While the takeoff offers good Spring Mountains views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenery with the dramatic San Juan Mountains and Gunnison River valley. The left side captures the most visually distinctive portion of this short flight.
Flown LAS to SBO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Las Vegas to Salina is 273 miles (439 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path travels northeast from Las Vegas across the Mojave Desert and into the Great Basin, passing east of the Pahranagat Range and west of the Sevier Plateau. Cruising altitude will be around 18,000-22,000 feet. The terrain transitions from low desert (below 3,000 feet) to high plateau country (8,000-10,000 feet). Lake Mead may be visible on the left during the initial climb. The midpoint of the flight crosses the Nevada-Utah border near the Sevier Plateau. As the aircraft approaches Salina-Gunnison, the San Juan Mountains become increasingly prominent to the west, and the Gunnison River valley becomes visible as a linear feature in the high desert landscape.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAS
RIGHTClimbing northeast from Las Vegas, right-side seats offer views of the Spring Mountains and the transition from the Las Vegas Valley floor to higher terrain. Left seats face toward the western desert with less dramatic relief.
Landing at SBO
LEFTDescending into Salina-Gunnison from the southwest, left-side seats provide views of the San Juan Mountains and the Gunnison River valley approach. Right seats face toward less distinctive terrain to the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Salina-Gunnison Airport (SBO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Las Vegas to Salina. While the takeoff offers good Spring Mountains views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenery with the dramatic San Juan Mountains and Gunnison River valley. The left side captures the most visually distinctive portion of this short flight.
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. Climbing northeast from Las Vegas, right-side seats offer views of the Spring Mountains and the transition from the Las Vegas Valley floor to higher terrain. Left seats face toward the western desert with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Spring Mountains (immediately east), Las Vegas Valley urban grid (below during initial climb), Mojave Desert (western expanse), Lake Mead (northeast in distance).
What can I see when landing at Salina-Gunnison Airport in Salina?
When landing at Salina-Gunnison Airport (SBO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Descending into Salina-Gunnison from the southwest, left-side seats provide views of the San Juan Mountains and the Gunnison River valley approach. Right seats face toward less distinctive terrain to the east. Notable sights include: San Juan Mountains (dominant to the west and north), Gunnison River valley (visible as a linear feature), Uncompahgre Plateau (to the east), surrounding high desert and pinyon-juniper terrain.
How long is the flight from Las Vegas to Salina?
The flight from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Salina-Gunnison Airport (SBO) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 273 miles (439 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Las Vegas to Salina flight path pass over?
The flight path travels northeast from Las Vegas across the Mojave Desert and into the Great Basin, passing east of the Pahranagat Range and west of the Sevier Plateau. Cruising altitude will be around 18,000-22,000 feet. The terrain transitions from low desert (below 3,000 feet) to high plateau country (8,000-10,000 feet). Lake Mead may be visible on the left during the initial climb. The midpoint of the flight crosses the Nevada-Utah border near the Sevier Plateau. As the aircraft approaches Salina-Gunnison, the San Juan Mountains become increasingly prominent to the west, and the Gunnison River valley becomes visible as a linear feature in the high desert landscape.