Adrenaline Junkie: SkyJump Las Vegas at the Stratosphere

Gamblers who lose at the tables may want to climb up to the top of the Stratosphere and take a nosedive from the observation deck.

The Stratosphere opened SkyJump Las Vegas, a thrill ride described as a controlled freefall. Riders plummet 855 feet at a scream-inducing speed of up to 40 miles per hour.

The adventure starts with a short safety lesson, followed by donning a custom jump suit equipped with a safety harness. Then the rider gets hooked up to a high-speed “descender” machine and led to the edge of a small platform where they leap out and plunge down the 108 stories of the tallest building west of the Mississippi River.

Guide wires keep riders from straying off course. Just before reaching the rapidly approaching ground, the machine slows the rider down for the landing. Those who manage to keep their eyes open get an astonishing view of the Strip. $99.99, 1-800-99-TOWER for tickets.