STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission

Big Shot sends you skyward from a platform high above Las Vegas, then drops you back with the Strip spread out below. At The STRAT, the height is not just scenery: it is part of the ride, and it makes even a short burst of acceleration feel much bigger.

I like two things here: the view is part of the admission, so you can take time on the SkyPod observation deck even if you ride only once; and the attractions offer two distinct kinds of nerve test, from Big Shot’s vertical launch to X-Scream’s slow, exposed teetering over the edge. The main caveat is that Insanity is closed indefinitely, so the advertised three-ride mix is not available.

At a glance

• The SkyPod sits 1,149 feet above the Strip, with indoor and outdoor observation areas.
• Big Shot rises 160 feet at 45 mph, reaching a stated height of 1,081 feet.
• X-Scream rolls you headfirst over the tower’s edge from 866 feet up, then pulls you back.
• Your ticket includes the observation deck and one or two rides, depending on the option you choose.
• Insanity is closed indefinitely, so check which rides are operating before you book.
• The listed price is $33 per person, with food and drinks not included.

SkyPod views before the adrenaline

The STRAT is at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, and its tower gives you a different angle on the city from the hotel rooftops and street-level viewpoints. The SkyPod observation deck is 1,149 feet above ground. From that height, the Strip becomes a ribbon of lights and buildings, while the broad Las Vegas Valley opens out beyond it.

You do not have to ride to make the trip upstairs worthwhile. Admission includes access to the observation deck, so you can look around first, settle your nerves, and decide whether you want to strap in. Large touch screens on the deck help you identify what you are seeing in the distance, a useful feature when the valley stretches farther than your eye can easily sort out.

The view changes with the hour. In daylight, you can take in the desert setting and the scale of the city; after dark, the Strip’s lights make a more dramatic show. Sunset can be a good compromise, giving you daylight views first and the glow of evening as the sky changes. If you want to see both day and night, allow time for a longer stay rather than treating the tower as a quick ride stop.

Big Shot: a fast launch above the city

Big Shot is the clearest choice if you want a sharp, sudden burst of adrenaline. You are secured in a seat on a platform 921 feet above ground, then propelled 160 feet up the tower’s mast at 45 miles per hour. The ride reaches 1,081 feet before dropping back down.

The numbers explain the ride, but the setting is what gives it its punch. You are not launching from a normal amusement park platform. The city is already far below before the ride begins, and the quick vertical movement makes that height impossible to ignore. It is brief, but the force and open view can make a single ride feel like a full event.

Big Shot has a minimum height requirement of 48 inches, or 122 centimeters. You must stay seated, and loose items need to go into the storage bins before boarding. If the idea of sudden vertical acceleration sounds worse than the view sounds good, it is perfectly reasonable to enjoy the observation deck and skip the ride.

Some people find the first go intense enough; others want another turn once they know what to expect. If your ticket allows more than one ride, a repeat can be worthwhile, especially if queues are short. The ride itself does not last long, so the extra turn gives you a chance to enjoy the sensation again rather than expecting a long coaster-style circuit.

X-Scream: a slow look over the edge

X-Scream creates a different kind of tension. The ride teeter-totters from the SkyPod at 866 feet, pushing you headfirst 27 feet beyond the tower’s edge. It then holds you out over the Strip before pulling back and propelling you forward again.

Big Shot is about a sudden launch; X-Scream gives you more time to notice where you are. That pause at the edge is the point. If you are uneasy with heights, the slow movement may feel more unnerving than a quick burst of speed, even though the ride is short. If you enjoy the mix of anticipation and exposure, it offers a striking contrast to Big Shot.

The two attractions suit different temperaments, which is why a ticket with both can be more satisfying than choosing only one. You can compare a quick vertical jolt with the sensation of being held out over open space. But do not assume all three rides are available: Insanity, the spinning attraction described as reaching 3 Gs, is closed indefinitely due to maintenance.

What your $33 admission buys

The listed price is $33 per person. The ticket includes SkyPod observation-deck access and a choice of one or two rides on Big Shot and X-Scream, depending on the selected option. Since the amount of ride access varies by ticket, check the exact option before booking rather than assuming the base price includes repeated rides on both attractions.

The value depends on how you use the tower. If you want the view and one ride, the admission combines two activities in one stop. If you are chiefly coming for the rides, the higher-ride option may make more sense, provided you have the time and the attractions are operating. Food and drinks are not included, so budget separately if you plan to eat or have a drink during your visit.

The observation deck adds useful value for anyone in your group who does not ride. A companion can still enjoy the view while you take on Big Shot or X-Scream. It also gives you a reason to stay a little longer rather than measuring the value solely by the number of seconds spent on a ride.

The tower is especially appealing at night, when the city lights become part of the experience. One practical consideration: do not leave your visit until the last minute. Ride hours and last calls can affect how many attractions you fit in, so check the current schedule and arrive with time to spare.

A practical visit, from the entrance to the ride

Think of this as a flexible visit rather than a fixed, guided tour. The experience lasts up to one day, and you can use that time to go to the observation deck, take your ride or rides, and look around at your own pace. The host or greeter language is English. No guide names or guided commentary are specified.

At the start, make sure you have the right ticket and understand which ride access it covers. One useful detail from the venue process: you may need to collect or confirm your ticket at the main entrance before going up to the observation-deck desk. Allow a little time for that step rather than assuming you can head straight to the ride queue.

Once in the SkyPod, take a few minutes to get oriented. Look out across the valley, use the touch screens to identify distant features, and decide which ride you want to try first. If you are doing both, consider starting with the one that makes you more nervous. There is no need to rush from one queue to another if the deck itself is part of the reason you came.

Before boarding, remove loose objects from your pockets and place them in the provided storage bins. You must remain seated throughout the ride. The attractions involve high speed, strong vertical forces, and significant height, and they are not recommended for people with physical, mental, or medical limitations. If you have a concern about whether a ride is suitable for you, take that seriously and choose the observation deck instead.

Who will enjoy this, and who may want to pass

This is a strong pick if you like amusement rides and want the height to be more than a backdrop. Big Shot suits people who prefer a quick, forceful thrill; X-Scream is for those who can handle the unnerving sight of being pushed out over an edge. The observation deck also makes the experience worthwhile for a mixed group where not everyone wants to ride.

It is less suitable if you dislike heights, sudden acceleration, or the sensation of being exposed above a city. The rides are short, but their intensity is not softened by a long build-up or an indoor setting. You should also reconsider if you have a physical, mental, or medical limitation that could make high-speed movement or vertical g-forces unsafe.

Children and teens have specific rules. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and anyone 15 or younger must be with a parent or legal guardian. Big Shot requires riders to be at least 48 inches tall. The supplied information does not state a separate height requirement for X-Scream, so check with the operator if that matters to your plans.

Make the call

Book this if you want a memorable Strip viewpoint with a genuine thrill attached, and you are comfortable with heights. The best value comes from treating the SkyPod as part of the visit, not simply racing upstairs for a ride and back down. Choose your ticket based on the number of rides included, and keep in mind that Insanity is closed indefinitely.

If you are unsure about the rides, the observation deck still gives you a reason to go up, but the $33 admission makes most sense when you want both the view and at least one attraction. For anyone who likes a sharp jolt of fear with a city view, Big Shot is the obvious first choice. Add X-Scream if you want the less predictable feeling of being tipped out above the Strip.

FAQ

How much does STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission cost?

The listed price is $33 per person. Ride access depends on the ticket option you select, so confirm whether your option includes one or two rides.

What is included with admission?

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

Is Insanity open?

No. Insanity is closed indefinitely due to maintenance. Plan around Big Shot and X-Scream.

How tall is the SkyPod observation deck?

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

What is the height requirement for Big Shot?

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

Can children ride without an adult?

No. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Anyone 15 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the admission.

What should I know before boarding?

Remove loose items from your pockets and place them in the provided storage bins. You must remain seated, and the rides involve high speeds, vertical forces, and significant height. The experience is not recommended for people with physical, mental, or medical limitations.