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LAS → RAP
Which side of the plane to sit from McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas) to Rapid City Regional Airport (Rapid City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unrivaled parade of the Southwest's most iconic water and rock formations, including the Hoover Dam, Lake Powell, and the canyonlands of Southern Utah.
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Hoover Dam & Lake Mead
Immediately after departure, view the massive engineering marvel of the dam and the stark blue waters of the Colorado River.
Grand Canyon (North Rim)
The northern reaches of the canyon and the Kaibab Plateau are visible as you head northeast into Utah.
Lake Powell
One of the most scenic views in aviation, featuring the sprawling, intricate shorelines of Glen Canyon and the San Juan River.
Arches & Canyonlands
The distinct red rock landscape of Moab, Utah, including deep canyons and towering mesas, is visible mid-flight.
Southern Rocky Mountains
The route skirts the western edge of the Rockies, providing views of snow-capped peaks in Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming.
The right side is the 'Geology Side'. For the best photography of Lake Powell and the Colorado River, mid-morning flights are ideal to minimize shadows in the deep canyons. If flying in winter, the contrast between the red rocks and white snow in the Utah canyonlands is breathtaking. Watch for the 'Badlands' formations to the east as you begin your final descent into RAP.
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Valley of Fire State Park
Witness the stunning red sandstone formations of Nevada's oldest state park shortly after takeoff from Las Vegas.
Capitol Reef National Park
Look for the 'Waterpocket Fold', a massive wrinkle in the Earth's crust stretching across the Utah desert.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
A brilliant green reservoir surrounded by bright red cliffs on the border of Utah and Wyoming.
Casper, Wyoming
The North Platte River winds through this high-plains city against the backdrop of Casper Mountain.
The Black Hills
On descent, the dense ponderosa pine forests create a dark, hilly island amidst the surrounding Great Plains.
Sit on the left for a potential glimpse of Mount Rushmore during the final approach into Rapid City, especially if the aircraft enters from the south. Morning flights offer excellent lighting on the red rocks of Valley of Fire without the glare of the afternoon sun. Keep an eye out for the transition from the arid Great Basin to the rugged Wyoming range.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,355 km (842 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 48 min
Departure: LAS (36.08010101, -115.1520004)
Arrival: RAP (44.0452995300293, -103.05699920654295)
Route Type: Domestic
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