Uniquely Vegas is a series of articles and photos that VegasChanges.com is composing to showcase the many unique and offbeat things to see and do in the Las Vegas Valley, as well as day trips and more.
On this venture we are visiting the High Roller on the Las Vegas Strip. Is it worth a visit (see below)?
The High Roller is an observation or Ferris wheel in the LINQ Promenade on the Las Vegas Strip. It is 550 feet tall, has 28 cabins that each hold 40 people, and takes 30 minutes to make a full rotation. There are several different ticket options, 12-5pm $29 adult/$10 age 4-12 and 5pm-close $39 adult/$19 age 4-12.
They also have the “Happy Half Hour” cabins that include an open bar and bartender for guests aged 21 and over for $69.
When it opened in 2014, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. It lost that title in 2021 when Ain Dubai (“eye of Dubai”) opened at a height of 820 feet. Ain Dubai has not been operational since March 2022, and is “closed indefinitely”. The High Roller has resumed its reign as the world’s tallest “operational” Ferris wheel.
When you arrive to ride the High Roller you will wait in line and will either present your ticket or be directed to guest services. You will then go through a security check and metal detector, take an escalator up to a full bar where you can buy cocktails, popcorn, etc. This is the last place to use the restroom.
From there, they will take your photo for a souvenir that you can purchase after your ride. You will then proceed to board your cabin while it is moving. This is usually not a problem when boarding, but exiting can be more difficult, due to vertigo. This is especially true with people that take the “Happy Half Hour”.
You will then take the 30 minute loop, taking in the sights of the Strip and entire Las Vegas Valley. They have a audio narration and facts displayed on 8 flat-screen TV’s in each cabin and seating for about 14 people, but most prefer to stand and take photos.
At the end of the ride you will exit your cabin while the wheel keeps spinning (remember vertigo). You will take a ramp to the photo purchase area which continues to their large gift shop.
So is the High Roller worth a visit? It depends. I have been on it several times over the years. I would say do not go during the day. The glare is terrible taking photos with the sun beaming in and water spots on the glass. Nighttime or during sunset is great for fantastic photos ops. Every first time visitor to Las Vegas should take a spin on the High Roller.
High Roller Address: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
