National park · United States
Six Flags Magic Mountain
One full day, arriving at opening: 19 coasters, no on-site hotel. Buy dated tickets online before you go, park at the Magic Mountain Parkway exit off I-5, and ride the big coasters before 11:00 or after 18:00.One full day, arriving at opening: 19 coasters, no on-site hotel. Buy dated tickets online before you go, park at the Magic Mountain Parkway exit off I-5, and ride the big coasters before 11:00 AM or after 6:00 PM.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
approximate
Established
1971
Best months
Nov
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
- Approximate footprint of the gated park area; the figure is an estimate, not an official boundary (check).
- Established
- 1971
- Best months
- Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Los Angeles
Six Flags Magic Mountain is a theme park, not a national park: a paid, gated attraction in Valencia, about 55 km north of downtown Los Angeles, off Interstate 5. It opened on 30 May 1971 and holds more roller coasters than any other park in the world. The draw is the coaster line-up — Full Throttle's 49 m vertical loop, Goliath's 78 m opening drop, Superman: Escape from Krypton's 167 km/h reverse launch — plus a separate-gate water park next door. There is no on-site hotel; you sleep in Santa Clarita or the San Fernando Valley and drive in.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1971.
Size and age
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²) · national park since 1971
Approximate footprint of the gated park area; the figure is an estimate, not an official boundary (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Los Angeles.
Why go
- More roller coasters in one place than anywhere else on earth.
- Full Throttle's 49 m (160 ft) vertical loop and Superman's 167 km/h (0–104 mph) reverse launch in seven seconds.Full Throttle's 160 ft (49 m) vertical loop and Superman's 0–104 mph (167 km/h) reverse launch in seven seconds.
- A full day out that pairs with a Los Angeles stay, 45–75 min by car from the city.
- Hurricane Harbor next door if you want a water day on the same trip.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepGo
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecGo
- JanShort hours, low crowds, some rides down for maintenance
- FebQuiet weekdays; cool evenings
- MarSpring breaks start; weekends busy
- AprSpring break crowds; warm afternoons
- MayGrad nights and holiday weekends fill the park
- JunHot; school holidays begin
- JulPeak heat and peak queues; 35 °C (95 °F)+ afternoons commonPeak heat and peak queues; 95 °F (35 °C)+ afternoons common
- AugBusiest and hottest; Hurricane Harbor at capacity
- SepSchools back; hot but shorter lines on weekdays
- OctFright Fest evenings; daytime still manageable
- NovMild days, low crowds outside Thanksgiving week
- DecHoliday lights; cold nights, some closures
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer heat and dehydration on the mid-park concreteJun–Sep · Not wildlife, but the main seasonal hazard: drink water all day. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Fright Fest crowds and scare zonesOct · Evenings in October are themed and much busier than daytime. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | no | no |
| Holiday lights and short hoursNov–Dec · Some outdoor rides close in cold or wet weather. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Los Angeles (downtown)
I-5 north to the Magic Mountain Parkway exit; 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway.
45–75 min
Open the page →
From Hollywood and Burbank
CA-134 to I-5 north, same exit.
40–60 min
Open the page →
From LAX airport
I-405 to I-5 north; allow extra time in the morning peak.
1 h 15 min–2 h
From Santa Clarita Valley
Local roads or a short rideshare from Valencia and Newhall hotels.
10–20 min
From Region plan
Where to base yourself in the valley and what else is nearby.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main gate and plaza | Turnstiles, guest services, lockers, stroller and wheelchair rental. | Open with a ticket. |
| Full Throttle and Goliath area | The headline coasters and the busiest mid-park concourse. | Open with a ticket. |
| Samurai Summit | Hilltop rides reached by the Orient Express trolley or a steep walk. | Open with a ticket. |
| Whistlestop Park and kids' areas | Junior coasters, carousels and play structures for small children. | Open with a ticket. |
| Six Flags Hurricane Harbor | Adjacent outdoor water park with its own gate. | Separate ticket required. |
Sketch map
- 1Main gate, 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway · Gate≈34.424, -118.597Map ↗
- 2Sky Tower · Viewpoint≈34.425, -118.596Map ↗
- 3Full Throttle · Trail≈34.423, -118.597Map ↗
- 4Goliath · Trail≈34.427, -118.597Map ↗
- 5Twisted Colossus · Trail≈34.428, -118.597Map ↗
- 6Hurricane Harbor · Beach≈34.425, -118.594Approximate; adjacent to the main park.Map ↗
- 7Valencia and Santa Clarita hotels · Sleep≈34.420, -118.581Map ↗
Take the points offline
7 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from the park's published location and ride positions; approximate, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-day admission, online in advance | US$45–110 | person | 2026 estimate; price moves with the date and demand, gate price is higher. |
| Parking, standard car | US$30–45 | car | 2026 estimate; preferred and oversized parking cost more. |
| All-season or membership pass | US$90–250 | person | 2026 estimate; pays off over about three visits. |
| Hurricane Harbor water park | US$40–70 | person | Separately gated; a Magic Mountain ticket does not cover it. |
| Dive Devil and SlingShot upcharge rides | US$10–25 | person | 2026 estimate; pay per ride at the attraction. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Dated admission ticket permit or guide
Parking pass permit or guide
Hurricane Harbor entry permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$45–110
- US$30–45
- US$90–250
- US$40–70
- US$10–25
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Six Flags Magic Mountain — official site before you go.
Park rules
- Bag policy
- Large bags are restricted and lockers are required for loose articles at big coasters; check the current size limit before you travel.check
- Outside food and drink
- Not allowed inside the gate; a refillable water bottle is generally fine.
- Loose items on coasters
- Phones, hats and glasses must go in a locker or with a non-rider; they are not allowed on the ride.
- Alcohol
- Sold in the park to guests with ID; enforcement is strict even if you look of age.
- Height and health limits
- Every coaster has a minimum height and health warnings; measure children at the gate before queueing.
Where to stay
Near the park
Santa Clarita and Valencia hotels
The closest beds, 10–20 min from the gate; book early on holiday weekends.
Near the park
San Fernando Valley
More choice and lower prices, 30–45 min south on I-5.
Near the park
Los Angeles
Base in the city and drive up for one day; expect 45–75 min each way.
Safety
Heat and dehydration high
Ride-related headaches and motion sickness medium
I-5 traffic and parking queues medium
Lost children in crowds medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The park is mostly flat and paved; wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent at the gate.
- The Orient Express trolley saves the walk up to Samurai Summit.
- Some older coasters require a transfer from a wheelchair; ask at guest services for the current ride-by-ride list.
Visiting lightly
- Refill a water bottle instead of buying single-use plastic all day.
- Use the park shuttle or carpool where offered; parking is the biggest single footprint of a visit.
- Buy dated tickets online — it cuts paper waste and guarantees entry on busy days.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Magic Mountain?
A one-day ticket bought online in advance is roughly US$45–110 per person in 2026, depending on the date; the gate price is higher and holiday dates sell out. Parking is a separate US$30–45 per car. Hurricane Harbor next door needs its own ticket.
What are the best hikes in Magic Mountain?
There are no hikes — Magic Mountain is a theme park, not a mountain trail. The walking you do is between rides on paved paths. If you want actual trails, look at the Santa Clarita Valley region guide for the nearby open-space areas.
When is the best time to visit Magic Mountain?
November and the first half of December give mild days and the shortest queues. September weekdays are also good. Avoid July and August, when heat and school holidays combine, and expect heavy crowds on spring-break and holiday weekends.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, in practice. Dated online tickets are cheaper than gate prices and guarantee entry on busy days. Buy the parking pass at the same time to save a stop at the toll booth.
Is there a hotel at Magic Mountain?
No. Unlike the Disney parks, Six Flags Magic Mountain has no on-site hotel. The closest rooms are in Santa Clarita and Valencia, 10–20 min away, with more choice in the San Fernando Valley.
How many roller coasters does Magic Mountain have?
More than any other park in the world — 19 by the park's own count, including Full Throttle, Goliath, Twisted Colossus, X², Tatsu, Viper, Scream! and Superman: Escape from Krypton.
Can I bring my own food?
Outside food and drink are not allowed inside the gate, though a refillable water bottle is generally fine. Expect fast-food quality at park prices; budget about US$20 for lunch for two without drinks.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go