Vertical Loop

The vertical loop is the most iconic inversion in roller coaster history — a complete 360-degree circle in the vertical plane that takes riders fully upside down at the apex. Modern loops use a clothoid (teardrop) shape rather than a perfect circle: the entry and exit sections of the loop are wider in radius, while the top is tighter. This geometry ensures smooth, sustained positive G-forces at the bottom and a brief negative-G moment at the top rather than the jarring spikes a perfect circle would produce.

The first modern loop coaster, Corkscrew at Knott's Berry Farm (1975), transformed the amusement industry. Today vertical loops anchor the inversion portfolios of coasters worldwide, from introductory looping coasters to record-breaking machines. Dragon Khan at PortAventura features eight loops — one of the highest counts on any European coaster. The sight of a train completing a loop remains one of the most immediately recognisable and crowd-drawing images in theme park marketing.