Diabolical Thrill Ride

Six Flags Fiesta Texas scares up world’s steepest-dive roller coaster

What’s touted as the steepest-dive roller coaster in the world is riding into Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio.

The roller coaster, Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger, will feature a “cliffhanger hold” that suspends riders as they head face-first down a 95-degree, beyond-vertical drop. Moments later, they’ll enter a 150-foot dive.

The coaster is set to debut in the summer of 2022.

“Six Flags Fiesta Texas continues to push the limits of thrill and innovation as we prepare to introduce the world’s steepest-dive coaster during our 30th anniversary season,” Jeffrey Siebert, president of the theme park, says in a July 28 news release. “Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger joins an already stellar lineup of record-breaking roller coasters, rides, and attractions.”

As guests line up for the ride, they will learn the story of Dr. Diabolical and her evil quest to create menacing creatures to frighten the world.

“To give her creations life, Dr. Diabolical constructed a machine to capture the essence of human adrenaline and fear,” according to the news release. “Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger features three 21-passenger trains that keep the adrenaline flowing as riders reach a height of 15 stories, then pause face-first before diving at 60 mph and flying through a variety of high-thrill experiences.”

The entire track measures 2,501 feet, or nearly half a mile.

Other elements of the ride include:

A second 75-foot, near-vertical drop following the beyond-vertical, 95-degree first drop.
An Immelmann inversion that sends riders into a half-loop followed by a half-twist. It ends with an opposite-direction, 180-degree turn.
A 270-degree zero-G roll.
Speeds up to 60 mph.

The coaster will be located in the theme park’s Crackaxle Canyon Screampunk District. The park, which opened in 1992, will require that a rider be at least 52 inches tall, or a little over 4.3 feet.

“Once you are exposed to this menacing machine, you shall live forever,” Fiesta Texas promises.

The new attraction is the steepest-dive coaster around.

$Dr. Diabolical\u2019s Cliffhanger$

Courtesy of Six Flags Fiesta Texas

The new attraction is the steepest-dive coaster around.

families vacation

an architect's dream

This stunning steel house is the No. 1 most 'wishlisted' Airbnb in Texas

Robert Bruno Steel House Airbnb in Ransom Canyon, Texas

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Have you ever wanted to stay the night inside an art sculpture?

A stunning architectural paradise just minutes outside of Lubbock is drawing attention as the most sought-after Airbnb property in Texas.

The vacation rental platform's 2026 list of the most "wishlisted" listings in the U.S. surveyed over 2,000 people to find which properties "offer a unique experience for every type of adventurer across all 50 states." More than half of all respondents said uniquely designed listings would attract them to previously overlooked destinations.

The Lone Star State's most desirable — and most fascinating — Airbnb listing is Architectural Marvel: Robert Bruno Steel House, a futuristic 2,200-square-foot three-story piece of art. Last year, the most wishlisted property was a shipping container treehouse in North Texas.

The structure was built and designed by sculptor and Texas Tech University professor Robert Bruno in 1973, but it wasn't quite finished by the time Bruno died in 2008 at the age of 63. The famous building and its history was extensively documented by Texas Monthly in 2022.

"The Robert Bruno Steel House is a one of a kind house and you will never see anything like it," the listing says. "Enjoy the beautiful sunrise on the balcony and the stunning sunset from the large windows."

Robert Bruno Steel House living room Experience the views from the comfort of the living room.Photo courtesy of Airbnb

The Steel House is a 20-minute drive east from Lubbock and about eight hours from Houston, located near Lake Ransom Canyon and offering beautiful views of the water.

The listing says it can accommodate up to eight guests across three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a spacious living room, and it offers in-unit washer and dryers for extended stays. Guests might become awestruck at the home's organic and unconventional design, the flood of natural light coming through stained glass windows, the sweeping staircases, and more.

"I first discovered this house in the mid[-]90s from an old 80s art magazine," one reviewer said. "This is truly a very rare sculptural an[d] architecture marvel to be able to stay in. The new interiors artfully compliment the design and are comfy. The view in the canyon is splendid through the windows. It was a true treasure and I’m glad it’s open to the public to be shared."

Robert Bruno Steel House bedroom Two of the Steel House bedrooms have queen size beds, while the third bedroom has a king.Photo courtesy of Airbnb

The property also boasts an abundance of local wildlife, such as deer and two great horned owls — which also means drones are prohibited on the premises for their protection.

Two-night minimum stays at the Robert Bruno Steel House in May 2026 start at about $585 per night, according to the listing.

From big cities to small towns, places in West Texas and the Panhandle are becoming popular under-the-radar destinations among travelers this year. Vacationers are also exploring the region's newly opened and expanding state parks to avoid visiting tourist traps during their adventures.

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