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SMF → PSP
Which side of the plane to sit from Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento) to Palm Springs International Airport (Palm Springs)?
Left Side of the Plane
Flying south from Sacramento, the left side offers continuous views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, including the highest peaks in the lower 48 states and the rugged wilderness of several national parks.
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Sierra Nevada Range
Stunning views of the massive mountain chain running parallel to the flight path for most of the journey.
Yosemite High Sierra
The rugged eastern wilderness of Yosemite National Park featuring majestic granite peaks and glacial valleys.
Mount Whitney
Spot the highest peak in the contiguous United States as you fly past the Southern Sierra section.
Owens Valley
The deep, dramatic valley located between the Sierra Nevada and the Inyo Mountains to the east.
San Gorgonio Mountain
The highest peak in Southern California visible as the plane begins its descent into the Coachella Valley.
Book a window seat on the left for morning departures to see the sun illuminate the Sierra Nevada peaks. This side is superior for viewing the geological transition from the Central Valley to the high mountains. During winter, the heavy snowpack on the ridgelines makes for incredible photography.
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Central Valley
The vast agricultural heartland of California characterized by distinct geometric crop patterns and irrigation canals.
Tehachapi Wind Farm
Thousands of wind turbines dotting the landscape at the southern terminus of the San Joaquin Valley.
Antelope Valley
Vibrant orange patches visible from the air during the spring poppy bloom season near Lancaster.
Inland Empire
The sprawling urban landscape and warehouses of the San Bernardino and Riverside regions during descent.
Mount San Jacinto
A massive, towering rock face that dominates the view as the plane enters the valley floor for landing.
The right side offers a more dramatic view during the final 10 minutes of the flight as the plane descends past the nearly 11,000-foot peak of Mount San Jacinto. Choose this side for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh eastern sun. Look for the San Andreas Fault line clearly visible in the desert crust as you approach Palm Springs.
Book Hotels in Palm SpringsDistance: 707 km (439 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 11 min
Departure: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)
Arrival: PSP (33.829700469970696, -116.50700378417967)
Route Type: Domestic
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