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SJC → BOI
Which side of the plane to sit from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose) to Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (Boise)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior vantage point for the most iconic landmarks, including a direct view of the high Sierra Nevada peaks and a closer perspective of Lake Tahoe's alpine beauty.
Sierra Nevada Range
Spectacular views of the rugged, snow-capped granite peaks of the High Sierra as you cross the mountain spine.
Lake Tahoe
The flight path often passes just south of this massive alpine lake, offering stunning views of its deep blue waters.
Pyramid Lake
A striking turquoise endorheic lake located in the Nevada desert, known for its unique tufa rock formations.
Great Basin Terrain
The classic 'basin and range' topography of Nevada, featuring parallel mountain chains and flat desert valleys.
Snake River
The winding Snake River carving through the basalt plains of southern Idaho during the approach into BOI.
The right side is the 'mountain side.' Look for Lake Tahoe approximately 25 minutes after takeoff. In winter, the snow cover on the Sierras is breathtaking. Be aware that on afternoon flights, the sun will be on this side, which can make photography difficult due to glare.
San Francisco Bay
Bird's-eye views of the southern San Francisco Bay and the vibrant salt ponds near Alviso during departure.
Mount Diablo
A prominent 3,849-foot peak in the East Bay that stands out as the flight turns northeast toward the mountains.
Lassen Peak
On clear days, the southern-most volcano in the Cascade Range is visible in the far distance to the north.
Owyhee Canyonlands
Dramatic, remote desert canyons and jagged rock formations near the border of Oregon and Idaho.
Boise Skyline
Excellent views of downtown Boise and the Idaho State Capitol building if the flight approaches from the west.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. This side is also better for spotting the expansive Owyhee River wilderness during the final third of the journey. If the wind is coming from the east, you will likely get a great view of the Boise foothills on your final descent.
Distance: 841 km (523 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Arrival: BOI (43.5644, -116.223)
Route Type: Domestic
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