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SJC → DEN
Which side of the plane to sit from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose) to Denver International Airport (Denver)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a more consistent parade of iconic landmarks, including the granite cliffs of Yosemite, the unique geography of Mono Lake, and the striking red rock formations of Southern Utah before crossing the highest peaks of the Rockies.
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Yosemite National Park
Look for the distinctive granite face of Half Dome and the high Sierra wilderness.
Mono Lake
A hauntingly beautiful saline soda lake with visible tufa towers from high altitude.
Canyonlands & Arches
The landscape turns a brilliant rust-red as you pass over the dramatic canyons of Eastern Utah.
The Colorado Rockies
A breathtaking crossing of the Continental Divide with views of several 14,000-foot peaks.
The right side is superior for geological variety. Keep your camera ready roughly 20 minutes after departure for Yosemite. As the plane descends into Denver, you will get a sweeping view of the Front Range mountains meeting the Great Plains. Be aware that afternoon flights will face direct sunlight on this side.
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San Francisco Bay
Aerial views of the South Bay and Silicon Valley immediately after takeoff from SJC.
Lake Tahoe
The deep blue waters of North America's largest alpine lake are often visible to the north.
Bonneville Salt Flats
A vast, shimmering white expanse of salt crust located in northwestern Utah.
Salt Lake City
Views of the Great Salt Lake and the urban sprawl against the Wasatch Range.
Choose the left side for the best chance to see Lake Tahoe. On morning flights, the left side is the 'shady side,' which is much better for taking photos without window glare. In winter, the snow-covered Sierra Nevada creates a stunning monochromatic landscape from this vantage point.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,522 km (946 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 2 min
Departure: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Arrival: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Route Type: Domestic
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