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SMF → BOI
Which side of the plane to sit from Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento) to Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (Boise)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most iconic landmarks of the region, including views of the Sierra Nevada range and a spectacular vantage point of Lake Tahoe's northern basin shortly after departure.
Sacramento Skyline
Excellent views of downtown Sacramento and the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers immediately after takeoff.
Lake Tahoe
The deep blue waters of North America's largest alpine lake are visible to the south as you cross the Sierra Nevada crest.
Pyramid Lake
A stunning, turquoise-colored desert lake in Nevada surrounded by stark, mountainous terrain.
Snake River Plain
The vast volcanic landscape of southern Idaho, following the winding Snake River as you approach Boise.
The right side is the 'money side' for this route. For the best view of Lake Tahoe, look out about 15-20 minutes into the flight. In winter, the snow-covered Sierra peaks on this side are particularly breathtaking.
Sutter Buttes
The world's smallest mountain range, appearing as a isolated volcanic cluster in the center of the Sacramento Valley.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Distant but clear views of Mount Lassen and the southernmost peaks of the Cascade Range to the north.
Black Rock Desert
The massive alkali flat of northwestern Nevada, famous for its perfectly flat, white expanse.
Owyhee Canyonlands
Intricate, deeply carved river canyons and rugged plateaus as the plane crosses into the Idaho border region.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind the plane, providing better lighting for photography. Look out for the Sutter Buttes approximately 5-10 minutes after takeoff from SMF.
Distance: 703 km (437 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 10 min
Departure: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)
Arrival: BOI (43.5644, -116.223)
Route Type: Domestic
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