Right-side seats provide superior scenery for both takeoff (Las Vegas Valley and Spring Mountains) and maintain better views during the climb northeast across Nevada and Utah. The landing view on the left is good but the takeoff experience is more dramatic.
Flown LAS to RCA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Las Vegas to Rapid City is 844 miles (1,359 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
After climbing out of Las Vegas, the flight path crosses the Mojave Desert and transitions into the Great Basin. You'll pass over or near the Sevier Desert and Salton Sea region, then cross into Utah and Colorado. The Wasatch Range and Uinta Mountains may be visible to the north/northeast depending on exact routing. The flight crosses high desert and plateau terrain throughout, with sparse vegetation and dramatic elevation changes. The transition from Nevada's lower desert to Utah's higher plateau is gradual but noticeable. No major water bodies are directly on the typical flight path, though various reservoirs may be visible to the north.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAS
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the immediate Las Vegas Valley and the Spring Mountains to the west during climb-out. You'll see the Strip and downtown Las Vegas grid clearly before banking northeast toward Rapid City.
Landing at RCA
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best view of the Black Hills and Rapid City's location as you descend into Ellsworth AFB from the southwest. The terrain transitions from high plains to forested hills, which is visually distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Ellsworth Afb (RCA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Las Vegas to Rapid City. Right-side seats provide superior scenery for both takeoff (Las Vegas Valley and Spring Mountains) and maintain better views during the climb northeast across Nevada and Utah. The landing view on the left is good but the takeoff experience is more dramatic.
What can I see during takeoff from Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
During takeoff from Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the immediate Las Vegas Valley and the Spring Mountains to the west during climb-out. You'll see the Strip and downtown Las Vegas grid clearly before banking northeast toward Rapid City. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Valley urban grid, Spring Mountains (western ridge), Lake Mead visible to the northeast in distance, Red Rock Canyon escarpment to the west.
What can I see when landing at Ellsworth Afb in Rapid City?
When landing at Ellsworth Afb (RCA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best view of the Black Hills and Rapid City's location as you descend into Ellsworth AFB from the southwest. The terrain transitions from high plains to forested hills, which is visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Black Hills (forested ridge system), Rapid City urban area, Harney Peak (highest point in Black Hills), High Plains grassland to the west.
How long is the flight from Las Vegas to Rapid City?
The flight from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Ellsworth Afb (RCA) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 844 miles (1,359 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Las Vegas to Rapid City flight path pass over?
After climbing out of Las Vegas, the flight path crosses the Mojave Desert and transitions into the Great Basin. You'll pass over or near the Sevier Desert and Salton Sea region, then cross into Utah and Colorado. The Wasatch Range and Uinta Mountains may be visible to the north/northeast depending on exact routing. The flight crosses high desert and plateau terrain throughout, with sparse vegetation and dramatic elevation changes. The transition from Nevada's lower desert to Utah's higher plateau is gradual but noticeable. No major water bodies are directly on the typical flight path, though various reservoirs may be visible to the north.