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CLE destination photo
SFO destination photo

CLESFO

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior perspective of the Colorado Rockies, the vibrant red rock formations of Utah, and the iconic aerial approach into SFO over Silicon Valley and the South Bay.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏙️

Chicago Skyline

On clear days, see the towering skyscrapers of downtown Chicago and the Willis Tower as you cross the Midwest.

🏔️

Colorado Rockies

Direct views of the snow-capped Front Range and the rugged peaks of the Continental Divide.

🏜️

Utah Canyons

Spectacular views of the Colorado River carving through the red rock desert and the high plateaus of southern Utah.

🌵

Great Basin

The rhythmic basin-and-range topography of Nevada stretching toward the horizon.

🏞️

High Sierra

Glacial valleys and granite peaks of the southern Sierra Nevada, often including distant glimpses of Yosemite.

🌉

San Francisco Bay

An unmatched view of Silicon Valley, the salt ponds, and the San Mateo Bridge during the final descent.

Since this is a westbound flight, the sun will be on the left (south) side for most of the day; keep your window shade partially down to manage glare and heat. The best photography opportunities occur as you cross the Rockies and during the final 15 minutes of the flight. For morning flights, this side is particularly bright, while sunset flights offer dramatic lighting over the California coast.

Right Side Highlights
7.9
🌊

Lake Michigan

Sweeping views of the southern shoreline and the vast expanse of the lake as you depart the Midwest.

🌽

The Heartland

Geometric patterns of the American agricultural belt across Iowa and Nebraska.

🗻

Northern Rockies

Views of the Wyoming ranges and the northern edge of the Uinta Mountains.

🧂

Great Salt Lake

The distinct color variations and salt flats of the northern portion of the Great Salt Lake.

🌲

Lake Tahoe

If the flight path is northerly, look for the deep blue waters of Tahoe nestled in the Sierras.

🍇

Napa Valley

Verdant vineyards and rolling hills of the North Bay during the initial stages of the SFO arrival.

The right side provides more consistent lighting without direct sun glare, making it ideal for clear photos of the Great Salt Lake. Look for the 'checkerboard' landscape of the Great Plains. In winter, this side offers the best views of snow-covered northern mountain ranges. During the descent, watch for the fog rolling over the Marin Headlands if approaching from the north.

Top Activities in San Francisco
Route Information

Distance: 3,470 km (2,156 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 5 min

Departure: CLE (41.4117012024, -81.8498001099)

Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)

Route Type: Domestic

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