The right side delivers a more consistently dramatic experience: dramatic mountain flanks at both departure and arrival, plus a chance to glimpse the Mojave desert and possibly Las Vegas Valley during cruise, compared to the flatter, less varied desert views on the left.
Flown PSP to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Palm Springs to Salt Lake City is 541 miles (871 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Mojave Desert, Las Vegas Valley near the flight path, and the western Utah desert basins leading toward the Wasatch Front
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PSP
RIGHTDeparting PSP on runway 31L into the San Gorgonio Pass, the climb-out and subsequent right turn toward Utah put the San Bernardino Mountains and the rugged high desert on the right side, while the left shows mostly flat scrub desert and the pass's wind farms fading behind.
Landing at SLC
RIGHTOn approach into SLC from the south, the Wasatch Range rises dramatically just east of the airport, offering a much more striking view than the flatter Great Salt Lake basin on the left, though the lake itself is visible in the distance from that side too.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Palm Springs International (PSP) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Palm Springs to Salt Lake City. The right side delivers a more consistently dramatic experience: dramatic mountain flanks at both departure and arrival, plus a chance to glimpse the Mojave desert and possibly Las Vegas Valley during cruise, compared to the flatter, less varied desert views on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Palm Springs International in Palm Springs?
During takeoff from Palm Springs International (PSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PSP on runway 31L into the San Gorgonio Pass, the climb-out and subsequent right turn toward Utah put the San Bernardino Mountains and the rugged high desert on the right side, while the left shows mostly flat scrub desert and the pass's wind farms fading behind. Notable sights include: San Bernardino Mountains, San Gorgonio Pass wind farms, Mojave high desert.
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 SLC from the south, the Wasatch Range rises dramatically just east of the airport, offering a much more striking view than the flatter Great Salt Lake basin on the left, though the lake itself is visible in the distance from that side too. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Traverse Mountains, Salt Lake Valley, downtown Salt Lake City skyline.
How long is the flight from Palm Springs to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Palm Springs International (PSP) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 541 miles (871 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Palm Springs to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert, Las Vegas Valley near the flight path, and the western Utah desert basins leading toward the Wasatch Front