Grizzly Peak is a land at Disney's California Adventure, featuring some of my favorite rides. This area represents the great California outdoors, with its national parks, whitewater rafting, and soaring over California (or the world).

For an overview of California Adventure, go here.

Interesting Fact: Grizzly Peak is designed to resemble the iconic landscapes of California's Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Soarin' Around the World (or Over California)

I always make this my first ride of the day. If you are anything like me, you will go on this ride multiple times.

The ride changes from time to time. During our last visit, it was a trip around the world.

It simulates flying in a hang-glider above iconic world sites like the Pyramids, the Great Wall of China, or Iguazu Falls. It also flies over the Swiss Alps, Greenland, Sydney, and Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, to name a few.

The ride ends with a flight over Disneyland right in the middle of the fireworks show.

You can find Disney tickets here.

The amazing scenery passing right under your feet is so realistic, and the smells (yes! You heard it right: smells) are so refreshing that you can easily forget you are in a simulator. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and LightningLane Available

Tip: Some rides offer Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and LightningLane. It is a way to avoid long lines at some rides. Read more here.

Grizzly River Run

As you exit Soarin' Over California, turn right and walk towards Grizzly River Run. This is a whitewater rafting ride.

The attraction's name comes from Grizzly Peak, the bear-shaped mountain that the rapids flow around.

You are guaranteed to get wet on this ride, so go during warm weather or buy one of the plastic smocks to avoid the worst of the drenching.

If you brave the cold weather and get wet, there are drying booths right outside the ride's exit. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and LightningLane Available.

You can find Disney tickets here.

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

Right opposite Grizzly River Run, you will find this wilderness-themed play area. This place can be great fun for both kids and adults.

You can climb the rocks, glide on rock slides, climb up wooden lookout towers with rope bridges, or slide down a rope in a suspended tire.

Don’t forget to go through the Spirit Cave to discover your mystical animal spirit.

If you prefer to relax and let the kids run amuck, benches are available.

Tip: This play area is very large with many fun things to do. On the way in, inspect the large map to decide which way to go.