RDU → SFO

Heartland Patchwork

Geometric agricultural patterns across the Midwest, particularly striking in the morning light.

Missouri River

The 'Big Muddy' snaking across the plains of Nebraska and Iowa.

Great Salt Lake

The vast, shimmering expanse of the inland sea and its distinct salt flats in Utah.

Lake Tahoe

A brilliant blue alpine jewel nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, usually visible 40 minutes before landing.

San Francisco Bay

Vibrant, multi-colored salt evaporation ponds and the intricate shoreline of the South Bay.

San Francisco Skyline

Panoramic views of the city's skyscrapers and the Bay Bridge depending on the specific approach path.

Blue Ridge Mountains

Rolling forested ridges of the Appalachian range visible shortly after departing the Piedmont region.

Mississippi River

The massive North American artery winding through the landscape near the mid-point of the journey.

Southern Rockies

Snow-capped peaks and high-altitude plateaus of Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico.

Canyonlands

Deeply eroded orange and red rock formations of the Colorado Plateau in Southern Utah.

Yosemite National Park

Distant views of the high Sierra peaks and the Yosemite Valley area during the descent.

Silicon Valley

The sprawling tech campuses of Palo Alto and Mountain View visible as the plane aligns for landing.