Arizona's Tallest Waterslide Just Opened In Mesa — Nearly A Year Late

PHOENIX, AZ — After months of delays, Mesa's Golfland Sunsplash has finally unleashed its most ambitious attraction yet: The Riptide, a nine-story waterslide that now holds the title of tallest in Arizona.

The ride opened to the public in April 2026, roughly nine months behind its original July 4, 2025 debut.

A second delay pushed the opening to late August before the park ultimately missed that window too, making the April opening a long time coming for anyone who had been watching the construction tower over the park.

The Riptide sends groups of two to four riders down a 65-foot drop with twists and turns before launching them up a nearly vertical wall at the end, officials said.

There is a height requirement of 48 inches to ride.

The opening comes at a good time for the park, which is currently running weekend-only hours as it builds toward its full summer season.

Beginning May 25, Sunsplash will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Nightsplash evening hours running from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Sunsplash is located at 155 West Hampton Avenue, right off the US60.

For tickets and additional details, visit the Golfland Sunsplash website.