The High Roller viewed from the Promenade at the Linq Center

At long last, Las Vegas has its High Roller observation wheel.  Actually we’ve had it for several months now — since last March, in fact.  As befits its location in Las Vegas, this is the highest observation wheel in the world at 550 feet tall!  It is located at the Linq Center on the Strip, right next to the Flamingo Hotel.

Looking up at the top gondola: we’re next!

My first ride on the High Roller was in mid-April.  I wanted to be among the early riders — but not one of the first ones, just in case there were glitches to be sorted out.  The prospect of being stuck in a giant ferris wheel for hours did not appeal…

A net beneath the gondolas is the last line of defense against falls while boarding.

As it turned out, there were no glitches, nor have I heard about any since the thing opened.  Although I will admit, one of these days I expect to see an article in the local paper about someone who tripped and fell on the way into one of the cars — given that the thing does not stop moving, and the attendants shoo you into the gondola while it is in (very slow) motion.  But even if that story gets written, it probably won’t be a big deal — there’s a net to catch the unwary should they be a little too unsteady to make it safely on board.

Night lights on the Strip from the High Roller.

As someone with more than a little fear of heights, I was somewhat concerned.  But I need not have been.  Riding in the 400-sq-ft gondola is no more scary than being in a rotating restaurant at the top of a tall building.  Just nothing but great views all around, and a very mellow feeling both times I was on it.

The first ride was at night, as I did want to get some shots of the Las Vegas lights.  The second ride was during the day, and for me it was just as spectacular, with wonderful views of the desert, the grounds of the casinos and the mountains in the distance in every direction.

A view of the Wynn Golf Course, and mountains, from the High Roller

I highly recommend taking the High Roller ride when you visit Vegas.  There are special deals for families, and the night ride costs $10 more than the day ride.  For me it was well worth the cost both times!

For more information, and to buy tickets, visit:

http://www.caesars.com/linq/high-roller.html

And for a few more details on its design and construction, see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Roller_%28Ferris_wheel%29

As always:  Good luck to ya!