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CLT destination photo
SMF destination photo

CLTSMF

Our Recommendation
9.1

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park, the shimmering Great Salt Lake, and a more direct look at the rugged Sierra Nevada peaks during the descent into Sacramento.

Right Side Highlights
9.1
🌲

Pisgah National Forest

Expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and lush North Carolina wilderness.

🚢

Mississippi River Confluence

The meeting point of major waterways near the Missouri-Illinois border region.

🌽

The Great Plains

A vast patchwork of agriculture stretching to the horizon across the Midwest.

🏔️

Rocky Mountain National Park

Aerial views of jagged peaks, alpine tundras, and glacial lakes north of Denver.

🧂

Great Salt Lake

The stark white salt flats and the distinct color variations of the massive saline lake.

🗻

High Sierra Crest

Dramatic views of the jagged granite peaks as the plane crosses the California border.

The right side is ideal for capturing the scale of the Rocky Mountains and the unique geography of the Great Salt Lake. On afternoon flights, the sun will be on the opposite side, providing perfect, shadow-rich lighting for photography of the mountain ranges. During winter, look for the stark contrast of snow against the dark granite of the Sierra Nevada.

Left Side Highlights
8.6
🏙️

Charlotte Skyline

A stunning view of Uptown Charlotte's skyscrapers shortly after takeoff from CLT.

⛰️

Southern Appalachians

Dense forest canopies and rolling ridges of the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests.

🌊

The Mississippi River

A massive silver ribbon snaking through the flatlands of the American mid-south.

🏔️

Pikes Peak

The famous 14,115-foot summit often visible as you cross into the Colorado Rockies.

🏜️

Colorado Plateau

Deep orange and red rock formations visible across southern Utah and the Great Basin.

💎

Lake Tahoe

A breathtaking view of the deep blue alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks on the approach.

Choose the left side for better lighting on a morning flight to avoid the southern sun glare. This side provides an excellent perspective of the high desert basins and the southern rim of the Sierra Nevada. Keep an eye out for the distinctive geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation in Kansas and eastern Colorado.

Top Activities in Sacramento
Route Information

Distance: 3,603 km (2,239 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 14 min

Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)

Arrival: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)

Route Type: Domestic

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