STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission

The best part of the STRAT Tower thrill rides is simple: you get amusement-park action hundreds of feet above Las Vegas. Big Shot fires you 160 feet up the tower mast at 45 mph, while X-Scream sends you headfirst over the edge of the SkyPod at 866 feet.

I like the combination of huge Strip views and real, stomach-tightening rides. I also like that the ticket includes the SkyPod observation deck, so you can take your time with the views instead of treating the tower as a quick ride stop. The main drawback is that Insanity is closed indefinitely, leaving Big Shot and X-Scream as the available rides.

Key points to know before you go

• Big Shot launches from 921 feet: You shoot up to about 1,081 feet, then return to the launch platform in seconds.
• X-Scream tips beyond the tower: The car rolls 27 feet over the SkyPod edge, leaving you briefly suspended above the Strip.
• The SkyPod reaches 1,149 feet: Indoor and outdoor viewing areas give you time to look across Las Vegas Valley.
• Your ticket includes one or two rides: The exact number depends on the option you choose, and the available attractions are Big Shot and X-Scream.
• Insanity is not operating: It is closed indefinitely for maintenance, so do not buy this experience expecting three working rides.
• Height and age rules matter: Big Shot requires you to be at least 48 inches tall, and anyone 15 or younger must have a parent or legal guardian with them.

Reaching the SkyPod at 1,149 feet

The STRAT is not just another casino tower with a viewing floor. Its SkyPod rises 1,149 feet above Las Vegas, making the approach part of the experience. You first go up to the observation areas, where the scale of the city changes quickly. The Strip becomes a bright line below, and the desert reaches away beyond it.

I would allow time for the observation deck before riding. The rides are short, intense bursts, but the viewing areas give you a chance to slow down and get your bearings. The experience includes access to the SkyPod Observation Deck, so you are not paying only for a few seconds of motion.

The view works well both day and night. During the day, you can see the Las Vegas Valley and the desert setting around the city. At night, the Strip lights become the focus. A sunset visit can offer the best of both, though timing depends on availability and how long you spend waiting or riding.

The observation areas also include large touch screens that help explain what you are seeing in the distance. That is useful if you want more than a quick photo stop. You can look out, identify the surrounding sights, then return to the rides when you are ready.

The setting creates the main difference between these attractions and ordinary fairground rides. You are not simply looking at a painted backdrop while a machine moves. The real city sits below you, and the height remains visible from the ride platforms.

Big Shot: the fastest route to a nervous stomach

Big Shot is the clearest choice if you want the strongest burst of vertical force. You strap in at a platform about 921 feet above the ground. The ride then shoots you 160 feet up the tower mast, reaching about 1,081 feet, before dropping you back toward the starting point.

The launch reaches 45 mph in a matter of seconds. That speed is not the whole story. The sudden upward movement and the high perch above the city create the real effect. You have very little time to think once the ride begins.

I would choose Big Shot first if you are unsure how much intensity you want. It gives you a direct up-and-down rush, with no long sequence to anticipate. You can see the valley and Strip from the platform, then the ride turns that view into a rapid vertical launch.

The ride is also a good pick for a short visit. The attraction itself does not take long, so you can combine it with the SkyPod without giving up much of your day. If you have the option to ride twice, the second go lets you watch the launch with less surprise and pay more attention to the view.

Do not assume the second ride will feel easier. One person who returned to Big Shot repeatedly found it remained exciting each time. Another described the first ride as frightening in the best possible way, then chose to do it twice.

Keep loose objects out of your pockets. Everything must go into the storage bins provided, and you must stay seated throughout the ride. The high speed, vertical forces, and height make this a poor fit if you have physical, mental, or medical limits that could make the motion unsafe.

X-Scream: a brief trip past the edge

X-Scream uses a different kind of fear. Instead of firing straight up, the ride car teeter-totters over the edge of the SkyPod from about 866 feet high. It sends you headfirst 27 feet beyond the tower before pausing over the Strip and pulling back.

That pause is the trick. The ride does not need a huge course or a long run. The car moves beyond the building, and you dangle above the city before being propelled back and sent over again. The view is part of the ride, but you may be too busy gripping the restraint to study it closely.

I would pick X-Scream if the idea of going over the edge bothers you more than a fast vertical launch. Big Shot delivers a powerful upward blast. X-Scream creates a slower moment of exposure, with the tower visibly behind you and open air ahead.

The ride is short, so manage your expectations. You are paying for the height, the setting, and the sharp burst of fear rather than a long roller-coaster circuit. One ticket holder described it as short but fun, which is a fair way to think about it.

X-Scream can be a good second ride after Big Shot. Once you have had the vertical launch, this one gives you a different type of motion. If you choose only one attraction, think about what scares you more: going rapidly upward or hanging over the edge.

Why the closed Insanity ride changes the decision

The original package description includes Big Shot, X-Scream, and Insanity, but Insanity is currently closed indefinitely due to maintenance. That is an important point when comparing tickets or deciding how much time to allow.

Insanity normally spins riders at about 3 Gs while hanging from the SkyPod, but you should not plan your purchase around riding it now. The available choice is between Big Shot and X-Scream, with the ticket offering one or two rides depending on the selected option.

This reduces the variety compared with a fully operating three-ride lineup. If you have already visited the STRAT before and mainly want Insanity, this is not the right time to book. If Big Shot and X-Scream are new to you, the package still has plenty of force and height to justify a visit.

Is $33 good value for the STRAT rides?

At the listed price of $33 per person, the value depends on how you use the ticket. The cost includes the SkyPod observation deck plus one or two rides on Big Shot and X-Scream. That makes it more useful than paying for a ride alone, especially if you plan to spend time looking out from the tower.

The one-ride option makes sense if you mainly want the view and one clear burst of adrenaline. It also suits a mixed group where one person wants a ride and another mainly wants the observation deck. Choose the two-ride option if you know you want both attractions, or if you expect to repeat your favorite.

Several practical details affect the value. A ride ticket purchased in advance has been cheaper than buying at the venue, based on direct experience from a past booking. You may need to collect or confirm the ticket at the main entrance before going up to the observation entrance, so do not assume you can walk straight to the ride desk.

Cold weather can also change the calculation. The tower is high and exposed, and one ticket holder with an unlimited option found the conditions cold enough to allow only one ride. An expensive repeat-ride option is less useful if you are uncomfortable waiting outside or moving between areas.

Some past ticket options included unlimited rides, but the current information here specifies a choice of one or two rides. Check the exact option shown when you book. Do not pay extra expecting unlimited access unless that is clearly stated for your date.

The best time to go is tied to the view

Daytime gives you clearer sight of the valley and the desert beyond the Strip. Night makes the city lights more dramatic, and Big Shot is especially striking after dark because the launch places you above the glowing streets.

Sunset may be the most rewarding window if you can time it well. You can watch the valley in daylight, see the colors change, then stay for the night view. The tradeoff is that popular times may be busier, and you need enough time to reach the observation areas and rides before closing.

A late visit requires care. A booking note from April 2025 recorded a last call at 9:30 p.m., with the rides shutting down before 10 p.m. Hours can vary, so check the current schedule and arrive well before the final call. Do not plan to reach the tower at the last minute.

If you have flexibility, a daytime visit followed by a return at night can make the experience feel like two different stops. That approach only makes sense if your ticket permits the needed access and your schedule allows it. For a one-day ticket, confirm the entry terms before relying on a long break between visits.

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

This experience suits you if you like strong rides, unusual heights, and city views that are part of the action. It is especially good for an adult group or family with older children who meet the rules and genuinely want the rides.

Big Shot requires a minimum height of 48 inches, or 122 centimeters. Anyone 15 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

You should think twice if you dislike high-speed motion, sudden drops, or vertical G-forces. The attraction information specifically warns that the rides are not recommended for people with physical, mental, or medical limitations. That is not a minor footnote. The rides are intense, and the height adds pressure even before the machinery moves.

You can still enjoy the SkyPod without riding. The observation deck is included, so a non-rider can take in the views while others choose Big Shot or X-Scream. That makes the ticket easier to justify for a group with mixed comfort levels, though the non-rider should be comfortable waiting while the ride participants take their turns.

Practical details that make the visit easier

The activity is valid for one day, and the host or greeter speaks English. Food and drinks are not included, so plan those separately rather than expecting a meal or refreshment as part of the ticket.

Wear clothing that lets you remain seated and keep your pockets clear. Loose objects must be removed and stored in the provided bins. Do not count on holding a phone, camera, wallet, or other small item during the ride.

Give yourself time at the entrance. A past booking found that the ticket needed to be handled at the main entrance before going to the desk near the observatory entrance. Directions may change, but the lesson is useful: arrive early enough to sort out ticket collection before your preferred ride time.

The listed cancellation terms allow a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Las Vegas schedule is still shifting. Those terms are useful, but check the conditions attached to your exact booking before you rely on them.

Big Shot or X-Scream?

If you want the most direct burst of speed, choose Big Shot. Its 45 mph launch and 160-foot upward run make it the stronger match for people who enjoy a sudden, powerful ride.

If you want a more visual fear, choose X-Scream. The car extending 27 feet past the SkyPod edge gives it a different flavor, and the moment of hanging over the Strip can feel longer than the ride duration suggests.

If you can take two rides, do both. Start with Big Shot, then try X-Scream while your adrenaline is already moving. If you are nervous, begin with the observation deck, watch the rides operate, and decide once you have seen their motion.

Should you book the STRAT Tower thrill rides?

Book this if you want more than a standard Las Vegas viewpoint. The SkyPod gives you the broad city view, while Big Shot and X-Scream turn the tower itself into the attraction. At $33, the ticket is a fair buy when you use the deck and take two rides, and it remains reasonable for one ride if the height is your main reason for going.

I would not book it expecting a full three-ride experience, since Insanity is closed indefinitely. I would also avoid it if high-speed vertical forces or extreme heights are a serious concern.

For most thrill-seekers, Big Shot is the essential ride. Add X-Scream for variety, arrive before the final evening call, and leave enough time to enjoy the SkyPod views in both daylight and darkness.

FAQ

How high is the STRAT SkyPod?

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

What rides are included?

The available rides are Big Shot and X-Scream. The ticket option provides one or two rides, depending on the package selected.

Is Insanity open?

No. Insanity is currently closed indefinitely due to maintenance.

How fast does Big Shot go?

Big Shot reaches 45 miles per hour and shoots riders 160 feet upward from its launch platform.

How high is the X-Scream ride?

X-Scream operates from about 866 feet above the Strip and sends the ride car 27 feet beyond the edge of the tower.

Is there a height requirement for Big Shot?

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

Can children ride without an adult?

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

Are food and drinks included?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, according to the stated cancellation terms. You can also reserve now and pay later.