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SJC → SLC
Which side of the plane to sit from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose) to Salt Lake City International Airport (Salt Lake City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it typically offers a direct view of the stunning blue waters of Lake Tahoe and provides a panoramic approach over the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island before landing.
Silicon Valley
Aerial views of the South Bay and the dense tech campuses of San Jose and Santa Clara shortly after takeoff.
Lake Tahoe
One of the flight's crown jewels, the deep blue alpine lake is often visible to the north of the flight path.
Pyramid Lake
A striking turquoise endorheic lake located in the high desert of northwestern Nevada.
Great Salt Lake
Expansive views of the shimmering salt-heavy waters and the distinct causeways that divide different colors of the lake.
Antelope Island
The largest island in the Great Salt Lake, known for its rugged terrain and free-roaming bison populations.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. During afternoon flights, the sun will be on the right side of the plane, giving the left side perfectly lit, glare-free views of the Sierra Nevada and the Great Basin. Watch closely about 20-30 minutes after takeoff for the distinctive shape of Lake Tahoe.
Mount Hamilton
Home to the Lick Observatory, visible atop the rolling peaks of the Diablo Range east of San Jose.
Sierra Nevada Peaks
Views of the high granite wilderness and snow-capped peaks of the central Sierra range.
Central Valley
The vast, geometric patchwork of California's agricultural heartland stretching toward the horizon.
Bingham Canyon Mine
One of the largest man-made excavations in the world, this massive copper mine is a spectacular sight on the final approach.
Wasatch Range
The dramatic mountain wall that towers over Salt Lake City, especially impressive during the descent.
The right side is excellent for catching the massive Bingham Canyon Mine and the jagged Wasatch Mountains during the landing sequence. However, be prepared for significant sun glare on morning flights. In winter, the snow-covered Ruby Mountains in eastern Nevada provide a stark, beautiful contrast to the surrounding desert floor.
Distance: 939 km (583 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 34 min
Departure: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Arrival: SLC (40.78839874267578, -111.97799682617188)
Route Type: Domestic
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