STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission - The Rides: Big Shot and X-Scream

STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission

If you’re looking for a dose of adrenaline with a spectacular view, the STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission offers a bold blend of high-speed excitement and breathtaking vistas. Priced at $34 per person, this experience packs a punch into just one day, making it an accessible and memorable addition to your Las Vegas itinerary. You’ll visit the iconic tower, which is the tallest of its kind west of the Mississippi, and get a chance to test your nerve on some seriously daring rides.

What we love most about this experience is how close you get to Vegas’s skyline from over 1,100 feet up, combined with the adrenaline rush of Big Shot and X-Scream. These rides are designed for thrill-seekers, but with safety and fun kept in mind. Also, the spectacular views of the Strip at sunset or night make it worth every penny. However, it’s important to note that Insanity is currently closed for maintenance, so double-check availability before you go.

This experience suits those who love adventure, adults or teens at least 48 inches tall, and anyone eager to see Las Vegas from a new, exhilarating perspective. It’s perfect for visitors wanting a quick, adrenaline-fueled stop that combines views, thrill rides, and a sense of daring. If you’re after a laid-back sightseeing experience, this might not be your best bet, but for thrill lovers, it’s hard to beat.

Key Points

STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission - Key Points

  • Height & Views: Offers sweeping vistas from 1,149 feet above the Strip, perfect for photo ops and sightseeing.
  • Adrenaline Rides: Features Big Shot and X-Scream, both known for their intense thrill factor.
  • Price & Value: At $34, it’s a cost-effective way to combine thrill rides with panoramic views.
  • Ride Restrictions: Riders must be at least 48 inches tall; not suitable for those with certain medical or physical limitations.
  • Availability & Flexibility: You can reserve tickets in advance with a full refund up to 24 hours prior.
  • Current Status: The Insanity ride is temporarily closed, so plan accordingly.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Location and Setting

STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission - Location and Setting

The STRAT Tower dominates the Las Vegas skyline, perched on the northern end of the Strip. Its towering presence is visible from most parts of the city, and experiencing it from the top offers a different perspective—one that combines the glittering lights of Vegas with the thrill of being so high above everything else.

When you arrive, you’ll find the observation deck, known as the SkyPod, accessible with your ticket. It’s an iconic spot not just for the thrill rides but also for panoramic 360-degree views of the city and surrounding mountains. The tower’s height of 1,149 feet makes it an unbeatable vantage point, especially at sunset or night, as several reviews mention.

The Rides: Big Shot and X-Scream

STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission - The Rides: Big Shot and X-Scream

The highlight for many visitors is the chance to test their bravery on the tower’s signature thrill rides.

Big Shot is the most straightforward adrenaline hit—being shot 160 feet straight up at 45 miles per hour in seconds. The feeling of being launched skyward, with the Las Vegas valley spreading out beneath you, is a wild mix of fear and awe. Several reviewers have called it “incredible,” noting that it’s worth every penny for the rush and the view at the apex.

X-Scream offers a different kind of thrill—teetering you over the edge of the tower from 866 feet high. It’s a roller coaster-like ride but with a twist: you’re essentially hanging over the side of the tower, leaning forward as the ride pushes you over the edge, then pulls you back. One reviewer described it as “great fun,” especially if you’re brave enough to lean into the experience.

Insanity, another popular ride, was temporarily closed at our review time. It’s a ride that spins and dangles you over the edge of the tower, generating 3 Gs of force. Many consider it the most intense of the rides, but check availability beforehand.

The Experience and Atmosphere

STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission - The Experience and Atmosphere

From the moment you purchase your tickets, the process is straightforward. You can reserve in advance with the “reserve now, pay later” option, allowing some flexibility. The admission includes access to the observation deck, along with your choice of one or two rides, depending on your ticket selection.

Once at the top, expect spectacular panoramic views that stretch beyond the Strip, with vistas that are especially stunning at sunset or night. Several visitors rave about the view from the tower, calling it “the best view of Vegas,” with some even mentioning how the night scenery was especially breathtaking.

The rides themselves are fast, thrilling, and safe—though not suitable for everyone. The rides generate high vertical G-forces and are not recommended for guests with certain medical limitations. All loose objects must be stored safely, and you’ll remain seated throughout.

What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a clear picture of the overall experience. Ethan from the UK called the Big Shot “incredible,” especially at night, giving it a perfect score. Hemant from India described the height as “amazing,” emphasizing the thrill of being so high. A visitor from the US shared that the rides were “well worth the money” and that the views are unbeatable.

Many reviewers highlight the value, noting that tickets purchased online are often cheaper than at the door—a good tip for budget-conscious travelers. One visitor humorously mentioned the thrill of “hanging off the building,” capturing how daring and fun these rides are.

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Practical Considerations

STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission - Practical Considerations

  • Height Requirements: You must be at least 48 inches tall to ride Big Shot.
  • Age Restrictions: Guests 15 or younger need a parent or guardian.
  • Ride Status: Confirm if Insanity is operational before your visit.
  • Timing: Check availability for specific times; the experience lasts about a day.
  • Cost: At $34, the rides plus observation deck access are considered good value—especially when compared to prices at the venue.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission - Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure lovers, view enthusiasts, and those seeking a unique perspective of Las Vegas. It’s particularly suited for teenagers and adults who enjoy high-speed rides and a bit of daring. If you’re not comfortable with heights or speed, or have health considerations, it might be best to skip the rides but still enjoy the spectacular views from the observation deck.

The STRAT Tower Thrill Rides offer a combination of breathtaking views and adrenaline-pumping rides at a reasonable price point. The panoramic vistas provide a lasting memory, while the rides deliver the kind of thrill that gets your heart pounding and your adrenaline flowing.

The value for money is solid, especially since you get access to both the observation deck and the rides in one package. The staff and guides are generally praised for their professionalism, making the experience smooth and safe.

However, keep in mind that Insanity is currently unavailable, and the rides are not for the faint of heart or those with certain medical issues. It’s a must-do for thrill-seekers or those wanting a high-altitude adventure with spectacular views.

If you love life’s big highs and breathtaking scenery, this experience will hit the mark. For travelers seeking relaxed sightseeing, it might be a little too daring, but for most, it will be a highlight of your Vegas trip.

Can I buy tickets on the day of my visit?
Yes, tickets are available for same-day purchase, but buying online in advance often secures a better price.

Is the ride suitable for children?
Riders must be at least 48 inches tall, and those 15 or younger need an adult. The rides are intense, so consider your child’s comfort with heights and speed.

What if I have medical limitations?
The rides are fast and generate high G-forces; it’s not recommended for guests with certain health issues or physical limitations.

How long does the entire experience last?
The experience is designed to fit into a single day, with the rides and observation deck visit typically lasting a few hours.

Can I do just the observation deck without rides?
Yes, the ticket includes access to the SkyPod observation deck if you prefer sightseeing over rides.

Is the Insanity ride open?
At the time of this review, Insanity is closed for maintenance. Confirm availability before your visit.

What is the best time to visit for the views?
Sunset and night provide the most stunning vistas, with the city lit up below.

Are there lockers or storage for loose objects?
Yes, all loose items must be stored in provided bins before rides.

Is there a dress code?
Casual clothing is fine, but consider weather and comfort since you’ll be outdoors at the top.

How does the pricing compare to other Las Vegas attractions?
At $34, it’s quite reasonable considering the combination of thrill rides and panoramic views, especially compared to more expensive attractions.

To sum it up, the STRAT Tower Thrill Rides offer a unique blend of heart-rumping rides and incredible vistas, making it perfect for those craving a quick dose of adventure and awe. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker eager to test your limits or a sightseer wanting the best view of Vegas, this experience promises memories that will last long after your trip. Just remember to check ride availability and come prepared for some high-energy fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: