Ever since Knott’s Berry Farm closed its iconic Montezooma’s Revenge roller coaster in 2022, fans of the theme park have waited with bated breath to see the ride finally back in action after repeated delays.
This past April, The OC Register reported that the iconic 1970s-era coaster is finally expected to reopen this summer 2026, per Knott’s officials, although the park has not yet revealed an official opening date.
Originally called Montezooma’s Revenge, the newly revamped coaster will reopen as “MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress,” featuring a new backstory and refurbished ride features.
MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress
Montezooma’s Revenge, which opened in 1978 as the country’s first Schwarzkopf flywheel-launch shuttle loop coaster, holds a coveted designation as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark.
Knott’s shut it down in 2022 for extensive upgrades, missing the original expected 2023 reopening due to ongoing construction delays.
Construction involved removing the original flywheel launch hardware and much of the original track, and replacing it with new track that closely matches the old layout. The new coaster also features a modern launch and braking system that allows for randomized forward- and backward-facing launches.
Riders will discover a new backstory about doomed treasure hunters in an Aztec-themed world, embellished with brand-new station decor, entrance elements, signage, tunnels, and environmental details.
MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress is a principal attraction in Knott’s reopened Fiesta Village area, a colorful themed section of the park dedicated to California’s Spanish and Mexican roots.
We’ll be keeping an eye on Six Flags’ Knott’s Berry Farm website for updates about the summer 2026 opening.
