Loading map...

ATL destination photo
SMF destination photo

ATLSMF

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic shift from the red rocks of the Southwest to the iconic deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe during the final descent.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🌊

The Mississippi River

Witness the massive, winding silver ribbon of the Mississippi River shortly after reaching cruising altitude.

🏜️

Painted Desert

Vibrant hues of orange and red stretch across the New Mexico and Arizona landscape as you head west.

💧

Lake Powell

Glimpse the intricate, winding blue waters of Lake Powell tucked between towering sandstone canyons.

💎

Lake Tahoe

The absolute highlight of the flight; a stunning aerial view of the alpine lake just before the descent into Sacramento.

🌲

Sierra National Forest

Lush evergreen canopies and granite peaks mark the transition into the California border region.

Book a window seat on the left for the best view of Lake Tahoe. For optimal photography of the desert colors, choose a mid-morning departure to have the sun behind you. During winter, look for the stark contrast of snow on the Sierra Nevada peaks against the valley floor.

Right Side Highlights
7.9
🌾

Great Plains Grids

See the fascinating geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation circles across the Midwest heartland.

🏔️

Southern Rockies

View the northern reach of the high Rockies, often featuring snow-capped summits well into late spring.

🧂

Great Salt Lake

The northern edge of the massive salt lake and the surrounding white crust of the salt flats are visible to the north.

🌋

Lassen Peak

On clear days, the southern-most volcano in the Cascade Range can be spotted in the distance to the north.

🍇

Central Valley Orchards

The perfectly aligned rows of almond and walnut orchards provide a green quilt-like appearance upon arrival.

The right side is ideal for seeing the Great Salt Lake. On summer afternoon flights, this side will be shaded, which helps reduce cabin heat and window glare. Keep an eye out for the Pyramid Lake area in Nevada, which often glows with an ethereal turquoise hue.

Top Activities in Sacramento
Route Information

Distance: 3,360 km (2,088 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 57 min

Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)

Arrival: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.