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GGW destination photo
BIL destination photo

GGWBIL

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a premier view of the massive Fort Peck Lake and the rugged Missouri River Breaks shortly after takeoff, followed by a scenic approach into Billings overlooking the city and the Yellowstone River.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Fort Peck Lake

A massive reservoir on the Missouri River, famous for its sprawling shoreline and the historic Fort Peck Dam.

🏜️

Missouri River Breaks

Dramatic badlands and sandstone cliffs that characterize the rugged landscape of central Montana.

🌲

Bull Mountains

Ponderosa pine-covered hills rising from the plains as you approach the Yellowstone Valley.

🏙️

Billings Cityscape

A clear view of Montana's largest city nestled beneath the towering sandstone Rimrocks during the final descent.

🐍

Yellowstone River

The longest undammed river in the contiguous United States, winding through the valley south of the airport.

Sit on the left for morning flights to catch the sunrise reflecting off Fort Peck Lake. During descent into BIL, the left side usually provides a superior view of the downtown area and the MetraPark arena. Keep your camera ready within the first 10 minutes of flight for the best dam views.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🦆

Bowdoin Wildlife Refuge

Expansive wetlands and saline lakes visible to the west shortly after departing Glasgow.

🏔️

Big Snowy Mountains

A distinct 'island range' featuring Greathouse Peak, often visible on the distant horizon to the west.

🌾

Judith Basin

High-altitude prairie and ranch land that defines the agricultural heart of central Montana.

⛰️

Beartooth Mountains

On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Beartooth Range are visible in the far distance to the southwest.

🧱

The Rimrocks

Close-up views of the 80-million-year-old sandstone cliffs that edge the Billings airport plateau.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the eastern sun. On exceptionally clear days, look far to the southwest as you approach Billings to spot the Granite Peak area. This side also offers a better view of the airport's unique location on top of the cliffs just before touchdown.

Top Activities in Billings
Route Information

Distance: 305 km (190 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 31 min

Departure: GGW (48.212502, -106.614998)

Arrival: BIL (45.80770111083984, -108.54299926757812)

Route Type: Domestic

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