Experience a vacation in a vacation at Disney’s California Adventure with Grizzly Peak, and enjoy shopping, dining, rides, & more with a mountain retreat theme.
Grizzly Peak is essentially the Adventureland of DCA. Designed to look like a quintessential California National Park, it exudes outdoorsy, camplike, nature vibes.Â
I love this section of the park, and it would typically be our first stop on a Disney day. Located just around the corner from Buena Vista Street, the tall trees and scenic landscape give you the impression you’ve just escaped on vacation.
Before you embark upon all this land has to offer, I suggest a quick stop at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe, where you can grab a Starbucks to go. Once back outside, take a deep breath in, and relish the woodsy smell of a mountaintop retreat.
Although smaller than some of the other lands in Disney’s California Adventure, Grizzly Peak has worthwhile dining and shopping offerings. In addition, it’s home to a few rides and attractions you definitely won’t want to miss!
2023 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Guide - On Sale for $4.99
Dining in Grizzly Peak
Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
There’s one quick service restaurant within this section of the park, where you can sit down and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner. It’s the first building you’ll come across as you enter into the land.
Themed like an airplane hangar, Smokejumpers Grill serves a variety of American comfort food favorites that are absolutely delicious! One thing I love about this restaurant is the hearty portion sizes that always hit the spot, especially after walking through the parks all day.
The menu is incredibly comprehensive, complete with tantalizing entrees ranging from sandwiches and burgers, to mac ‘n cheese and salads. There are also a variety of kids’ meal options, as well as allergy-friendly offerings, desserts, and alcoholic beverages.
You can find this stylized popcorn cart right next to Smokejumpers Grill. Photo by Kurdt Long
Aside from the grill, there’s a popcorn stand nearby, where you can purchase souvenir popcorn buckets and soft drinks. There’s also a churro stand near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, that serves up some delicious, funky flavors, especially during the holidays.Â
Shopping in Grizzly Peak
Photo by Kurdt Long
There are two shops within the Grizzly Peak area of DCA.Â
Humphrey’s Service and Supplies is located near Smokejumpers Grill, and offers a wide variety of souvenirs. This is a great place to pick up something for kids, because its games, toys, apparel, and accessories all have a wilderness/exploration theme.
One of my favorite stores in DCA is Rushin’ River Outfitters. Located next to Grizzly River Run, its mountain lodge/wood cabin design, making it a cozy little spot to do some meandering.
This quaint little shop offers unique outdoorsy apparel, housewares, collectible pins, and even ponchos to help you avoid getting wet on Grizzly River Run. During the holidays, it boasts some of the most beautiful, festive Disney merchandise, which is something I always looked forward to every year.
Planning your own trip to see Grizzly Peak? Get your dates straight using our 2022 Disney World wall calendar, 16 months of beautiful photography and Disney history. We’ve sold out the last two years, so get your order in before it’s too late!
Rides and Attractions in Grizzly Peak
Photo by Kurdt Long
There are a couple rides in Grizzly Peak that are fan favorites among park-goers. Also within this area, are some super, unique attractions that you may not expect to find within a Disney Park.
Grizzly Peak would not be complete without it’s most popular attraction, Soarin’ Around the World. This amazing ride is an enjoyable, interactive experience for adults and kids alike.
If you’ve ever wanted to fly, now’s your chance! Soarin’ literally takes you up into the air, sending you through some of the most beautiful wonders of the world.
At the end of your journey, you will glide above Disneyland Park itself. I don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say, the finale brings with it a touching moment that doesn’t leave a dry eye in the house.Â
No matter how many times I’ve ridden this, it always ends with a thunderous applause from the audience. There’s nothing quite like it!
Photo by Kurdt Long
For more adventurous, thrill seeking types, you won’t want to miss Grizzly River Run. Hop on board an 8-person raft for the whitewater rapids ride of your life.
As you drift through the lazy river, you’ll pass through an old mining company. But don’t let the smooth sailing fool you, as you travel along, there will be plenty of spinning, as well as multiple drops to get your adrenaline going.Â
Oh, and I can guarantee, you will get wet, so–
Pro Tip: Make sure to pick up a poncho first, if you want your clothes to stay dry.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Grizzly Peak
Photo by Kurdt Long
Last, but certainly not least, I recommend a visit to the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, aka Wilderness Explorer, especially if you have children. This is the perfect spot for mom and dad to relax, enjoy their coffee, and let their kids burn off some energy.
This section of the park is home to some of the fondest memories I have of my son’s childhood. In fact, Wilderness Explorer is the very place he learned how to walk.
As you enter, you are greeted by a park ranger who hands you a map with a handful of fun activities to explore. Upon its completion, you’re awarded a sticker badge, so make sure to check back with the ranger before you leave.Â
There are several fun and interactive activities available within this area. My son’s personal favorite was always the Sequoia Smokejumpers Training Tower, which dons a tire swing that soars across a zip line.Â
Photo by Kurdt Long
This is so much fun for kids, I wish I could experience it myself! Unfortunately for mom and dad, while most rides leave guests worrying if they’re tall enough, this attraction is the opposite. Not only is there an age restriction, there’s a height restriction as well.
Other activities in Redwood Creek include rock climbing (Pro Tip: Kids need closed shoes for this activity), log slides, a ropes course, and a cave, where you can find out what your spirit animal is. Don’t miss the hidden Mickey out front, it’s always a fun find.
Grizzly Peak at Disney’s California Adventure
Although its theming is not necessarily as Disney focused as other parts of the park, Grizzly Peak possesses an intoxicating personality, all its own. Complete with unique dining, shopping, rides, and attractions, its wilderness themed offerings provide you an escape from reality.Â
Perfectly suited for adults, children and families, if you enjoy nature and the outdoors, and want to feel like you’re getting away for a while, you will absolutely love Grizzly Peak at Disney’s California Adventure!
