Trip to the top of the Stratosphere Tower
I hadn’t been up in the Stratosphere tower in a while and now that the weather’s getting nicer I figured it was a good way to spend a few hours and take some pics.
For anyone that’s never been up there, it’s one of the Vegas “must do’s”. It only costa a few bucks but offers the best views of the valley.
You have to enter through the retail mall on the second level and wind your way around until you get to the elevator banks. For safety reasons since 9/11 they require everyone to pass through a metal detector. Then you get your picture taken and can purchase it after you come back down.
Now comes the fun! You get in a double-decker elevator which are some of the fastest in the world. They bring you up 108 stories in under 40 seconds! Yes your ears pop it’s that fast!
When you step out you are on the lower observation deck. It’s fully enclosed and has a 360 degree view of the Las Vegas Valley. You really get a sense of the scope of the valley and a great view of the mountains that surround Las Vegas.
On the upper level is the outside observation deck. It only goes partway around because of the thrill rides up top. Sadly they took the roller coaster down a couple of years ago but the BigShot is still there. The rides they addes are the X-Scream and the Insanity. I’ll admit I’m not brave enough to go on these but I’ve spoken to quite a few that have and they say it’s like nothing else!
Here’s a couple of shots of the X-Scream from up top & outside:
It was too windy that day for the Insanity ride but trust me it’s, well, insane! Here it is though.
Another “only in Vegas” thing at the top is the world’s highest Starbucks. They’re literally all over out here and why not have one up at 109 stories? Want proof? Here you go!
Here’s a shot of the downtown Fremont St. casinos:
A view of the huge sign at the Las Vegas Hilton:
And finally a view of the Las Vegas strip:
The Stratosphere tower is the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River & like almost everything out here is uniquely Vegas. Take a couple hours on your next trip out here & check it out. You won’t regret it! If you’re really brave check out the rides and let me know if you had the ride of your lif