While the cruise portion over South Dakota and southern Wyoming is mostly flat high plains regardless of side, the left side gets the more dramatic payoff: the Uinta Mountains and the steep Wasatch Front dominate the final descent into Salt Lake City, giving that side the strongest and most sustained terrain drama of the flight.
Flown MSP to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to Salt Lake City is 989 miles (1,592 km), a flight of about 2 hours 40 minutes.
South Dakota prairie and the James River valley, the high desert plateau and Great Divide Basin of southern Wyoming near Rock Springs, and the Uinta Mountains rising just before the descent into the Salt Lake Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
RIGHTDeparting MSP on the northwest-facing runways, the initial climb passes close to downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River before the plane banks south onto its westbound course, putting the skyline and riverbanks on the right side of the cabin.
Landing at SLC
LEFTOn the approach into SLC from the east, the flight path tracks along the southern edge of the Wyoming plateau and over the Uinta Mountains before dropping into the Salt Lake Valley, keeping the steep, snow-streaked Wasatch Front prominently on the left side as the plane descends.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Salt Lake City. While the cruise portion over South Dakota and southern Wyoming is mostly flat high plains regardless of side, the left side gets the more dramatic payoff: the Uinta Mountains and the steep Wasatch Front dominate the final descent into Salt Lake City, giving that side the strongest and most sustained terrain drama of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
During takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MSP on the northwest-facing runways, the initial climb passes close to downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River before the plane banks south onto its westbound course, putting the skyline and riverbanks on the right side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River, Minnesota River confluence, Twin Cities lakes (Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska).
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. On the approach into SLC from the east, the flight path tracks along the southern edge of the Wyoming plateau and over the Uinta Mountains before dropping into the Salt Lake Valley, keeping the steep, snow-streaked Wasatch Front prominently on the left side as the plane descends. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Uinta Mountains foothills, Salt Lake Valley grid, Great Salt Lake (distant).
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 989 miles (1,592 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
South Dakota prairie and the James River valley, the high desert plateau and Great Divide Basin of southern Wyoming near Rock Springs, and the Uinta Mountains rising just before the descent into the Salt Lake Valley