SLC

Best window seat at Salt Lake City International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Wasatch Range peaks (Mount Olympus, Twin Peaks, Lone Peak)

LandingRIGHT

Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island, Oquirrh Mountains

🛫 Taking Off from Salt Lake City (SLC)

Best sideLeft
WhyDeparting south on runway 16L, the left side faces east directly at the Wasatch Range, which rises abruptly just a few miles from the airport. You get sustained close-up views of peaks like Mount Olympus, Twin Peaks, and Lone Peak as the aircraft climbs out. The Great Salt Lake to the northwest would only be briefly visible on the right before it falls behind the aircraft.
Look forWasatch Range peaks (Mount Olympus, Twin Peaks, Lone Peak), Salt Lake Valley floor, Little Cottonwood Canyon mouth
Left window seat view during takeoff from Salt Lake City (SLC) — Wasatch Range peaks (Mount Olympus, Twin Peaks, Lone Peak), Salt Lake Valley floor, Little Cottonwood Canyon mouthLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Salt Lake City (SLC) — Wasatch Range peaks (Mount Olympus, Twin Peaks, Lone Peak), Salt Lake Valley floor, Little Cottonwood Canyon mouthRight Side

🛬 Landing at Salt Lake City (SLC)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on 16R means approaching from the north and flying south, so the west side of the plane faces the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island as you descend into the valley. It's one of the most distinctive geographic features in the country and hard to miss from the right side windows on final approach.
Look forGreat Salt Lake, Antelope Island, Oquirrh Mountains, Salt Lake Valley salt flats
Left window seat view during landing at Salt Lake City (SLC) — Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island, Oquirrh Mountains, Salt Lake Valley salt flatsLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Salt Lake City (SLC) — Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island, Oquirrh Mountains, Salt Lake Valley salt flatsRight Side
Salt Lake CityPhoto: Quang Vuong

SLC underwent a major terminal rebuild completed in phases through 2024, replacing its older facilities with a single new terminal connected to two concourses. It's a major connecting hub with efficient layouts and mountain views from many gates.

⛰️ Elevation4,229 ft
🛫 Runways4 (16L/34R, 16R/34L, 17/35, 14/32)
✈️ HubDelta Air Lines, SkyWest Airlines
📍 NearbyOGD 28 miPVU 42 mi

Connecting at SLC?

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Salt Lake City International (SLC)?

At Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Wasatch Range peaks (Mount Olympus, Twin Peaks, Lone Peak), Salt Lake Valley floor, Little Cottonwood Canyon mouth.

What can I see during takeoff from Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?

When taking off from Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing south on runway 16L, the left side faces east directly at the Wasatch Range, which rises abruptly just a few miles from the airport. You get sustained close-up views of peaks like Mount Olympus, Twin Peaks, and Lone Peak as the aircraft climbs out. The Great Salt Lake to the northwest would only be briefly visible on the right before it falls behind the aircraft. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range peaks (Mount Olympus, Twin Peaks, Lone Peak), Salt Lake Valley floor, Little Cottonwood Canyon mouth.

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. Landing on 16R means approaching from the north and flying south, so the west side of the plane faces the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island as you descend into the valley. It's one of the most distinctive geographic features in the country and hard to miss from the right side windows on final approach. Notable sights include: Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island, Oquirrh Mountains, Salt Lake Valley salt flats.

What factors affect the best window seat at Salt Lake City International?

The best window seat at Salt Lake City International (SLC) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Salt Lake City (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.