The right side wins on both ends of this short hop: the Wasatch Range dominates the SLC departure, and the Front Range of the Rockies dominates the Denver arrival, bookending an otherwise brief cruise with genuine mountain drama. The left side offers only the Great Salt Lake basin and flat eastern plains, both less visually striking.
Flight Path
Uinta Mountains, southern Wyoming basin near Rock Springs, and the Medicine Bow/Park Range foothills of the Colorado Rockies along the flight path toward Denver
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
RIGHTDeparting SLC and turning east/southeast toward Colorado, the Wasatch Range rises dramatically just east of the airport, with peaks like Mount Olympus and Lone Peak filling the right-side windows during climb-out. The left side mostly shows the flatter Salt Lake Valley and the receding Great Salt Lake, which is scenic but less dramatic than the adjacent peaks.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTOn approach into Denver from the northwest, the Rocky Mountain Front Range—including foothills near Boulder and higher peaks like Longs Peak—stays visible on the right side as the aircraft descends toward the north-south runways. The left side faces the flat eastern plains, which offer little visual interest compared to the mountain wall.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to Denver. The right side wins on both ends of this short hop: the Wasatch Range dominates the SLC departure, and the Front Range of the Rockies dominates the Denver arrival, bookending an otherwise brief cruise with genuine mountain drama. The left side offers only the Great Salt Lake basin and flat eastern plains, both less visually striking.
What can I see during takeoff from Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
During takeoff from Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SLC and turning east/southeast toward Colorado, the Wasatch Range rises dramatically just east of the airport, with peaks like Mount Olympus and Lone Peak filling the right-side windows during climb-out. The left side mostly shows the flatter Salt Lake Valley and the receding Great Salt Lake, which is scenic but less dramatic than the adjacent peaks. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Mount Olympus, Lone Peak, Utah Lake basin.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Denver from the northwest, the Rocky Mountain Front Range—including foothills near Boulder and higher peaks like Longs Peak—stays visible on the right side as the aircraft descends toward the north-south runways. The left side faces the flat eastern plains, which offer little visual interest compared to the mountain wall. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain foothills near Boulder, Denver metro sprawl.
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to Denver?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Denver International (DEN) takes 1h 20m.
What does the Salt Lake City to Denver flight path pass over?
Uinta Mountains, southern Wyoming basin near Rock Springs, and the Medicine Bow/Park Range foothills of the Colorado Rockies along the flight path toward Denver