A historic piece of theme park history has been transformed into a one of a kind adventure attraction at SkyPark at Santa’s Village in California. The B Rail, which opened in December, gives visitors the chance to ride a suspended mountain bike along the former Bumble Bee Monorail track while experiencing views from high above the forest.
The rider powered attraction places guests on a single person mountain bike suspended from the elevated track. Instead of relying on motors, riders pedal themselves through the course and control their own speed while traveling through the treetops.
From Santa’s Village Landmark To Modern Adventure Ride
The B Rail is built on the remains of the original Bumble Bee Monorail, a signature attraction from the early days of Santa’s Village. The California theme park first opened in 1955, becoming a popular roadside destination filled with fairytale characters and family rides.
The Bumble Bee Monorail debuted in 1961 and carried guests above the park on a suspended track that reached heights of approximately 45 feet. The ride was designed as a prototype for the larger suspended monorail system later featured at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
After decades of operation, Santa’s Village closed in 1998 and the property was left abandoned for years. The site was eventually purchased in 2014 by Bill and Michelle Johnson, who began restoring the historic park. It reopened as SkyPark at Santa’s Village in 2016 with outdoor recreation, mountain biking, seasonal events, and family attractions.
A New Style Of Theme Park Experience
SkyPark co-owner Bill Johnson helped lead the development of the B Rail with the goal of keeping the original monorail infrastructure alive while creating something different from traditional amusement rides.
The attraction was designed with assistance from fabrication and engineering specialists, including members of the cycling industry. The suspended bikes were built specifically for the ride and underwent extensive testing before opening to the public.
The result is an attraction that combines elements of mountain biking, aerial adventure courses, and classic amusement rides. Riders are given an open view of the surrounding landscape while pedaling along a historic elevated track.
SkyPark At Santa’s Village Offers Year Round Mountain Adventure
Located in the San Bernardino Mountains near Lake Arrowhead, SkyPark at Santa’s Village has evolved from a theme park into a year round outdoor recreation destination. The park combines its holiday themed history with activities focused on adventure, including mountain biking, ice skating, hiking, climbing, zip lines, seasonal events, and family entertainment.
The restoration of the property has focused on blending the charm of the original Santa’s Village with modern outdoor experiences. The addition of attractions like the B Rail continues the park’s effort to create memorable activities while preserving pieces of its past. For visitors looking for a unique destination beyond traditional amusement parks, SkyPark offers a mix of nostalgia, mountain scenery, and active outdoor experiences.