STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission

The STRAT puts two short, fierce thrill rides on top of the tallest tower west of the Mississippi. From the SkyPod, you can look across the Las Vegas Strip from 1,149 feet up, then strap into Big Shot or X-Scream and turn that view into part of the scare.

I like the excellent night views and the choice between a straight-up launch and a ride that sends you headfirst beyond the tower’s edge. At $33 per person, the package can be good value if you use both the observation deck and your included rides.

The main drawback is that Insanity is closed indefinitely, so this is currently a two-ride experience, not the full three-ride lineup. The rides are also brief, and cold, wind, medical limits, or closing times can affect how much you get from the ticket.

Key points to know before you go

• Big Shot launches from 921 feet to 1,081 feet: You shoot 160 feet upward at 45 mph in seconds, then drop back down.
• X-Scream hangs you beyond the tower: The ride teeter-totters from 866 feet above the Strip and sends you 27 feet over the edge.
• The SkyPod is part of the ticket: You get access to indoor and outdoor observation areas at 1,149 feet.
• Insanity is closed indefinitely: Do not buy this package expecting to ride all three original attractions.
• Big Shot requires a minimum height: You must be at least 48 inches, or 122 centimeters, tall.
• A $33 ticket can work well for repeat riders: The selected option determines whether you receive one or two rides on the available attractions.

The STRAT SkyPod puts the Strip under your feet

Your visit begins with the SkyPod, not the rides. The observation deck gives you a chance to get your bearings over Las Vegas before you hand your stomach over to the machinery.

At 1,149 feet, the view is the real reason to arrive with some time to spare. The Strip stretches below, and the surrounding Las Vegas Valley opens out in every direction. Go in daylight for a clear sense of the city and desert setting. Go at night for the familiar Strip lights, which add a very different mood to the ride experience.

The observation areas include indoor and outdoor space. That matters because the outdoor section makes the height feel more immediate, while the indoor area gives you a break if the wind or cold becomes uncomfortable. Large touch screens help explain what you are seeing in the distance, a useful touch if you want more than a quick photo stop.

I would allow time here before riding. One practical mistake is to rush straight to the ride desk, especially if you have never been inside The STRAT. The building can feel confusing at first, and one useful tip is to collect your ticket at the main entrance before going up to the observation entrance and ride desk.

Big Shot launches you 160 feet into the air

Big Shot is the clearest choice if you want a pure vertical blast. You sit in the ride at a platform 921 feet high, then shoot up the tower mast to 1,081 feet at 45 miles per hour.

The motion is simple but powerful. You are propelled upward 160 feet in a matter of seconds, pause at the top of the launch, and return toward the starting point. The view changes quickly from Strip panorama to open sky and back again.

I like Big Shot for its directness. You do not need to wonder what will happen next. The restraint locks, the tower fills your view, and the ride fires you upward. For many people, this is the highlight of the visit, and it is easy to understand why. The height adds real tension even though the ride itself is short.

Night rides add another layer. The Strip lights are visible below while the ride throws you above the tower platform. If you are choosing only one ride, Big Shot is the best all-around pick for a fast burst of height, speed, and views.

You must be at least 48 inches tall to ride. Anyone 15 or younger must also be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

X-Scream tips you over the edge

X-Scream uses the height in a different way. Instead of sending you straight up, it moves a car back and forth on a track near the SkyPod, then pushes you headfirst 27 feet over the edge from 866 feet above the Strip.

The effect is a teeter-totter motion with a long pause in the wrong-looking place. As the car extends beyond the tower, you dangle above Las Vegas before being pulled back and sent forward again. The ride does not need a long track or a fast circuit. The height does most of the work.

I find X-Scream better suited to people who dislike the idea of a sudden launch but still want a serious scare. That does not make it gentle. Seeing the car move beyond the building gives the ride its punch, and the pause over the edge can be more unsettling than a simple drop.

It is also a good second ride after Big Shot. Big Shot gives you a vertical jolt. X-Scream gives you the sensation of being placed outside the building. If your ticket includes one ride on each, use them both because they offer two distinct kinds of fear.

The ride is short, so set your expectations accordingly. You are paying for the setting, the height, and the concentrated burst of adrenaline, not a long theme-park circuit.

Insanity is currently unavailable

The original package description refers to three SkyPod thrill rides, including Insanity. That is no longer the practical situation. Insanity is closed indefinitely for maintenance, so you should plan around Big Shot and X-Scream only.

This is important when comparing tickets or deciding if the price feels right. The missing ride does not ruin the visit, since the observation deck and two remaining rides still provide a strong experience. But you should not assume that an option described as access to the thrill rides means all three are operating.

If Insanity reopens in the future, check the current ticket details before booking. For now, judge the experience on the two available rides.

What the $33 price really gives you

At $33 per person, the value depends on how you use the ticket. You receive access to the SkyPod Observation Deck and a choice of ticket option that includes one or two rides on Big Shot and X-Scream. Food and drinks are not included.

For a single ride and a quick look at the view, the price may feel high compared with an ordinary observation deck. The rides are brief, and someone who dislikes high-speed motion may spend more time watching than riding.

For a person who wants both the view and the thrill rides, the calculation is better. You are combining an observation experience with a memorable piece of Las Vegas entertainment. If your chosen option gives you two rides and queues are light, repeating Big Shot or X-Scream can make the ticket feel much stronger.

Several practical details affect value. The rides may stop before you have used every possible turn, and cold weather can make repeat rides unpleasant. One account describes an unlimited option, but the details supplied for this experience specify one or two rides, depending on the ticket selected. Read your exact option carefully rather than assuming unlimited access.

Food and drinks cost extra. There may be opportunities to buy drinks at The STRAT, but they are not part of this admission.

Timing your visit for views and queues

The experience is valid for one day, with starting times subject to availability. You can make the visit work in daylight, around sunset, or after dark.

Sunset is the most useful compromise if you want changing views. You can see the city in daylight, watch the colors shift, and then look down on the Strip as the lights come on. It is also the time to expect the most interest, so leave room in your schedule.

Night is especially good for Big Shot. The lights below give you a strong sense of height, and the ride feels more dramatic when you cannot see as much of the ground. Daytime gives you a clearer view of the valley and surrounding desert.

Pay attention to closing times. One visitor found that the last call was at 9:30 p.m. and that the rides shut down before 10 p.m. Hours can change, so do not leave the rides until the final part of your evening. Check the available start time and arrive with enough time for entry, the observation deck, and the ride desk.

If the weather is cold, take that seriously. An unlimited or repeat-ride option has less value if you are too uncomfortable to stay outside. The observation deck can still be worthwhile, but dress for an exposed high-rise setting rather than a casino interior.

Safety rules and who should skip the rides

This is a high-speed experience with strong vertical forces at extreme height. You must remain seated, and all loose objects must come out of your pockets and go into the provided storage bins.

That means securing phones, wallets, sunglasses, hats, and anything else that could fall. Do not plan on holding a phone during the ride for photos. The storage rule is simple, but it is worth knowing before you reach the seat.

The experience is not recommended for people with physical, mental, or medical limitations. If you have doubts about high-speed motion, vertical G-forces, or exposure to height, the observation deck may be the better part of the visit. You can still enjoy the view without forcing yourself onto a ride that does not suit you.

Families should check the rules before booking. Big Shot has a 48-inch minimum height. Anyone aged 15 or younger must have a parent or legal guardian with them, and minors cannot attend unaccompanied.

There is no need to prove your courage. X-Scream and Big Shot are designed to frighten you, and the height is not a minor detail. If you feel uneasy at the platform, it is perfectly reasonable to watch first or stick with the SkyPod.

A simple plan for your visit

I would organize the day like this:

• Pick a time that gives you at least an hour for the SkyPod, ticket procedures, and rides.
• Collect your ticket at the main entrance before heading to the observation entrance.
• Spend a few minutes on the observation deck to see the Strip and use the touch screens.
• Ride Big Shot first if you want to get the sudden launch over with.
• Try X-Scream next for a slower, more visual scare over the edge.
• Return to the observation deck for photos and the changing city view.
• Do not wait until the final call, especially if you want a repeat ride.

The order is not mandatory, but Big Shot followed by X-Scream gives you a useful contrast. You begin with speed and vertical force, then move to the slower, dangling sensation of X-Scream.

If your ticket includes only one ride, choose Big Shot for the strongest all-purpose experience. Choose X-Scream if the idea of moving beyond the tower edge interests you more than being fired upward.

Who will enjoy this most

This is a good fit for you if you want a compact Las Vegas experience with a clear sense of place. The rides are not hidden inside a dark building. The Strip and valley remain part of the experience, and the height gives the visit a strong visual identity.

It also suits mixed groups. One person can enjoy the rides while another spends more time on the observation deck, provided the group follows the age and supervision rules. You do not have to ride both attractions to make use of the SkyPod.

It is less suitable if you want a long amusement-park session, a calm sightseeing stop, or a package with food included. The rides are brief, and the experience is built around intensity rather than comfort.

The overall rating is 4.1 out of 5 from 469 ratings, which fits the nature of the visit. People who want a major adrenaline hit tend to find the price worthwhile. People affected by cold, short operating windows, closures, or the limited ride lineup may feel less satisfied.

Should you book the STRAT thrill rides?

Book it if you want one of Las Vegas’s most unusual combinations: a high observation deck followed by a ride that uses the city far below as part of the view. Big Shot is my pick for the best first ride, while X-Scream is worth adding if you want a different kind of fear.

At $33, the package makes the most sense when you plan to use the SkyPod, ride both available attractions, and choose a time with good visibility. Check that your ticket includes the number of rides you want, remember that Insanity is closed, and arrive well before the last call.

Skip it if you are uncomfortable with height, strong vertical forces, or short rides at a premium setting. For everyone else, this is a focused, memorable stop that earns its place in a Las Vegas schedule, especially at sunset or after dark.

FAQ

How high is the STRAT SkyPod?

The SkyPod observation deck is 1,149 feet above the Las Vegas Strip.

Which rides are currently included?

The available rides are Big Shot and X-Scream. Insanity is closed indefinitely due to maintenance.

How high does Big Shot go?

Big Shot launches from a 921-foot-high platform to 1,081 feet, shooting you 160 feet upward at 45 miles per hour.

How does X-Scream work?

X-Scream teeter-totters from 866 feet above the Strip and propels you 27 feet over the edge of the tower before pulling you back.

Is there a minimum height for Big Shot?

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

Can children ride without an adult?

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