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SMF destination photo
DEN destination photo

SMFDEN

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of Lake Tahoe shortly after takeoff and the dramatic high peaks of the Colorado Rockies and Denver skyline on approach.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
💎

Lake Tahoe

Stunning views of the deep blue water and the surrounding snow-capped peaks of the Tahoe basin.

🏜️

Great Basin Desert

Intricate geological folds and dry lake beds stretching across the Nevada and Utah wilderness.

🏙️

Salt Lake City

The urban grid of the city tucked directly against the massive wall of the Wasatch Front.

🏔️

The Front Range

A continuous chain of 14,000-foot peaks, including Mount Blue Sky and Pikes Peak in the distance.

🏢

Denver Skyline

Excellent views of downtown Denver and Empower Field at Mile High during the descent into DEN.

This is the 'scenic' side for Tahoe; be ready within 15-20 minutes of departure from SMF. On arrival into Denver, this side typically offers a spectacular panorama of the Rocky Mountains meeting the Great Plains. Afternoon flights provide the best lighting for the Colorado mountain range.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

Northern Sierras

Rugged alpine terrain and granite peaks north of the Tahoe basin during the initial climb.

💧

Pyramid Lake

A striking turquoise endorheic lake set against the stark desert landscape of Nevada.

🧂

Great Salt Lake

Expansive views of the northern portions of the lake, showing distinct color variations and salt crusts.

⛰️

Wasatch Range

The sharp, dramatic rise of the mountains as the flight transitions from the Great Basin into the Rockies.

🌲

Rocky Mountain National Park

Aerial views of Longs Peak and the alpine tundra sections of northern Colorado's highest wilderness.

Choose this side if you want the best view of the Great Salt Lake's unique geography. For photography, the morning light is ideal as the sun will be behind you. Look for the 'Lucin Cutoff' railroad trestle crossing the lake, which creates a sharp color divide in the water.

Top Activities in Denver
Route Information

Distance: 1,460 km (907 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 57 min

Departure: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)

Arrival: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)

Route Type: Domestic

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