Los Angeles to Great Falls is 1,004 miles (1,616 km), a flight of about 2 hours 25 minutes.
While the right side wins at takeoff, the left side dominates the majority of the flight. Once airborne and heading northeast, the left side tracks the Sierra Nevada range in the distance, then the Great Basin, and ultimately delivers the most dramatic view of the entire trip — the Rocky Mountain Front on descent into Great Falls. The right side has little to offer over central Nevada and southern Montana.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Mojave Desert and Death Valley region, then the Great Basin of Nevada and southern Idaho — largely flat basin-and-range terrain with isolated mountain ranges. Over Idaho the Snake River Plain is visible, a broad lava-covered flatland. Approaching Montana, the Bitterroot and Beaverhead ranges appear to the west, and the landscape transitions from sagebrush steppe to the northern Great Plains as the Rockies come into view on the western horizon.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX typically departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns north. Right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, then the Santa Monica Mountains and the sprawling San Fernando Valley as the aircraft banks northeast. Left side faces inland toward less distinctive suburban sprawl during initial climb.
Landing at GTF
LEFTGTF typically lands on runway 03 (heading north) or 21 (heading south). On approach from the south, the left side faces west toward the Rocky Mountain Front — the dramatic eastern escarpment of the Rockies rising abruptly from the Great Plains. The Missouri River valley and the city of Great Falls are also visible to the left on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Great Falls International (GTF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Great Falls. While the right side wins at takeoff, the left side dominates the majority of the flight. Once airborne and heading northeast, the left side tracks the Sierra Nevada range in the distance, then the Great Basin, and ultimately delivers the most dramatic view of the entire trip — the Rocky Mountain Front on descent into Great Falls. The right side has little to offer over central Nevada and southern Montana.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX typically departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns north. Right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, then the Santa Monica Mountains and the sprawling San Fernando Valley as the aircraft banks northeast. Left side faces inland toward less distinctive suburban sprawl during initial climb. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Griffith Park/Hollywood Hills area.
What can I see when landing at Great Falls International in Great Falls?
When landing at Great Falls International (GTF), sit on the Left side for the best views. GTF typically lands on runway 03 (heading north) or 21 (heading south). On approach from the south, the left side faces west toward the Rocky Mountain Front — the dramatic eastern escarpment of the Rockies rising abruptly from the Great Plains. The Missouri River valley and the city of Great Falls are also visible to the left on final approach. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain Front (eastern Rockies escarpment), Missouri River, Great Falls city grid, Sun River valley.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Great Falls?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Great Falls International (GTF) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,004 miles (1,616 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Great Falls flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Mojave Desert and Death Valley region, then the Great Basin of Nevada and southern Idaho — largely flat basin-and-range terrain with isolated mountain ranges. Over Idaho the Snake River Plain is visible, a broad lava-covered flatland. Approaching Montana, the Bitterroot and Beaverhead ranges appear to the west, and the landscape transitions from sagebrush steppe to the northern Great Plains as the Rockies come into view on the western horizon.