Takeoff views of the Wasatch Range are more dramatic and sustained than landing views. The northbound climb provides extended views of Utah's most prominent mountain range, while the approach to GTF offers more subtle prairie and river valley scenery.
Flown SLC to GTF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Salt Lake City to Great Falls is 463 miles (746 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses from the Wasatch Basin northward through central Utah and into southern Montana. Notable features include the Bear River Mountains (east of the direct route), the Cache Valley region, and the transition from the Great Basin's closed drainage system to the Missouri River drainage basin. The landscape shifts from high-elevation mountain valleys to lower-elevation prairie and agricultural land as you move north into Montana.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
RIGHTSLC typically departs north on runways 16L/R. Right-side seats face east toward the Wasatch Range, which rises dramatically from the valley floor. You'll see the spine of the range with its highest peaks receding northward as you climb.
Landing at GTF
LEFTGTF typically lands north on runway 02. Left-side seats face west during approach, giving views of the Missouri River valley and the Rocky Mountain Front. The High Line area and surrounding prairie create good visual reference for descent into the valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Great Falls International (GTF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to Great Falls. Takeoff views of the Wasatch Range are more dramatic and sustained than landing views. The northbound climb provides extended views of Utah's most prominent mountain range, while the approach to GTF offers more subtle prairie and river valley scenery.
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. SLC typically departs north on runways 16L/R. Right-side seats face east toward the Wasatch Range, which rises dramatically from the valley floor. You'll see the spine of the range with its highest peaks receding northward as you climb. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range (east), Great Salt Lake (northwest, visible as a large pale body of water), Antelope Island (in the lake), Oquirrh Mountains (west).
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 north on runway 02. Left-side seats face west during approach, giving views of the Missouri River valley and the Rocky Mountain Front. The High Line area and surrounding prairie create good visual reference for descent into the valley. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain Front (west), Missouri River (visible as a winding ribbon in the valley), High Line region (agricultural plateau), Bear Paw Mountains (northwest, distant).
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to Great Falls?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Great Falls International (GTF) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 463 miles (746 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Salt Lake City to Great Falls flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses from the Wasatch Basin northward through central Utah and into southern Montana. Notable features include the Bear River Mountains (east of the direct route), the Cache Valley region, and the transition from the Great Basin's closed drainage system to the Missouri River drainage basin. The landscape shifts from high-elevation mountain valleys to lower-elevation prairie and agricultural land as you move north into Montana.