While the Las Vegas departure favors the left side briefly, the right side offers the more consistent scenic payoff: distant views of Utah's canyon and plateau country during cruise and a dramatic Wasatch Range backdrop on the SLC approach, giving it the stronger overall visual variety.
Flown LAS to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Las Vegas to Salt Lake City is 368 miles (592 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Great Basin desert ranges of western Utah, the Sevier Desert, and the southern Wasatch Plateau visible to the east of the flight path before descent into the Salt Lake Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAS
LEFTDeparting LAS, the initial turn typically swings passengers over the western edge of the valley, giving a good look at the Spring Mountains and the reddish sandstone cliffs of Red Rock Canyon rising abruptly from the desert floor. The Las Vegas Strip's towers are also briefly visible below on this side before the climb-out.
Landing at SLC
RIGHTOn approach into Salt Lake City the aircraft descends down the Utah Valley with the steep, snow-streaked Wasatch Range running close alongside on the east side, a much more dramatic backdrop than the flatter Great Salt Lake basin to the west. The mountains rise dramatically right up to the edge of the city, giving a strong sense of scale during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City. While the Las Vegas departure favors the left side briefly, the right side offers the more consistent scenic payoff: distant views of Utah's canyon and plateau country during cruise and a dramatic Wasatch Range backdrop on the SLC approach, giving it the stronger overall visual variety.
What can I see during takeoff from Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
During takeoff from Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing LAS, the initial turn typically swings passengers over the western edge of the valley, giving a good look at the Spring Mountains and the reddish sandstone cliffs of Red Rock Canyon rising abruptly from the desert floor. The Las Vegas Strip's towers are also briefly visible below on this side before the climb-out. Notable sights include: Spring Mountains, Red Rock Canyon escarpment, Las Vegas Strip skyline.
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 Right side for the best views. On approach into Salt Lake City the aircraft descends down the Utah Valley with the steep, snow-streaked Wasatch Range running close alongside on the east side, a much more dramatic backdrop than the flatter Great Salt Lake basin to the west. The mountains rise dramatically right up to the edge of the city, giving a strong sense of scale during final approach. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Mount Olympus, Traverse Mountains, Salt Lake Valley floor.
How long is the flight from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 368 miles (592 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Las Vegas to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
Great Basin desert ranges of western Utah, the Sevier Desert, and the southern Wasatch Plateau visible to the east of the flight path before descent into the Salt Lake Valley