The entrance to the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. The Stratosphere opened on April 30, 1996 and is the only Strip casino located within the city limits of Las Vegas (the rest of the Strip is located in either Winchester or Paradise, NV).

The Stratosphere was conceived by Bob Stupak to replace his Vegas World casino.  Originally, an amusement ride in the form of a giant ape was to carry passengers up and down the tower.  The Stratosphere tower is 1,149 feet high--almost twice as tall as the Space Needle in Seattle (which is 605 feet high). 

Looking almost straight-down to the south--over 900 feet.  The previous photograph was taken at the Circle K visible in this view. 

This photo shows the Stratosphere as seen from Paradise Road (not far from the Las Vegas Hilton).  The rear of the Sahara is to the left.

There are two observation decks--one enclosed with windows and the other outside open to the air (as seen in this photo).  There are three thrill-rides and a fine-dining restaurant called, "Top of the World" at the top of the tower. 

Looking almost straight down over 900 feet where Main St. (veering to the left) splits off from Las Vegas Blvd.

The Point of Interest sign describing the view to the north.

Looking to the north at downtown Las Vegas (almost two miles away). 

Looking east towards Sunrise Mountain.  E. St. Louis Ave is the main thoroughfare seen in this photo.

Insanity is one of the three rides found on top of the Stratosphere; it dangles riders over the edge (900 feet above the ground) and spins them around.  The other rides are X-Scream and Big Shot (the latter, at 1,081 feet, is the highest thrill ride in the world).  Another ride, the High Roller, was closed on December 30, 2005; it was the second highest thrill ride and the highest roller coaster in the world.

Several very tall fences and deep motes designed to deter Stratosphere visitors from committing suicide.  Since the tower's opening in 1996, five people have jumped to their deaths.

The Point of Interest sign describing views to the south. 

Looking south down Paradise Road; the big white space at the top of the picture is McCarran Field.

The entrances to the thrill rides at the top of the tower. 

The Stratosphere as seen from the Sahara. 

Jay at about 2 A.M. in the Stratosphere casino.