Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Mayacamas Mountains during departure and the Sierra Nevada foothills during the cruise phase. While the landing favors the left, the overall flight path offers more sustained visual interest on the right side.
Flown STS to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santa Rosa to Las Vegas is 453 miles (729 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Sierra Nevada eastern foothills, Mono Basin, Inyo Mountains, and the transition from California's Central Valley to the high desert plateau. The flight passes over progressively higher and more arid terrain, with Lake Tahoe visible to the north on clear days, and the White Mountains appearing as a distant eastern ridge.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the North Bay's rolling terrain and the beginning of the inland climb toward the Sierra Nevada. You'll see the Mayacamas Mountains rising to the east and the transition from coastal valleys to higher elevation terrain.
Landing at LAS
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Las Vegas. You'll see the Spring Mountains to the west and the transition from the Mojave Desert floor into the Las Vegas Valley, with the city's sprawl becoming increasingly visible.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santa Rosa to Las Vegas. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Mayacamas Mountains during departure and the Sierra Nevada foothills during the cruise phase. While the landing favors the left, the overall flight path offers more sustained visual interest on the right side.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa?
During takeoff from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the North Bay's rolling terrain and the beginning of the inland climb toward the Sierra Nevada. You'll see the Mayacamas Mountains rising to the east and the transition from coastal valleys to higher elevation terrain. Notable sights include: Mayacamas Mountains (east), San Francisco Bay (distant southwest), Sonoma Valley floor (below), Diablo Range foothills (southeast).
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Las Vegas. You'll see the Spring Mountains to the west and the transition from the Mojave Desert floor into the Las Vegas Valley, with the city's sprawl becoming increasingly visible. Notable sights include: Spring Mountains (west), Las Vegas Valley floor (below), Red Rock Canyon escarpment (distant west), Mojave Desert (north and east).
How long is the flight from Santa Rosa to Las Vegas?
The flight from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 453 miles (729 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santa Rosa to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
Sierra Nevada eastern foothills, Mono Basin, Inyo Mountains, and the transition from California's Central Valley to the high desert plateau. The flight passes over progressively higher and more arid terrain, with Lake Tahoe visible to the north on clear days, and the White Mountains appearing as a distant eastern ridge.