The Big Thunder Trail that wanders between Fantasyland and Frontierland is not only the place to find Big Thunder Ranch, it's a bit of a walk through Disneyland history. All around you are indications of elements from the park's past, from the surreys and buggies mentioned in yesterday's article to this Wanted poster for Alameda Slim from Disney's Home on the Range, left over from 2004, when the ranch was temporarily renamed "Little Patch of Heaven" to promote the film.
What most guests probably don't realize is that Big Thunder Trail also passes straight through the territory that was once Nature's Wonderland, the precursor to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The area was first traversed by Stagecoaches, Pack Mules and Conestoga Wagons, all of which were joined by the Mine Train in 1956 and operated until 1977 when Big Thunder was built.
Elements of the original attraction layout can still be found, though. Back along the trail is this natural arch, once part of the Living Desert scene. This and several other segments of Nature's Wonderland were directly inspired by Walt Disney's True-Life Adventures film series.
This boarded up tunnel and section of track once carried train passengers out toward the river and Cascade Peak. Two of the waterfalls on Cascade Peak (since removed) were named Big Thunder and Little Thunder, the origin of the name used for the whole area later on.
After passing the Rivers of America and Cascade Peak, the trains would then emerge from the tunnel below and cross a trestle bridge over Bear Country. It was here that a group of black bears could be found scratching their backs on the trees and grabbing for fish in the stream.
Part of the town of Rainbow Ridge has been preserved, too. The collection of buildings seen from the Big Thunder Mountain queue and along the final stretch of the ride was once found at the debarkation point for all the modes of transportation through Nature's Wonderland. This was also where you could sometimes spot Sheriff Lucky in hot pursuit of the nefarious Black Bart.
The sedate charms of Nature's Wonderland may have long ago been replaced by the thrills of runaway mine trains on Big Thunder Mountain, but close observers can still pick out some of the remnants of the past.
For a detailed look at Nature's Wonderland, be sure to check out this article over at the imagineeringdisney.com blog.
