Las Vegas Thrill Rides

Besides gambling and big ticket shows, Las Vegas offers a number of exciting thrill rides.

My friend “C” went on Insanity and the Big Shot located at the Stratosphere hotel/casino, and the Manhattan Express roller coaster at the New York New York hotel/casino.

I didn’t set foot on a single thrill ride in Vegas. Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon was enough of a thrill for me, thank you very much. While waiting for “C” to ride Insanity and the Big Shot, I waited safely in the Stratosphere’s observation tower.




View of the “Strip” from the Stratosphere’s observation tower


On Insanity, riders dangle and spin over the edge of the Stratosphere tower, 866 feet above the ground, at 40 miles per hour.




If you click to enlarge this pic, you can just barely see Insanity at the top right of the tower. Look up, look wayyyyyy up.



Next up: The Big Shot. At 1,081 feet above the ground, it’s the world’s highest thrill ride. The ride shoots you up the outside of the Stratosphere tower at 45 mph. At the top, you experience total weightlessness and then you freefall down again. The Big Shot offers a great view of the city if you dare keep your eyes open.

On the Manhattan Express roller coaster, riders experience a zero gravity sensation while the train does a "heartline" twist and dive maneuver, and for a brief moment you hang completely upside down.




Manhattan Express roller coaster


So if you’re one of those nutters who like thrill rides, you’ll love Las Vegas.

Photos © MJ, Infomaniac