-League Recognition
College of the Canyons women's volleyball was recognized with six players named to the all-conference team, with freshman Katelyn Nelson and sophomore Morgan Dumlao both taking home All-Western State Conference, South Division First-Team awards.
Canyons Features Six Players on All-Conference Squad
College of the Canyons women's soccer capped its conference championship season by seeing 12 players earn all-conference honors, headlined by sophomore forward Bailey Williamson, who was named the Western State Conference, South Division Offensive Player of the Year.
Williamson Named Offensive Player of the Year to Headline Cougars’ All-WSC Class
1962- Actress and future Soledad Canyon big-cat rescuer Tippi Hedren, "Hitchcock's New Grace Kelly," makes cover of Look magazine for upcoming thriller, "The Birds" [story]
Tippi Hedren
Nearly 1000 kids are looking for their Christmas toys through Northeast Valley Health Center's Holiday Toy Drive. 
Give a Gift with Northeast Valley Health Center’s Holiday Toy Drive
As we wrap up this incredible year with JCI Santa Clarita, my heart is truly overflowing with gratitude. This chapter has shown up in such wonderful ways, and I’m so proud of everything we’ve created together.
Brittany Barlrog | Wrapping up 2025 for JCI
Volunteers in the Santa Clarita Valley will be hosting a Toys for Tots toy drive on Saturday, Dec. 6, noon-2 p.m. at 5 Below in Stevenson Ranch.
Dec. 6: Toys for Tots Santa Clarita Toy Drive
Join the Valley Industry Association as they welcome the 2026 board of Directors on Dec. 19, from 11:45 a.m to 1:30 p.m.
Dec. 19: Join VIA for the Installation of the 2026 Board of Directors
The Santa Clarita International Film Festival has announced that Casas De Arte, a national touring art gallery based in Houston, Texas, will present a curated selection of exclusive artwork from international artists at this year’s festival.
Dec.11-14: Casas De Arte Brings Global Art Collection to SCIFF
Since the COVID-19 pandemic first upended our lives in 2020, the concept of the hybrid workspace has evolved.
CSUN Study Looks Towards the Future of the Hybrid Workspace
As California continues to see increased safety on its roadways, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the state’s continued commitment to new and innovative investments in transportation safety, education and enforcement programs.
California Awards $140M in Road Safety Projects
The small shells found by researchers that include California State University, Northridge anthropologist Hélène Rougier at La Roche-à-Pierrot, a prehistoric archaeological site in Saint-Césaire, France, date back more than 42,000 years, providing evidence of the oldest workshops for the manufacture of shell ornaments in that area.
CSUN Prof’s Work Leads to Discovery of Oldest Shell Ornament Workshop in Western Europe
California Credit Union announced today that it has been named a Culture Innovator in the 2025 Best Culture Awards presented by Kudos®, a leading employee recognition, rewards and workplace culture platform.
California Credit Union Recognized as a 2025 Culture Innovator by Kudos
The California Department of Motor Vehicles announces the release of revised proposed regulations that would allow autonomous vehicle companies to apply for permits to test and deploy heavy-duty technology on California roads and new requirements for light-duty autonomous vehicles.
DMV Opens 15-Day Public Comment for Autonomous Heavy, Light-Duty Vehicles
1887 - Prohibitionist Henry Needham purchases land in Newhall, attempts to establish "dry" colony [story]
H.C. Needham
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted an informational hearing of the Statewide Literacy Task Force on Monday, Dec. 1 at the California Department of Education in Sacramento.
Thurmond Discusses 2026 Education Proposals with Literacy Task Force
SCVNews.com