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ABQ destination photo
CNM destination photo

ABQCNM

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side provides a dramatic view of New Mexico's most prominent mountain ranges, including Sierra Blanca and the Guadalupe Mountains, offering a superior visual of the rugged desert transition.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

Manzano Mountains

Direct views of the rocky crests and deep canyons of the Manzano range just south of Albuquerque.

❄️

Sierra Blanca

The towering 11,973-foot peak near Ruidoso, often snow-capped during winter and spring months.

⚪

White Sands Distant View

On clear days, the shimmering white gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park are visible in the far distance.

🌲

Sacramento Mountains

The high-altitude pine forests and steep escarpments that rise sharply from the Tularosa Basin.

⛰️

Guadalupe Mountains

Dramatic views of the limestone peaks, including El Capitan, during the descent into Carlsbad.

The right side is the 'mountain side' for this route. Afternoon flights provide excellent golden-hour lighting on the Sacramento and Guadalupe ranges. Keep your eyes peeled for the transition from the high-altitude forests of Lincoln National Forest to the Chihuahuan Desert scrub near CNM.

Left Side Highlights
6.2
🏙️

Albuquerque Skyline

Immediate views of the Duke City and the lush Rio Grande bosque corridor during initial climb.

⛰️

Sandia Foothills

The eastern, less-seen side of the Sandia Mountains and the high-desert terrain of the Turquoise Trail.

🏜️

Estancia Basin

Expansive views of the salt basins and agricultural grids in the central New Mexico plains.

💧

Pecos River Meanders

The winding path of the Pecos River as it flows through the semi-arid landscape toward the southeast.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun, which will be to the east. This side is better for observing the vast, quiet expanses of the Llano Estacado as you approach the Pecos Valley. Look for the distinct circular patterns of center-pivot irrigation near Roswell.

Top Activities in Carlsbad
Route Information

Distance: 371 km (231 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 37 min

Departure: ABQ (35.040199, -106.609001)

Arrival: CNM (32.337501525878906, -104.26300048828124)

Route Type: Domestic

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