The Stratosphere Tower at dusk.  The tower was completed in 1996 and soars 1,149 feet into the sky.  There are four thrill rides at the top of the tower--Big Shot, Insanity, X-Scream .... and the newest ... the Sky Jump (which opened in April, 2010)--which allows the daring person to leap off the observation deck and descend 40 mph on a wire--sort of a modified bungee jump without the bungee and the bouncing.  The High Roller, a rollercoaster, was dismantled in December, 2005.  

On the upper, outside observation deck of the "pod"--directly above is the Big Shot thrill ride which will take the individual to the full 1,149 feet of the tower's height (it is the tallest amusement park ride in the world). 

Looking out the windows of the lower observation deck--pointing towards Hoover Dam. 

The view of the Spring Mountains to the west.  I-15 is the major highway stretching horizontally across the picture. 

Thrill-seekers getting ready to be spun around on Insanity with the ground 900-feet below!  Notice the riders are sitting in open seats--there is nothing to contain them except for whatever is strapping them into the ride. 

Insanity in motion--with the riders looking almost straight down! 

The ride operators for Insanity.   

Jay at the top of the Stratosphere Tower. 

The indoor observation deck with a gift shop and a Starbucks.  On another level, the Top of the World Restaurant revolves 360 degrees in 90 minutes--giving diners a complete view of the valley. 

The base of the Stratosphere Tower--the round enclosure is where visitors queue up and board the double-deck elevators.  The elevator shoot people up the tower in less than 30 secons at a speed of 20 mph.