Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Rocky Mountain Front and Continental Divide during takeoff, and the Wasatch Range during descent. The left side offers the Great Salt Lake on approach, but the right side's mountain views are more consistently striking throughout the flight.
Flown GTF to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Great Falls to Salt Lake City is 463 miles (746 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Helena Valley and passes near the northern edge of the Elkhorn Mountains. The Continental Divide remains visible to the east throughout much of the cruise phase. As the aircraft approaches Utah, the Bear River Mountains and Cache Valley become visible. The transition from Montana's northern Rockies to Utah's Wasatch Range is gradual but distinct, with the terrain becoming progressively more rugged and higher in elevation as the flight progresses southward.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from GTF
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of the Rocky Mountain Front as the aircraft climbs southward. The Sun River and surrounding valleys are visible in the early climb phase, with the Continental Divide forming a dramatic backdrop to the east.
Landing at SLC
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Salt Lake City. The Wasatch Range dominates the eastern skyline, and the Great Salt Lake becomes visible in the final descent phases, with the city sprawl visible to the south and west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Great Falls International (GTF) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Great Falls to Salt Lake City. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Rocky Mountain Front and Continental Divide during takeoff, and the Wasatch Range during descent. The left side offers the Great Salt Lake on approach, but the right side's mountain views are more consistently striking throughout the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Great Falls International in Great Falls?
During takeoff from Great Falls International (GTF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Rocky Mountain Front as the aircraft climbs southward. The Sun River and surrounding valleys are visible in the early climb phase, with the Continental Divide forming a dramatic backdrop to the east. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain Front, Continental Divide, Sun River valley, Belt Mountains to the south.
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 during the descent approach into Salt Lake City. The Wasatch Range dominates the eastern skyline, and the Great Salt Lake becomes visible in the final descent phases, with the city sprawl visible to the south and west. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake Valley, Oquirrh Mountains.
How long is the flight from Great Falls to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Great Falls International (GTF) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 463 miles (746 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Great Falls to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Helena Valley and passes near the northern edge of the Elkhorn Mountains. The Continental Divide remains visible to the east throughout much of the cruise phase. As the aircraft approaches Utah, the Bear River Mountains and Cache Valley become visible. The transition from Montana's northern Rockies to Utah's Wasatch Range is gradual but distinct, with the terrain becoming progressively more rugged and higher in elevation as the flight progresses southward.