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SFO → DEN
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Denver International Airport (Denver)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides are spectacular, the right side typically offers more dramatic views of the high Sierra peaks, the red rock formations of Utah, and the highest peaks of the Colorado Rockies during the descent.
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Yosemite & High Sierra
Distant views of the rugged granite peaks and wilderness of the central Sierra Nevada mountains.
Canyonlands & Moab
The winding Colorado River and the striking red sandstone landscapes of eastern Utah's desert.
The High Rockies
Close-up views of Colorado's 'Fourteeners' and famous ski areas like Vail and Breckenridge.
Mount Blue Sky
One of the most prominent peaks in the Front Range, visible just before the plane crosses over to the plains.
Denver Skyline
The dramatic transition from the steep mountains to the flat high plains as the city of Denver appears.
The right side is unbeatable for the approach into DEN. As you cross the Rockies, you will see the transition from red desert to alpine peaks. For morning flights, this side will be very bright; for sunset flights, the mountains will be bathed in a 'glow' known as the alpenglow. Be ready for turbulence over the Rockies, which often occurs during these scenic transitions.
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San Francisco Bay
Aerial views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline immediately after takeoff.
Lake Tahoe
The deep blue waters of North Lake Tahoe and the surrounding snow-capped Sierra Nevada range.
Great Salt Lake
The expansive, shimmering salt flats and unique color variations of the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
Steamboat Springs
Views of the Yampa Valley and the northern Colorado ski resorts before beginning the final descent.
Sit on the left for the iconic 'departure turn' views of San Francisco. Afternoon flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you (to the south), illuminating the Great Salt Lake and the Rockies without glare. Keep an eye out for the distinct line where the Salt Lake is divided by the Lucin Cutoff railroad causeway.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,553 km (965 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 4 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Route Type: Domestic
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