The indoor and outdoor observation decks near the top of the 1,149-foot STRAT tower, with two thrill rides, Big Shot and X-Scream, operating above them.
The STRAT tower, at the north end of the Strip, stands 1,149 feet tall and is billed as the tallest freestanding observation tower in the US. SkyPod is the ticket that takes you up it. Fast elevators lift you to two observation levels: level 108 is enclosed and climate-controlled with floor-to-ceiling windows, and level 109 is open-air with viewfinders.
These decks are roughly 860 to 870 feet up. That is lower than the tower's tip, but still well above any other public viewpoint in town, and the view takes in the whole Strip skyline to the south, downtown and Fremont Street to the north, and the mountains all around.
The rides are what make the STRAT different, but the line-up is smaller than older guides suggest. Two rides operate. Big Shot fires you 160 feet up the mast at about 45 mph to 1,081 feet, then drops you back down. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall. X-Scream is a giant teeter-totter that pushes you 27 feet out over the edge at 866 feet, with a minimum height of 52 inches.
Insanity, the spinning arm that swung riders over the edge, is no longer operating, so ignore any ticket that still includes it. Rides are not included in basic SkyPod admission. Buy admission plus a ride or add one at the top, and expect weather and wind closures.
On level 108 there are snack and cocktail bars, and the revolving Top of the World restaurant sits just below the decks for a sit-down meal with the view. SkyJump, the controlled 829-foot freefall from the 108th floor, is a separate ticket with its own age and weight rules. You can watch jumpers from the deck even if you are not doing it.
The STRAT is about 2 miles north of The LINQ, so it is not walkable from the center Strip: take the Deuce bus or a rideshare. Guests under 16 must be with a parent or guardian, and rides have height minimums, so check before promising kids a go. Allow one to two hours. Sunset is the best time, as you see both the desert light and the Strip coming on. SkyPod admission is usually a little more than the High Roller's cheapest ticket, but you get a far higher view and open-air decks.
What to expect
The experience
Level 108 is indoor and air-conditioned with floor-to-ceiling glass, and level 109 is an open-air deck with viewfinders. Both are roughly 860 to 870 feet up, the highest public viewpoint in Las Vegas.
Best time
Sunset gives you views in both daylight and neon; the open-air deck is hot at midday in summer.
How long
One to two hours, more if you add rides or dinner at Top of the World.
Tips
The full Strip skyline runs south, downtown and Fremont Street lie close to the north, and the Spring Mountains, Red Rock and Frenchman Mountain ring the valley. On clear days you see the full scale of the city. Two rides operate: Big Shot, a launch 160 feet up the mast to 1,081 feet (48-inch minimum), and X-Scream, which tips you 27 feet over the edge at 866 feet (52-inch minimum). Insanity is no longer operating. Rides cost extra and close in high winds. Level 108 has a snack bar and a cocktail bar. The revolving Top of the World restaurant, just below the decks, is a separate dining reservation. The STRAT is at 2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South, about 2 miles north of The LINQ. Take the Deuce bus or a rideshare. On-site parking is available. The STRAT is much higher and has an open-air deck and rides. The High Roller is mid-Strip, enclosed, and offers a drinks option. Both are good; the STRAT feels bigger. Admission plus Big Shot is the classic combo. X-Scream is the scarier one for people who hate edges.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want the highest view in town, and thrill-seekers who want to ride on top of it.
- Families
- Kids can enjoy the views from the observation decks; the thrill rides have their own height rules, so check them first.
- Couples
- Go up at sunset and have dinner at Top of the World.
- Pair with
- Pairs well with SkyJump and High Roller.
- Time needed
- One to two hours, more if you add rides or dinner at Top of the World.
Good questions
How high are the STRAT observation decks?+
The decks are on levels 108 (indoor) and 109 (outdoor), about 860 to 870 feet up. The tower itself is 1,149 feet tall to the top of the mast.
Which rides are open at the STRAT?+
Big Shot and X-Scream. Insanity is no longer operating. Rides cost extra beyond basic SkyPod admission and can close for wind.
What are the height requirements for the rides?+
Big Shot requires riders to be at least 48 inches tall, and X-Scream at least 52 inches. Riders must sit upright unassisted.
Can kids go up the STRAT?+
Yes. All ages can visit the decks, but guests under 16 must be with a parent or legal guardian.
Can I walk to the STRAT from the center Strip?+
It is about 2 miles north of The LINQ, which is roughly a 40-minute walk along a less interesting stretch. The Deuce bus or a rideshare is quicker.
