Travel back in time to the era of the Gold Rush and race through canyons and cliffs of the deserted mining town of Tumbleweesd in a runaway mining train. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad located in Frontier land is inspired by scenes from the southwest such as Bryce Canyon and Arizona's Monument Valley. Big Thunder was the vision of imaginer Tony Baxter (no relation). The ride opened in 1979 and was a big hit! Built over the location of the "Mine Through Nature's Wonderland" the small town overlooking the loading area is part of the original town from Natures Wonderland. Miners havening a good time in the saloon and a player piano can be heard as you roll back into the station.

Here's a couple little know facts about Big Thunder:

• A crate by the stairs reads "Baxter Boring Co."
• Look a the Goat and pick up your feet for fun thrill as you race down around the Mountain
• Big Thunder was the first ride at Disney Land to utilize "computer-aided design" in it's design
• The Name Big Thunder is derived from the name of a waterfall on Natures Wonderland.