“You must be high.” Whether or not you’ve ever heard that term in your day-to-day life, you’ll experience it when you head up to the observation deck at The STRAT for a little fun in the sun. At the top of the iconic tower at the hotel-resort are three thrill rides that will leave you feeling brave and bemused, dazed and confused, all at the same time.

The story of those amusement rides begins with the gala opening of The STRAT casino in 1996, where two rides were introduced: The Big Shot and the Let It Ride High Roller coaster. The drop tower ride Big Shot, looking like the biggest ring-the-bell game you’ve ever seen, propels its riders straight up at approximately 45 mph from 921 feet to 1,081 feet. No, you can’t wear your flip-flops.

Although the roller coaster closed in 2005, two other heart-pounding rides opened. The X-Scream actually emulates a roller coaster itself, as a car rolls back and forth on a piece on track. Of course, it’s not exactly the gentlest of motions, and it may just startle the heck out of you. And then, of course, it’s time to get tipped over the edge—and if that doesn’t freak you out, we don’t know what will.

Wait, we do know what will: The huge arcing arms of the inverted centrifuge ride Insanity, which hangs you 64 feet over the edge of the tower while rapidly spinning (3 Gs). And it’s not even level—you will be spinning at an angle. Oh, sweet geez.

All the rides have separate requirements, from age to height, weight and medical restrictions.

Bonus thrill points: Jump off the tower. Yes, you can, on SkyJump, a controlled plummet all the way to the bottom, 855 feet down. Chicken out? You? No way. 

The STRAT, 702.380.7777

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