The 4 Most Terrifying Rides On The STRAT Las Vegas: 2025 Status And Ultimate Thrill Guide

Standing 1,149 feet above the shimmering Las Vegas Strip, The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower (formerly the Stratosphere) is home to the highest thrill rides in the United States, offering an unparalleled adrenaline rush that redefines the concept of "fear of heights." As of December 17, 2025, these iconic attractions remain a bucket-list destination for global thrill-seekers, though the current operational status of the legendary attractions has seen some recent changes that every visitor must know before they go.

For decades, the Stratosphere rides have been synonymous with extreme Vegas excitement, catapulting riders hundreds of feet into the air or dangling them precariously over the edge of the tower’s SkyPod. This in-depth guide provides the absolute latest information on Big Shot, Insanity, X-Scream, and the legendary SkyJump, including current hours, pricing, and which rides are currently open for your 2025 visit.

The STRAT SkyPod: A Detailed Profile of the World's Highest Thrill Attractions

The STRAT Tower is not just a building; it is a monument to extreme engineering and a beacon for adrenaline junkies. The tower’s observation deck and attraction platform, known as the SkyPod, is the launch point for all the high-altitude experiences.

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• Official Name: The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower (formerly Stratosphere)
• Location: 2000 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89104
• Total Tower Height: 1,149 feet (The tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States)
• SkyPod/Observation Deck Height: Approximately 850 to 900 feet above the Strip.
• Main Attractions: Big Shot, Insanity, X-Scream (Thrill Rides), and SkyJump (Controlled Descent).
• Operational Hours (2025): Thrill Rides Daily I 2 pm - 10 pm (Weather Permitting); SkyJump Daily I 10 am - 8 pm.
• Pricing (Starting At): One Thrill Ride + SkyPod Admission starts from $26.

The concept behind these attractions was to create experiences that utilized the tower's extreme height, effectively turning the building's apex into the world's highest amusement park. The sheer elevation adds a psychological layer of terror that no ground-level coaster can match.

Big Shot: The Ultimate Vertical Launch

The Big Shot is the undisputed king of The STRAT’s attractions and is consistently recognized as one of the best amusement rides in Las Vegas. It is a classic drop tower ride, but its location makes it a uniquely terrifying experience.

What Makes It Terrifying:

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Positioned at the very apex of the tower, the Big Shot launches riders from the 921-foot platform straight up the tower's mast. You are shot 160 feet into the air at 45 miles per hour, momentarily reaching a stomach-lurching height of 1,081 feet above the ground. The entire experience is a rapid-fire sequence of intense positive G-forces on the ascent, followed by a moment of zero-gravity weightlessness at the top, and a crushing drop back down. The view of the entire Las Vegas Valley rushing past you is a blur of pure terror and adrenaline.

• Ride Type: Compressed-air launch/drop tower.
• Launch Height: 160 feet.
• Max Elevation: Approximately 1,081 feet (the highest point).
• Top Speed: 45 mph.

Insanity and X-Scream: Status Update for 2025 Visitors

While Big Shot remains the steadfast star, two other legendary attractions—Insanity and X-Scream—have been the subject of much discussion among thrill-seekers due to their current operational status. It is crucial to check the official STRAT website for the most current information on the day of your visit, as their status can change.

Insanity: The Centrifuge of the Sky

Insanity is a massive mechanical arm that holds riders in seats facing outward, then extends 64 feet over the edge of the tower, approximately 900 feet above the Strip. Once extended, the ride spins at a high speed, subjecting riders to up to 3 Gs of force while they are tilted at an angle, facing the ground below. The feeling of dangling over the edge of a skyscraper while spinning is what gives this ride its notorious reputation.

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Current Status: As of recent updates, Insanity is often cited as being inactive or closed. Visitors should anticipate that this ride may not be operating during their visit, though it remains a key entity in the history of the STRAT’s thrill attractions.

X-Scream: The Teeter-Totter of Death

X-Scream is unlike any other roller coaster. It is essentially a giant teeter-totter that pivots riders out 27 feet over the north edge of the SkyPod, 866 feet above Las Vegas Boulevard. The ride's track is angled downward, giving riders the terrifying sensation that the car is about to slide right off the edge of the building and plummet to the ground.

Current Status: The STRAT's official website has explicitly stated that X-Scream is currently closed. While its closure is temporary, this is an essential piece of information for planning your 2025 trip to the SkyPod.

SkyJump Las Vegas: The Ultimate Freefall Experience

For those who find the rides too tame, The STRAT offers the ultimate leap of faith: SkyJump. This is not a ride; it is a controlled freefall descent from the 108th floor of the tower.

The SkyJump Experience:

SkyJump is an open-air "controlled descent" where jumpers, harnessed and attached to a vertical cable, leap from a height of 855 feet. It is certified by Guinness World Records as the highest commercial decelerator descent facility. The experience is akin to a controlled B.A.S.E. jump, where you freefall for a significant distance before a machine gently slows your descent for a soft landing. It is the single most extreme attraction offered at The STRAT and requires a separate ticket from the thrill rides.

• Experience Type: Controlled Descent/B.A.S.E. Jump.
• Jump Height: 855 feet.
• Speed: Can reach up to 40 mph during the freefall.
• Hours: Daily I 10 am - 8 pm.

Planning Your High-Altitude Visit: Tips and Entities

To maximize your experience at the SkyPod, consider these essential planning tips, especially given the operational status of some attractions:

1. Buy a Package Deal: Instead of paying for SkyPod admission and each ride individually, look for the "Ride Packages." These often include unlimited access to the operating thrill rides (Big Shot) for a set time, which is more cost-effective if you plan to ride multiple times.

2. Check the Weather: All outdoor attractions, especially the highest amusement rides in the U.S., are weather permitting. High winds, rain, or lightning will lead to immediate closures. Check the Las Vegas forecast before you head to the North Strip.

3. Know the Height and Age Requirements: Each attraction has strict minimum height requirements (typically 48 inches for the rides and a minimum age for SkyJump). Check the official STRAT website before purchasing tickets for minors.

4. Explore the SkyPod: Even if Insanity and X-Scream are closed, your SkyPod admission grants you access to the indoor and outdoor observation decks, the 108th floor bar, and the 107 SkyLounge. The views alone are worth the price of admission.

5. Consider the Time of Day: Riding the Big Shot at night offers a completely different, dazzling view of the illuminated Las Vegas Strip, transforming the terrifying drop into a spectacular light show.