Glenwood's new coaster towers over the world

Glenwood Springs is already known for fun and now they'll have another attraction to entertain visitors.  It's called the Cliffhanger and it's literally perched on a cliff on Iron Mountain, overlooking the city. 

"We hope it's going to be a game changer to our park," said the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park's Maintenance Manager, Kelly Bates. 

The roller coaster's elevation makes it the "tallest" or highest adult roller coaster in the world when you consider that the base elevation is a little over 7,000ft. 

A view from the top affords riders with panoramic views of the Glenwood Springs area, up the Roaring Fork Valley and into the Glenwood Canyon.  The Colorado River twists out of the canyon fifteen hundred feet below. 

The roller coaster doesn't have a large footprint on the ground, but it is loaded with fast twists and turns. 

We, along with a lucky and brave few got the chance to preview the ride on Thursday. 

"It was really exciting because you really couldn't tell what was coming next," said Carol Stepniewski. 

The coaster's location made it a little difficult to construct, according to officials. 

"There was a lot of challenges," Bates said.  "Trucking was our biggest one because we have three miles of basically a single lane dirt road that gets to the top of this hill and it took thirteen semis to transport this ride from where it was at previously in Branson, Missouri."

Construction of the coaster lasted only thirty days after the pieces had all arrived.  Officials say the cost will be close to one million dollars.  But, the hope is the new coaster will cut lines for other rides and give the park's users more options. 

The Cliffhanger opens to the public on Friday, June 15th.