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RAP → SLC
Which side of the plane to sit from Rapid City Regional Airport (Rapid City) to Salt Lake City International Airport (Salt Lake City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the American West, including the high-altitude Wind River Range and a spectacular final approach over the Great Salt Lake.
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Black Hills National Forest
Immediate views after departure of the rugged granite peaks and dark pine forests that give the hills their name.
Wind River Range
One of the most spectacular sights in Wyoming, featuring jagged 13,000-foot peaks and some of the largest glaciers in the Rockies.
Wasatch Range
As the flight nears Salt Lake City, the right side looks directly onto the steep western face of the Wasatch mountains and famous ski resorts.
The Great Salt Lake
Depending on the landing pattern, you will see the vast expanse of the lake, Antelope Island, and the stark contrast of the salt flats.
Thunder Basin
View the massive open-pit coal mines and the sprawling grasslands of northeastern Wyoming mid-flight.
The right side is highly recommended for morning flights to ensure the Wind River Range is illuminated by the rising sun. During the landing phase at SLC, aircraft often fly north of the airport before turning south; sitting on the right provides an unparalleled view of the Great Salt Lake's unique color gradients and the salt-crusted shorelines. Keep your camera ready for the transition from the high Wyoming plains into the deep valleys of the Wasatch.
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Badlands National Park
Visible shortly after takeoff from RAP, look south to see the intricate erosion patterns and colorful sedimentary layers of the South Dakota badlands.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
As you enter Utah, watch for the vibrant turquoise waters of this massive reservoir winding through deep red rock canyons.
Uinta Mountains
A rare east-west mountain range in North America, featuring Kings Peak, the highest point in Utah, visible during the descent.
Salt Lake City Skyline
During the final approach into SLC, the left side typically provides a clear view of the downtown grid, the Temple, and the Utah State Capitol.
Sit on the left for better views of the high Uinta peaks and the red rock features of southern Wyoming. This side is preferred for late afternoon or evening flights to avoid direct glare while watching the sunset over the desert landscapes. Look for the distinct 'U' shape of glacial valleys in the mountains near the Utah border.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 816 km (507 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: RAP (44.0452995300293, -103.05699920654295)
Arrival: SLC (40.78839874267578, -111.97799682617188)
Route Type: Domestic
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