While left seats win on departure with Bay Area views, right seats dominate the longer descent sequence with sustained Rocky Mountain scenery. The westbound approach to Denver offers more dramatic and extended mountain viewing from the right side.
Flown SFO to BJC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Denver is 942 miles (1,515 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Sierra Nevada peaks (particularly Mount Whitney region) visible around 45 minutes into flight; Great Basin desert and salt flats; Utah-Colorado border region with Colorado River canyons; transition from high desert to Front Range foothills
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft seats offer immediate views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands as you climb out over the water. Right seats see only urban sprawl and airport infrastructure initially.
Landing at BJC
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views of the Front Range peaks as you descend toward Denver, particularly the Continental Divide and peaks west of the city. Left seats face away from the mountains during final approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Denver. While left seats win on departure with Bay Area views, right seats dominate the longer descent sequence with sustained Rocky Mountain scenery. The westbound approach to Denver offers more dramatic and extended mountain viewing from the right side.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer immediate views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands as you climb out over the water. Right seats see only urban sprawl and airport infrastructure initially. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpais.
What can I see when landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver?
When landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views of the Front Range peaks as you descend toward Denver, particularly the Continental Divide and peaks west of the city. Left seats face away from the mountains during final approach. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain Front Range, Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt, South Platte River valley.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Denver?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 942 miles (1,515 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Denver flight path pass over?
Sierra Nevada peaks (particularly Mount Whitney region) visible around 45 minutes into flight; Great Basin desert and salt flats; Utah-Colorado border region with Colorado River canyons; transition from high desert to Front Range foothills