Raging Waters Los Angeles
Located in the city of San Dimas within Los Angeles County, Raging Waters Los Angeles is a premier destination for aquatic adventure. Spanning 60 acres, the park was described in 2011 as California's largest waterpark. Conveniently situated near SR 57 between Interstate 10 and Interstate 210, it has been a staple of Southern California summer entertainment since it first opened its gates on June 18, 1983.
Originally known as Raging Waters San Dimas, the park officially transitioned to its current name in 2016. Beyond its thrills, the park holds a place in cinematic history, having served as the inspiration for the waterpark scenes in the 1989 film Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. In early 2025, the park underwent a change in ownership, being sold briefly to Herschend Family Entertainment before being acquired by Lucky Strike Entertainment.
Key Facts
- Opening Date: June 18, 1983.
- Size: 60 acres.
- Location: San Dimas, Los Angeles County, CA.
- Notable Claim: Described as California's largest waterpark in 2011.
- Pop Culture: Inspired scenes in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.
Thrilling Water Slides and Attractions
The park offers a diverse array of slides catering to different thrill levels, utilizing advanced technology from manufacturers like ProSlide and WhiteWater.
High-Intensity Thrills
For those seeking adrenaline, the Aqua Rocket utilizes magnetic propulsion (a system that uses magnets to push the raft) to propel riders up hills. The Bombs Away attraction, which opened in 2023 to replace the Dropout slides, features two trapdoor slides: one with an enclosed loop and one with an open free-fall drop.
The Dark Hole was a pioneer in the industry as the first of its kind in the United States. This system consists of two tunnel slides with a 52-foot drop, sending two-person rafts through total darkness at speeds of 26 miles per hour. Similarly, Neptune’s Fury provides a pitch-black experience in a 600-foot raft slide that accommodates up to four people.
Other high-speed options include the High Extreme, featuring two 600-foot mat slides reaching 35 mph, and the Speed Slides, which consist of the Raging Rocket and Screamer body slides.
Unique Experiences and Family Fun
The Dragon's Den (debuted 2004) sends guests down a 45-foot tunnel into a 35-foot bowl before they exit through a secret tunnel. It can be ridden by two people or as a single-rider attraction. For a more controlled descent, Dr. Von Dark's Tunnel of Terror features a 40-foot drop into a dark tunnel and a mini-funnel.
Competitive spirits can head to the Ragin’ Racer, a ProSlide 8-lane mat racer with multiple drops. For those preferring a slower pace, the Amazon Adventure is a quarter-mile-long tropical river with a depth of 3 feet, where riders drift in rafts. Thunder Rapids offers a similar family-friendly experience as an open-air raft slide for up to five people.
The Bermuda Triangle creates a disorienting effect through three twisting tunnels that recycle over 2,500 gallons of water per minute.
Family and Children's Areas
Raging Waters provides several dedicated zones for younger guests to play safely.
Kid's Kingdom is a specialized playground featuring four small water slides designed for young children.
Little Dipper Lagoon serves as a splash area specifically tailored for toddlers and very young children, featuring a variety of small slides.
Other child-friendly areas include Volcano Fantasea, a volcano-themed zone, and Splash Island Adventure. The latter is an SCS Interactive playground boasting over 75 interactive features, four slides, and a massive 1,000-gallon tipping bucket.
Finally, the Wave Cove provides a classic beach experience, generating 3-foot-tall waves every 12 minutes.
Attraction Summary
| Attraction | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua Rocket | Magnetic Slide | Propels rafts up hills |
| Dark Hole | Tunnel Slide | 52-foot drop; 26 mph speed |
| High Extreme | Mat Slide | 600 feet long; 35 mph speed |
| Amazon Adventure | Lazy River | Quarter-mile tropical route |
| Wave Cove | Wave Pool | 3-foot waves every 12 minutes |
| Bombs Away | Trapdoor Slide | Free-fall and enclosed loop |
| Splash Island | Interactive Play | 1,000-gallon tipping bucket |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Raging Waters Los Angeles located?
The park is located in San Dimas, Los Angeles County, near SR 57 between Interstate 10 and Interstate 210.
What is the Aqua Rocket?
The Aqua Rocket is a ProSlide Hydro Magnetic slide that uses magnetic propulsion to push rafts up hills.
Are there attractions for toddlers?
Yes, the park features Little Dipper Lagoon, which is a splash area specifically designed for toddlers and very young children.
How fast do the High Extreme slides go?
The High Extreme mat slides can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.
What makes the Dark Hole slide unique?
The Dark Hole was the first slide of its kind in the United States, featuring a 52-foot drop through total darkness.
How often does the Wave Cove produce waves?
The Wave Cove produces waves that are 3 feet tall every 12 minutes.