The left side captures the dramatic Great Salt Lake and salt flats on departure plus the San Francisco Bay and city skyline on arrival, while the right side mostly shows flat desert basin and, at best, distant Sierra Nevada peaks during a short cruise segment.
Flight Path
Great Basin desert ranges of Nevada, including the Ruby Mountains and scattered dry lake beds, with the Sierra Nevada visible on the horizon before descent into California
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
LEFTDeparting SLC southbound or northbound, the left side faces west toward the Great Salt Lake and its salt flats, with the Oquirrh Mountains rising close by. The lake's shoreline and islands create a striking geometric pattern visible right after takeoff.
Landing at SFO
LEFTOn the arrival into SFO from the north or east, the left side offers views over the East Bay hills and the Bay itself, including the Bay Bridge and downtown San Francisco skyline as the aircraft turns onto final for the northern runways.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to San Francisco. The left side captures the dramatic Great Salt Lake and salt flats on departure plus the San Francisco Bay and city skyline on arrival, while the right side mostly shows flat desert basin and, at best, distant Sierra Nevada peaks during a short cruise segment.
What can I see during takeoff from Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
During takeoff from Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SLC southbound or northbound, the left side faces west toward the Great Salt Lake and its salt flats, with the Oquirrh Mountains rising close by. The lake's shoreline and islands create a striking geometric pattern visible right after takeoff. Notable sights include: Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island, Oquirrh Mountains, Salt Lake Valley salt flats.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the arrival into SFO from the north or east, the left side offers views over the East Bay hills and the Bay itself, including the Bay Bridge and downtown San Francisco skyline as the aircraft turns onto final for the northern runways. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco skyline, East Bay hills.
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to San Francisco?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 2h 05m.
What does the Salt Lake City to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Great Basin desert ranges of Nevada, including the Ruby Mountains and scattered dry lake beds, with the Sierra Nevada visible on the horizon before descent into California