STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission

The STRAT Tower puts amusement-park rides where you least expect them: hundreds of feet above the Las Vegas Strip. Big Shot fires you 160 feet upward at 45 mph, while X-Scream sends you headfirst over the edge of the SkyPod. The height changes everything. Even a short ride feels serious when the Strip is far below your feet.

I like the package for two reasons. First, it combines the rides with access to the SkyPod observation deck, so you get time for wide views of Las Vegas instead of paying only for a few seconds of motion. Second, the ticket can be good value at $33, especially if you choose two rides or catch a quiet period and ride more than once.

The main catch is that Insanity is closed indefinitely, so the available ride choice is currently Big Shot or X-Scream. This is also a high-speed experience with strong vertical forces, and the outdoor height can make cold or windy conditions uncomfortable.

Key points to know before you go

• Big Shot launches from 921 feet: You shoot up the tower mast to about 1,081 feet, reaching 45 mph in seconds.
• X-Scream hangs over the Strip: The car teeter-totters 27 feet beyond the SkyPod edge from a height of 866 feet.
• The $33 ticket includes the view: Observation-deck admission is part of the package, not an extra add-on.
• Insanity is currently closed: Plan on Big Shot and X-Scream only, based on the current information.
• Height and age rules matter: Big Shot requires you to be at least 48 inches tall, and anyone 15 or younger needs a parent or legal guardian.
• Sunset and nighttime are strong choices: The rides pair dramatic height with changing views of the Strip and Las Vegas Valley.

The STRAT SkyPod turns a ride into a full outing

The STRAT is famous for its height, but the best way to approach this ticket is as two experiences in one. You first head up to the SkyPod, then choose your ride, with time to look out across Las Vegas from the observation areas.

At roughly 1,149 feet above the Strip, the view is the calm part of the visit. You can look over the Las Vegas Valley, watch the city lights come on, and use the large touch screens to identify sights in the distance. That matters because the rides themselves are brief. The observation deck gives you time to slow down and enjoy the setting.

I would allow more time than the ride duration alone suggests. The ticket is valid for one day, and the best value comes from treating the STRAT as a stop rather than a quick mechanical thrill. Arriving before sunset gives you daylight views, a changing sky, and the night-time glow of the Strip in one visit.

The observation deck also helps if your group has mixed opinions about thrill rides. One person can watch from the deck while another rides, then you can switch roles. The height is still part of the experience, even for anyone who decides not to board.

Big Shot sends you 160 feet above the tower

Big Shot is the most direct and forceful of the two available attractions. You strap in at a platform about 921 feet high, then the ride fires you 160 feet upward along the tower mast. At its highest point, you reach around 1,081 feet above the ground.

The launch reaches 45 mph in a matter of seconds. You get a sharp burst of upward force, a brief moment at the top, and the return movement. It is not a long ride, but the speed and open height make those seconds count.

I would pick Big Shot first if you want the clearest, strongest thrill. The motion is easy to understand: you go up fast, then come back down. That simplicity makes it a good choice for someone who is nervous but still wants to try one ride. It also makes it easy to ride again if your ticket allows it and the wait is short.

Nighttime is especially effective on Big Shot. The city lights spread below you as the ride rises, and the contrast between the dark sky and the bright Strip adds to the sensation. Daytime gives you a broader look at the valley, so the best time depends on your priority: wide desert views in daylight or glowing Las Vegas lights after dark.

Big Shot does require riders to be at least 48 inches tall. You must remain seated, and loose items have to go into the provided storage bins. Do not arrive with the idea of holding a phone for a photo. The ride is designed for attention, restraint, and a secure seat.

X-Scream puts the edge beneath your feet

X-Scream uses height in a different way. Instead of shooting straight upward, the car moves out over the side of the SkyPod. From about 866 feet high, it teeter-totters 27 feet beyond the edge, sending you headfirst toward the open air before pulling you back.

The ride’s motion is shorter and more visual than Big Shot. You see the edge approaching, then feel the car pause beyond it. The view below is not a distant backdrop. It becomes the whole point of the ride.

I like X-Scream for people who find anticipation more frightening than speed. Big Shot gives you a powerful launch, while X-Scream gives you the slow mental countdown of moving over the rim. You are not simply looking down from a deck. The ride places the car beyond the building, then repeats the movement.

One practical note: X-Scream can feel brief. That is not necessarily a problem at this price, since observation-deck access is included, but you should know what you are buying. If you want a longer amusement-park ride, this may feel too short on its own. If you want a concentrated burst of fear with a remarkable view, it does the job.

Insanity is closed, so check the ride choice carefully

The package information describes three attractions, but Insanity is currently closed indefinitely due to maintenance. Do not plan your visit around riding it.

When operating, Insanity spins riders at about 3 Gs while suspending them from the SkyPod. That description explains why it has been part of the STRAT’s reputation, but it is not part of the current practical plan. Your available choice is Big Shot or X-Scream, with the ticket option determining if you receive one or two rides.

This is worth checking at booking and again before your visit. If you are comparing the ticket with an older description of the STRAT rides, the current closure changes the experience. You are still paying for a high-altitude view and access to the available attractions, but not for all three rides.

How much value does the $33 ticket offer?

At $33 per person, the ticket makes the most sense when you want both the view and at least one ride. Buying only an observation-deck visit may suit someone who dislikes rides, while paying for a ride package makes sense for anyone who wants a proper STRAT experience.

The value improves with the two-ride option. Big Shot and X-Scream offer different kinds of motion, so riding both gives you a fuller visit instead of repeating the same sensation. If you are particularly keen on Big Shot, check the selected ticket carefully before booking, since the package offers one or two rides depending on the option.

Some visitors have found the ride area quiet enough to repeat Big Shot many times in about an hour. That will depend on operating conditions, staffing, and the line on your visit, so I would not count on unlimited access. Still, a short wait can make a second ride a pleasant bonus.

The ticket is also reported as cheaper than buying at the venue in some cases. Prices can change, but the basic value calculation is simple: admission to the SkyPod plus one or two serious rides for $33 is reasonable for Las Vegas, especially if you spend time at the observation deck.

Food and drinks are not included. That is easy to manage, but remember it if you are planning a longer visit around sunset or nighttime. The package is for the tower and rides, not a meal or drink deal.

Plan your timing around light, weather, and closing times

Sunset is the most useful time for a first visit. You can see the valley in daylight, watch the colors change, and stay for the Strip’s night-time glow. The SkyPod’s touch screens also make more sense when you have time to study the view rather than rushing straight to a ride.

Night rides are popular for good reason. Big Shot above the illuminated Strip creates a sharper visual contrast, and the height feels even more dramatic when the ground is covered in lights. If you are staying in Las Vegas for more than one evening, you might prefer to visit during the day and return at night, but the ticket is valid for one day rather than an open-ended return period.

Pay attention to the operating schedule. One recent experience had a last call around 9:30 p.m., with the rides shutting down before 10 p.m. The exact hours may vary, but you should not leave this attraction until the final part of the evening and assume you can still ride.

Cold weather is another real consideration. The observation deck and ride platforms are high above the Strip, and an unlimited or multi-ride ticket is less useful if you are too cold to stay outside. Wear something suitable for the conditions, especially if you plan to spend time taking in the views.

What to expect at the entrance and ride area

You need to get your ticket at the main entrance before going up to the observation-deck desk. This detail can save you a confusing return trip. Once you reach the SkyPod level, look for the ride access point and follow the staff instructions.

The experience is in English, and an English-speaking host or greeter is listed. No guided tour or named guide is part of the activity. You are there for the tower, views, and rides rather than a narrated city tour.

The ride process is straightforward but strict. Remove loose objects from your pockets and place them in the storage bins. Stay seated throughout the ride. These rules are especially important at this height, where a dropped item cannot simply be retrieved.

Anyone 15 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. The rides are not recommended for people with physical, mental, or medical limitations. High speed, vertical forces, and height are not minor details here. If you have a health concern, decide before booking rather than at the platform.

Who will enjoy this experience most?

I would recommend the STRAT package to you if you want a compact thrill with a strong sense of place. The city below is not decoration. It changes how Big Shot and X-Scream feel, and it gives non-riders something worthwhile to do.

It suits:

• First-time Las Vegas visitors who want a high view with a proper adrenaline ride
• Couples or friends who enjoy comparing different kinds of fear
• Families with older children who meet the height and supervision rules
• Night owls who want a Strip view after dark
• People who prefer a short, intense ride rather than a full amusement-park day

I would be more cautious if you dislike heights, strong acceleration, or the feeling of moving beyond a building’s edge. The rides are not gentle sightseeing attractions. Even people who do not usually scare easily may find the open height powerful.

For a mixed group, the observation deck makes the ticket more flexible. You can enjoy the view without riding, but the price is harder to justify if nobody in your group plans to use the attractions.

Small tips that make the visit better

Choose Big Shot if you want a fast upward launch. Choose X-Scream if the idea of hanging beyond the edge sounds more frightening than being fired into the sky.

If you are nervous, start with the observation deck. Look out, get used to the height, and decide from there. You can also watch the rides before boarding, which gives you a better sense of their speed and motion.

Do not count on using your phone on the ride. Store it securely, then enjoy the few seconds without trying to record them. The view is more memorable when you are actually looking at it.

If you buy a two-ride option, use the difference between the attractions. Big Shot followed by X-Scream gives you a launch and an over-the-edge movement, rather than two nearly identical rides.

Allow time for the observation decks, including the indoor areas and touch screens. A quick ride-only visit wastes much of what makes the STRAT unusual.

Should you book the STRAT Tower thrill rides?

Book it if you want one of Las Vegas’s most unusual combinations: a major city view and amusement rides high above the Strip. At $33, the package offers fair value when you use the observation deck and choose two rides, and Big Shot is the strongest pick for a first ride.

Choose a different activity if your main goal is a long ride, a relaxed sightseeing tour, or a full three-attraction package. Insanity is closed indefinitely, X-Scream is brief, and the rides can be intense.

For most people who enjoy heights and speed, I would choose the two-ride option, arrive before sunset, see the valley in daylight, and finish with Big Shot or X-Scream after the lights come on. Just check the current ride status and closing time before you set out.

FAQ

How much does STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission cost?

The listed price is $33 per person.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day. You should check availability for the available starting times.

What does the ticket include?

It includes access to the SkyPod observation deck and a choice of one or two rides on Big Shot and X-Scream, depending on the selected ticket option.

Is the Insanity ride open?

No. Insanity is currently closed indefinitely due to maintenance.

How tall must I be to ride Big Shot?

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

Can children visit the rides alone?

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