Great Salt Lake Flying Tour: Scenic 40–60 Minute Aerial Flight Over Utah’s Saline Expanse
Climb into a small plane for a 40–60 minute flight that turns the Great Salt Lake into a living map — salt crusts, islands, bison and the scars of Lake Bonneville spread beneath you. Fast-paced, low-impact and perfect for photographers, this is the easiest way to grasp the lake’s vastness.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring polarized sunglasses
Glare off the salt and water is extreme; polarized lenses reduce eye strain and improve photo clarity.
Secure loose gear
Use a neck strap for cameras and stow phones; even gentle turns can send items sliding under seats or into footwells.
Choose morning or late afternoon
Those times deliver calmer air and the best light for aerial shots — midday can be harsh and windier.
Prepare for motion
If you’re prone to air sickness, take preventative measures before boarding (light snack, medication if needed).
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Spiral Jetty vantage from low altitude — better seen from the air than the shoreline
- •Salt-polished flats near the causeway that shift color with wind and algae blooms
Wildlife
- •American bison
- •bald eagle
Conservation Note
Operators keep flights at altitudes that minimize disturbance to nesting colonies and sensitive wetlands; avoid landing or driving on exposed flats to protect crusts and invertebrate habitats.
The Great Salt Lake is a remnant of Pleistocene Lake Bonneville; its modern outline was shaped by a catastrophic flood roughly 14,500 years ago.
Photographer's Notes
- • Over Antelope Island and its bison herds
- • Along the causeway for contrast between road and water
- • Above the Spiral Jetty for geometric compositions
What to Bring
Polarized sunglassesEssential
Cuts glare off salt and water, improves comfort and image quality.
Light windproof jacketEssential
Cabins can be cool at altitude and on early/late flights.
Mirrorless or DSLR camera with fast shutterEssential
Fast shutter and continuous shooting help capture wildlife and wing-view shots.
Neck strap or secure camera tether
Prevents accidental drops during turbulence or quick framing adjustments.
Common Questions
How long is the flight?
The full experience runs 40–60 minutes including briefing; the in-air time is typically about 40 minutes focused on the lake.
Where do we meet?
Meet at Skypark Airport in Woods Cross — the operator will direct you to the FLT Academy lobby if you arrive early.
Are there age or health restrictions?
Flights are suitable for most ages; infants must sit on laps and you’ll be asked for passenger weight. If you have serious medical conditions, check with the operator first.
What wildlife might we see?
Common sightings include bison on Antelope Island, pronghorn or mule deer on the flats, coyotes, and raptors like eagles and hawks.
What happens in bad weather?
Flights are cancelled for unsafe weather; the operator offers a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours prior or if the flight is called off for weather.
Can I bring a camera and get good photos from the plane?
Yes — use a fast shutter, avoid flash, and shoot through open windows if available; a polarizer helps reduce reflections.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
40–60 minutes
Location
Woods Cross, Utah
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; must be able to board a small aircraft and follow safety instructions
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