While takeoff offers good Colorado River and Book Cliffs views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Wasatch Range is a major visual feature, and the combination of mountains, Great Salt Lake, and Salt Lake City creates a more compelling final descent experience.
Flown GJT to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Grand Junction to Salt Lake City is 216 miles (347 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Roan Plateau and Tavaputs Plateau (central Utah high desert), then descends toward the Wasatch Front. The Book Cliffs and Roan Cliffs form the northern boundary of the Colorado Plateau. As you move northwest toward Salt Lake City, the terrain transitions from high desert scrubland to the forested Wasatch Range. The Price River valley and Helper area may be visible to the south during the midpoint of the flight. The Great Salt Lake becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from GJT
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of the Colorado River valley and the Book Cliffs to the northeast as you climb out. The left side faces the Uncompahgre Plateau, which is less visually distinctive during initial climb.
Landing at SLC
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Wasatch Range as you descend into Salt Lake City from the east. The mountains fill the view during final approach, and you'll see the urban sprawl of Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake itself on the left side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Grand Junction to Salt Lake City. While takeoff offers good Colorado River and Book Cliffs views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Wasatch Range is a major visual feature, and the combination of mountains, Great Salt Lake, and Salt Lake City creates a more compelling final descent experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Grand Junction Regional Airport in Grand Junction?
During takeoff from Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Colorado River valley and the Book Cliffs to the northeast as you climb out. The left side faces the Uncompahgre Plateau, which is less visually distinctive during initial climb. Notable sights include: Colorado River (winding through the valley below), Book Cliffs (northeast escarpment), Uncompahgre Plateau (southwest), Grand Valley agricultural patchwork.
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Wasatch Range as you descend into Salt Lake City from the east. The mountains fill the view during final approach, and you'll see the urban sprawl of Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake itself on the left side. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range (dominant eastern backdrop), Great Salt Lake (western expanse), Salt Lake City urban grid, Utah Valley (south).
How long is the flight from Grand Junction to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 216 miles (347 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Grand Junction to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Roan Plateau and Tavaputs Plateau (central Utah high desert), then descends toward the Wasatch Front. The Book Cliffs and Roan Cliffs form the northern boundary of the Colorado Plateau. As you move northwest toward Salt Lake City, the terrain transitions from high desert scrubland to the forested Wasatch Range. The Price River valley and Helper area may be visible to the south during the midpoint of the flight. The Great Salt Lake becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing.