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MSP destination photo
SFO destination photo

MSP β†’ SFO

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of iconic geological landmarks including Devil's Tower and the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons, followed by a dramatic crossing of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🌳

Lake Minnetonka

A beautiful view of the intricate shorelines and islands of the Twin Cities' largest lake shortly after departure.

⛰️

Devil's Tower

The famous igneous monolith in Wyoming stands out prominently from the surrounding plains about 90 minutes into the flight.

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Grand Teton Range

Unrivaled views of the steep, jagged peaks of the Tetons and the southern edge of Yellowstone National Park.

πŸ§‚

Great Salt Lake

The northern portion of the lake, often showing distinct color variations due to salinity levels.

❄️

Sierra Nevada

Spectacular crossing of the snow-capped mountain range, often flying near the historic Donner Pass area.

πŸŒ‰

Marin Headlands

On certain arrival paths, you can spot the Golden Gate Bridge and the rugged coastline of Marin County to the north.

The right side is the 'photographer's side' for this route. Sit here for a chance to see Devil's Towerβ€”look for it roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes after takeoff. For morning flights, the lighting on the Tetons and the Sierras is exceptional. Be aware that the sun will be on the left side (south) for most of this westbound journey, making the right side comfortably shaded.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🌊

Mississippi River

Immediately after takeoff, witness the winding curves of the Great River forming the border between MN and WI.

🏜️

Badlands National Park

Aerial views of the distinctively eroded buttes and spires of the South Dakota landscape.

🏜️

Canyonlands

Distant but visible red rock formations and plateaus of the high desert regions.

πŸ’§

Lake Tahoe

The deep sapphire blue of the largest alpine lake in North America nestled in the Sierras.

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San Francisco Skyline

On the standard approach to SFO, the left side typically offers a clear view of the downtown skyscrapers and Salesforce Tower.

🏟️

Silicon Valley

Views of the South Bay tech campuses and Levi's Stadium during the final descent pattern.

Choose the left side for evening flights to avoid direct glare from the sun. This side is also preferred for views of the San Francisco city center and the Bay Bridge during the final approach to runways 28L or 28R. Keep an eye out for the colorful salt evaporation ponds in the South Bay during the last ten minutes of flight.

Top Activities in San Francisco
Route Information

Distance: 2,551 km (1,585 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 24 min

Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)

Route Type: Domestic

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