STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission

The real draw here is simple: you get a Las Vegas view from 1,149 feet, then ride a thrill attraction above the Strip. Big Shot fires you 160 feet upward at 45 mph, while X-Scream sends you headfirst over the edge from 866 feet above the ground.

I like the way the ticket combines the observation deck with the rides, so you get more than a quick burst of fear. I also like the price, about $33 per person, especially if you choose two rides and spend time taking in the indoor and outdoor views.

The catch is that these are short, high-speed rides with strong vertical forces, and Insanity is closed indefinitely because of maintenance. If you dislike heights or have physical, mental, or medical limitations, the observation deck may be a better choice than the rides.

Key points at a glance

• Big Shot launches you 160 feet upward: You rise from the 921-foot platform to about 1,081 feet at 45 mph.
• X-Scream tips over the SkyPod edge: The ride pushes you 27 feet beyond the tower before pulling you back.
• Your ticket includes the SkyPod observation deck: You can enjoy the indoor and outdoor viewing areas as part of the visit.
• You choose one or two rides: The available attractions are Big Shot and X-Scream. Insanity is currently closed.
• The best views come after dark or around sunset: Las Vegas lights add another layer to the experience, though daytime gives you a clearer look across the valley.
• Plan the check-in carefully: Pick up or confirm your ticket at the main entrance before going to the observation deck ride desk.

Why the STRAT rides feel different from ordinary amusement parks

The STRAT rides are not especially long. Their appeal comes from the setting. A fairground roller coaster can scare you with speed, twists, and noise. Here, the fear comes from knowing that the Las Vegas Strip is far below your feet.

The tower rises 1,149 feet, making it the tallest tower west of the Mississippi. The observation deck gives you a chance to get used to the height before you strap into anything. That matters. You can look out over the city, study the view, and decide how much adrenaline you actually want.

I like this mix of sightseeing and amusement ride. If one person in your group wants a photograph and another wants a serious thrill, both can get something from the same ticket. The deck is not just a waiting area. It is part of the experience.

The rides operate high above the Strip, so the sense of exposure is the main event. You do not need a long ride time for the height to make an impression. In fact, the short duration can be a benefit if you want a strong Las Vegas memory without spending half a day at an amusement park.

Big Shot: the fastest way to test your nerve

Big Shot is the ride to choose if you want a direct, vertical jolt. You are strapped into a seat on the tower platform, then shot 160 feet upward at 45 miles per hour. The ride rises from the 921-foot level to about 1,081 feet before dropping back down.

The motion is quick and forceful. There is no long approach or gentle build. Once the ride begins, the main action happens in seconds. You get the Las Vegas Valley below and around you, but your attention will probably be on the launch and the sudden change in height.

A minimum height of 48 inches, or 122 centimeters, applies to Big Shot. All loose items must go into the provided storage bins, and you remain seated throughout the ride. Remove anything that might fall from your pockets before boarding.

I would choose Big Shot first if you are unsure which ride suits you. It is easy to understand: you go up hard, come down, and repeat the sensation. Several people have found it exciting enough to ride twice, and some older ticket holders were able to ride many times when lines were light. Your current package, however, offers one or two rides, so check the exact option before paying.

Night rides bring the Strip’s lights into the view. During the day, you get a clearer look at the Las Vegas Valley and the desert around the city. If you want both types of scenery, check the operating times and plan your visit around sunset, but leave enough time for the ticket process and ride desk.

X-Scream: a slow pause over the edge

X-Scream creates a different kind of fear. Instead of firing you straight up, it moves like a giant teeter-totter at the SkyPod. The ride sends you headfirst 27 feet beyond the edge of the tower, where you hang above the Strip from about 866 feet high.

That pause over the edge is the point. The ride does not rely only on speed. It places you in a position that looks impossible from the observation deck, then pulls you back before sending you forward again.

I would pick X-Scream if the idea of leaning over the edge bothers you more than a vertical launch. Big Shot feels like a compact blast of force. X-Scream gives you more time to register where you are. Both are intense, but they frighten you in different ways.

The ride is short, according to one visitor who found it fun but brief. That is worth keeping in mind when weighing the price. You are paying for the combination of access to the SkyPod and one or two ride experiences, not for a long amusement park session.

Insanity is not part of the current ride plan

The STRAT’s description includes Insanity, a ride that spins riders at up to 3 Gs while dangling from the SkyPod. However, Insanity is currently closed indefinitely for maintenance.

Do not book this attraction expecting three operating rides. The available package information specifies a choice of one or two rides on Big Shot and X-Scream. If Insanity reopens, operating details may change, so check the current conditions when you reserve.

This closure also changes how I would judge the ticket. If you were hoping to compare three different types of fear, you may find the choice narrower than expected. If Big Shot and X-Scream are enough for you, the experience still offers two very different rides plus the observation deck.

The SkyPod observation deck is worth your time

The rides get the attention, but the SkyPod view is a major part of the ticket’s value. At 1,149 feet, you can look across the Strip and the Las Vegas Valley from an unusual angle. The indoor and outdoor viewing areas give you space to recover between rides and see the tower from a sightseeing point of view.

Large touch screens help explain what you are looking at in the distance. That is useful because the view is wide, and it is not always obvious which part of the valley you are seeing. Give yourself time here rather than treating the deck as a corridor on the way to the rides.

Daylight is best for seeing the scale of the city and the surrounding desert. Sunset can give you changing colors and a gradual shift to city lights. Night is especially good for the Strip itself, with bright signs and traffic far below.

One practical point: you may need to confirm or collect your ticket at the main entrance before going up to the observation deck entrance and ride desk. Allow time for that sequence. It is an easy detail to miss, especially if you are eager to get upstairs.

Is $33 a good price for this experience?

At about $33 per person, the ticket is fairly priced if you use both parts of the experience: the SkyPod deck and two rides. A single ride followed by a quick exit gives you less value, although the height and view make even one ride memorable.

Your ticket includes access to the observation deck and a choice of one or two rides, depending on the option selected. Food and drinks are not included. The package does not provide a full-day amusement park with dozens of attractions, so compare it with what you actually want from your Las Vegas afternoon.

I would choose the two-ride option for most people who already know they enjoy thrill rides. Big Shot and X-Scream offer different sensations, and riding just one may leave you wondering what the other feels like. If you are cautious about heights, start with one ride and use the deck to decide if you want more.

Some older booking options described unlimited rides, and one visitor found time to ride Big Shot more than a dozen times when lines were short. Do not assume that benefit applies to the current $33 package. Read the selected ticket details carefully.

The price also makes sense for a group with mixed interests. A committed thrill seeker can ride, while someone who prefers views can stay on the observation deck. That flexibility is one of the better reasons to choose this over a ride-only admission.

Timing, check-in, and the cold-weather issue

The admission is valid for one day, and you select from available starting times. The experience itself does not require a full day, but I would avoid squeezing it between two tightly timed activities. The ticket process, trip to the deck, view stops, and possible wait for a ride all take more time than the ride itself.

A useful timing warning comes from a visitor who found that the last call was around 9:30 p.m., with rides shutting down before 10 p.m. Hours can change, so confirm the current schedule and arrive well before the final boarding period.

Weather can also affect how much you enjoy the visit. One visitor with an unlimited ticket found it too cold to ride more than once. You may be fine with the temperature, but an outdoor tower platform can feel very different from the casino floor below.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful if your Las Vegas plans are still moving around, but they do not remove the need to check the available starting time.

The host or greeter speaks English. No individual guide is named, and this is primarily a self-directed attraction rather than a guided tour. You receive the ride access and deck admission, then move through the venue on your own.

Who should ride, and who should stay on the deck?

I would recommend this for you if you enjoy short, intense amusement rides and want a view that feels more dramatic than a standard observation deck. Big Shot suits anyone who likes a straight upward launch. X-Scream suits anyone who wants the visual shock of moving beyond the tower’s edge.

It also works well for first-time Las Vegas visitors who want one compact activity with a strong sense of place. You get the city view, the famous Strip below, and two very different ways to experience the height.

You should think twice if you have a medical, physical, or mental limitation that could be affected by high-speed motion, vertical G-forces, or extreme height. The attraction itself warns that the rides are not recommended in those circumstances.

Anyone 15 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Big Shot has the 48-inch height requirement, and the available information does not give a separate height requirement for X-Scream, so confirm that detail if it matters for your group.

If you are nervous, begin with the observation deck. Look over the edge, watch the ride cycle, and decide if you want one ride or two. You do not need to prove anything by riding both.

Small tips that make the visit easier

• Secure loose items before boarding: Everything from your pockets goes into the provided storage bins.
• Build in view time: The indoor and outdoor areas, touch screens, and day-to-night scenery are a large part of the value.
• Try sunset if schedules allow: You may see the valley in daylight, then watch the Strip light up.
• Arrive early for late visits: One reported schedule had a final call around 9:30 p.m.
• Choose your ride order wisely: If you want the most direct introduction, start with Big Shot, then try X-Scream.
• Do not count on Insanity: It is closed indefinitely at present.
• Check the package type: One or two rides are available depending on the ticket, while food and drinks cost extra.

Should you book the STRAT thrill rides?

Book it if you want a sharp burst of fear paired with one of Las Vegas’s highest viewpoints. At $33, the ticket offers good value when you use the SkyPod deck and take two rides, especially if Big Shot and X-Scream appeal to you.

Skip it if you dislike extreme height, expect a long amusement ride, or specifically want Insanity. For everyone else, I would choose the two-ride option, arrive with time to spare, and visit around sunset or after dark for the strongest combination of views and adrenaline.

FAQ

How much does STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission cost?

The listed price is $33 per person.

How long is the ticket valid?

The admission is valid for one day.

What does the ticket include?

It includes access to the SkyPod Observation Deck at The STRAT and a choice of one or two rides on Big Shot and X-Scream, depending on the ticket selected.

Is Insanity operating?

No. Insanity is currently closed indefinitely due to maintenance.

How tall must you be to ride Big Shot?

You must be at least 48 inches, or 122 centimeters, tall to ride Big Shot.

Can children visit without an adult?

No. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and anyone age 15 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.