While landing offers compelling views on the left, the takeoff from West Yellowstone provides more dramatic and sustained mountain scenery. Right-side seats capture the Absaroka and Gallatin ranges at their most impressive during climb-out, and the flight path southwestward maintains good views of the Teton Range and Snake River Basin in the midpoint of the flight.
Flown WYS to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City is 273 miles (439 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Snake River Basin and its meandering river channel, Teton Range (visible to the southeast during southwestbound routing), Island Park Reservoir, and the transition from the high Yellowstone Plateau to the lower Snake River Plain topography
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from WYS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of the Absaroka Range and Gallatin Range as the aircraft climbs southwestward from West Yellowstone. These dramatic peaks dominate the landscape immediately surrounding the airport and are visible within the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at SLC
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to Salt Lake City. The aircraft descends from the northeast, and left-side passengers see the Wasatch Range's western face, the Great Salt Lake, and the Salt Lake Valley's urban grid as the airport comes into view.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Yellowstone Airport (WYS) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City. While landing offers compelling views on the left, the takeoff from West Yellowstone provides more dramatic and sustained mountain scenery. Right-side seats capture the Absaroka and Gallatin ranges at their most impressive during climb-out, and the flight path southwestward maintains good views of the Teton Range and Snake River Basin in the midpoint of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Yellowstone Airport in West Yellowstone?
During takeoff from Yellowstone Airport (WYS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Absaroka Range and Gallatin Range as the aircraft climbs southwestward from West Yellowstone. These dramatic peaks dominate the landscape immediately surrounding the airport and are visible within the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Absaroka Range (east), Gallatin Range (west), Yellowstone Caldera geothermal features (south), Madison Range (southwest).
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to Salt Lake City. The aircraft descends from the northeast, and left-side passengers see the Wasatch Range's western face, the Great Salt Lake, and the Salt Lake Valley's urban grid as the airport comes into view. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range (east and north), Great Salt Lake (northwest), Salt Lake Valley urban area (south), Oquirrh Range (west).
How long is the flight from West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Yellowstone Airport (WYS) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 273 miles (439 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
Snake River Basin and its meandering river channel, Teton Range (visible to the southeast during southwestbound routing), Island Park Reservoir, and the transition from the high Yellowstone Plateau to the lower Snake River Plain topography