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SLC → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Salt Lake City International Airport (Salt Lake City) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior perspective of the Kennecott Copper Mine shortly after takeoff, the rugged high peaks of the Sierra Nevada, and a panoramic view of the Silicon Valley shoreline during the final approach into SFO.
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Wasatch Range
Dramatic views of the snow-capped mountains bordering Salt Lake City immediately after takeoff.
Kennecott Copper Mine
Bingham Canyon Mine, one of the world's largest man-made excavations, visible as a massive tiered crater.
Sierra Nevada Mountains
The jagged granite peaks of the California border, including views toward Yosemite National Park to the south.
California Central Valley
The vast, geometric patchwork of agricultural fields stretching across the interior of the state.
Silicon Valley
A clear view of Palo Alto, Mountain View, and the tech campuses lining the southern San Francisco Bay.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the southern sun. Keep your camera ready about 5-10 minutes after takeoff to capture the copper mine. During landing, this side offers the best view of the Peninsula and the sprawling tech headquarters before touchdown.
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Great Salt Lake
Expansive views of the shimmering, shallow salt lake and Antelope Island directly north of the airport.
Bonneville Salt Flats
The blindingly white, perfectly flat crust of the prehistoric Lake Bonneville in western Utah.
Ruby Mountains
Nevada's scenic 'Swiss Alps' featuring glacier-carved canyons and rugged ridges.
Lake Tahoe
Often visible in the distance to the south-west as you cross the California border.
Oakland & East Bay
Views of the Port of Oakland, the Bay Bridge, and the Berkeley hills during the descent.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to enjoy the sunset over the Pacific as you approach the coast. It offers the most consistent views of the Great Salt Lake's unique colors and the desolate beauty of the Nevada basin and range province.
Book Hotels in San FranciscoDistance: 962 km (598 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min
Departure: SLC (40.78839874267578, -111.97799682617188)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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