Guide to Grizzly Peak at California Adventures

Welcome to Grizzly Peak, where you can explore California’s wilderness and experience the thrills of the great outdoors! This rustic and charming land is full of natural beauty and exciting adventures that will make your day at California Adventures unforgettable.

A wooden sign for Grizzly Peak, carved with the silhouette of a bear and the text 'Land of Scenic Wonders', set against a backdrop of rugged rocks and pine trees.

In this post, we’ll take you on a journey through Grizzly Peak, highlighting the best attractions, dining options, shopping experiences, and seasonal events. So grab your backpack, put on your hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!

Grizzly Peak is a land inspired by California’s national parks and wilderness areas. It features breathtaking landscapes, towering trees, and thrilling attractions that will take you on an adventure through the great outdoors. As you explore Grizzly Peak, you’ll discover that it’s full of surprises and hidden gems that will make your day at California Adventures even more fun and exciting.

Thrilling Attractions

Grizzly Peak is home to some of the most thrilling attractions at California Adventures. From water rides to flight simulators, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of our favorite attractions:

Grizzly River Run

Get ready to get wet on Grizzly River Run, the ultimate water ride at California Adventures. This rafting adventure will take you through the rapids and waterfalls of Grizzly Peak, providing thrills and spills for all ages. The ride has a storyline that follows the adventure of a group of rafters who have set out to explore the great outdoors.

Action shot of a raft descending the Grizzly River Run ride, splashing through a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and ferns.

There’s a few surprises on this fan favorite attraction including a brief transit through a dark cavern and a large waterfall drop. With a height requirement of 42″ this ride is mostly for the big kids.

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

If you’re looking for an interactive play area where you can climb, zipline, and explore the great outdoors, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is the perfect attraction for you. This trail is a playground for adventurers of all ages, featuring rope bridges, rock walls, and other challenges that will put your skills to the test.

Entrance to the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, adorned with a wooden sign featuring a carved bear, next to a kiosk under tall green pine trees.

While all are welcome to enjoy this attraction, the zipline and rock climb wall each have a 42″ height requirement.

Soarin’ Around the World

Take flight on Soarin’ Around the World, a breathtaking flight simulator that will take you on a journey to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. From the Great Wall of China to the Eiffel Tower, you’ll fly over some of the most beautiful places on earth. Make sure to keep an eye out for hidden gems, such as the Matterhorn and the Maldives. This ride will leave you feeling inspired and awestruck.

Soarin’ has a height requirement of 40″ and also houses a Single Rider Line. Our favorite thing about this attraction though, is each spring when the original Soarin’ Over California film returns for the California Adventure Food and Wine Festival.

Scenic Dining Options

Grizzly Peak offers a variety of dining options that will satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst. From burgers to craft beers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of our favorite dining options:

Smokejumpers Grill

If you’re looking for a tasty burger, sandwich, or salad, Smokejumpers Grill is the place to go. This restaurant is dedicated to California’s brave firefighters and features a rustic and charming atmosphere.

Exterior view of Smokejumpers Grill at Grizzly Peak in Disney California Adventure, showing a green metal roof with the restaurant name in bold letters against a clear blue sky.

You can also enjoy outdoor seating and scenic views of Grizzly Peak while you dine. Smokejumpers Grill is one of just a few locations in DCA where you can grab breakfast.

Refreshment Point

If you’re looking for a place to grab a quick drink, Refreshment Point is the perfect spot for you. This outdoor cart offers customizable beverages from several Coke Freestyle machines and snacks that will satisfy your cravings. You can also enjoy scenic views of Grizzly Peak and the surrounding wilderness.

Character Encounters

Grizzly Peak is home to some of Disney‘s most beloved characters and entertainment offerings. From wilderness explorers to live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of our favorite character encounters and entertainment options:

Chip and Dale in their classic costumes posing for a meet and greet in front of a yellow aircraft under a monorail track at Grizzly Peak, with greenery in the background.
  • Chip and Dale (near Soarin’ exit)
  • Goofy in his flight outfit (near Soarin’ exit)
  • Doug from Up (Redwood Creek Challenge Entrance)
  • Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Zootopia (near Grizzly River Run Water Wheel)

Shopping for Adventure Gear

If you’re looking for apparel and gear for your next exploration, Grizzly Peak has you covered. From merchandise to souvenirs, there’s something for everyone to take home. Here are some of our favorite shopping experiences:

Rushin’ River Outfitters

The front façade of Rushin' River Outfitters, a gift shop with rustic red walls and vibrant blue and yellow signage, with guests entering and browsing items on display

If you’re a fan of Grizzly Peak and California Adventures, Rushin’ River Outfitters is the place to go. This shop offers a variety of merchandise, including apparel, pins, and other souvenirs that will help you remember your adventure. You can also find gear for your next exploration, such as hats, backpacks, and water bottles.

Humphrey’s Service & Supplies

If you’re looking for snacks, souvenirs, and essentials, Humphrey’s Service & Supplies is the perfect shop for you. This shop is themed after Disney‘s classic character, Humphrey the Bear, and offers a variety of items that will satisfy your cravings and help you prepare for your next adventure.

Natural Landmarks and Scenic Spots

Grizzly Peak is full of natural landmarks and scenic spots that will take your breath away. From waterfalls to towering trees, there’s something for everyone to discover. Here are some of our favorite natural landmarks and scenic spots:

Grizzly Peak Waterfall

If you’re looking for a picturesque photo opportunity, Grizzly Peak Waterfall is the perfect spot for you. This waterfall is located near Grizzly River Run and provides a beautiful backdrop for your photos. You can also cool off in the mist and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere.

Close-up of a large, stationary water wheel attached to a yellow building with a watchtower, part of the Grizzly River Run ride, with blue skies overhead.

The Redwood Forest

If you’re looking for an immersive nature trail, the Redwood Forest is the perfect spot for you. This trail will take you through towering trees and provide a serene escape from the park’s hustle and bustle. You can also discover the beauty of California’s redwood forests and learn about conservation.

Brother Bear Totem Trail

If you’re a fan of Disney‘s “Brother Bear,” you’ll love exploring the Brother Bear Totem Trail. This trail is themed after the movie and features fun and educational displays that will teach you about California’s wilderness. You can also take unique photo opportunities with the totems and discover the beauty of California’s wildlife.

Seasonal Events and Celebrations

Grizzly Peak offers a variety of seasonal events and celebrations that will make your day at California Adventures even more special. From character encounters to themed treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of our favorite seasonal events and celebrations:

Villains Grove (Halloween)

Each fall Redwood Creek Challenge transforms for a nighttime celebration of all things spooky, but mostly villains. The walkthrough attraction features a spectacular display of sound, lightening, and special effects to evoke the environment of your favorite evil-doer’s. This attraction is available only during Oogie Boogie Bash.

Treat Trails (Halloween)

While specific trails and characters featured at Oogie Boogie Bash, you can normally find at least one in Grizzly Peak. Most recently, in 2023, we found Mother Gothel along the Grizzly River Run walking trail, and Judge Doom in the area next to Soarin’ Over the World.

Meet Santa (Christmas)

During Disney California Adventure’s Festival of the Holidays, you can also find a jolly ol’ figure waiting for you to stop by. Santa Clause is ready for your Christmas list!

Tips and Tricks

If you want to make the most out of your adventure at Grizzly Peak, here are some tips and tricks that will help you plan your day:

Genie+ Recommendations

If you want to avoid long lines at attractions, consider using Genie+. This services will allow you to reserve your spot in line and enjoy shorter wait times. You can also get recommendations for the best times to visit attractions and trails.

Best Times to Visit Attractions and Trails

Interior view of Smokejumpers Grill featuring a corrugated metal ceiling, lantern light fixtures, and rustic décor, with a 'No Smoking' sign and tables visible through the windows.

If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy shorter wait times, make sure to visit attractions and trails during off-peak hours. Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the best times to visit, as crowds are typically smaller.

Planning Your Day at Grizzly Peak

If you want to make the most out of your day at Grizzly Peak, make sure to plan your day in advance. You can use the Disneyland app to check wait times, reserve lightening lanes, and discover the best attractions and trails to visit.

Grizzly Peak is a land full of natural beauty and exciting adventures that will make your day at California Adventures unforgettable. From thrilling attractions to scenic dining options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We hope that this guide has inspired you to explore Grizzly Peak and connect with nature. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to hearing about your favorite attraction in Grizzly Peak!

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