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AZA destination photo
BIS destination photo

AZA → BIS

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior journey through the geological diversity of the American West, featuring the vibrant colors of the Painted Desert and the distinct formations of the Black Hills and Badlands.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
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Superstition Mountains

Dramatic, jagged volcanic peaks immediately visible to the east upon departure from Mesa Gateway.

ðŸŽĻ

The Painted Desert

A sprawling landscape of multicolored siltstone and shale in the Four Corners region, appearing in hues of lavender and red.

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San Juan Mountains

Vast views of the high-altitude, snowy peaks of southwestern Colorado, including some of the state's highest summits.

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The Black Hills

The dark, forested granite peaks of western South Dakota, standing in stark contrast to the surrounding plains.

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South Dakota Badlands

Unique eroded spires and buttes that look like a moonscape from 35,000 feet, particularly striking in early morning light.

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Great Plains Patchwork

The geometric beauty of circular irrigation fields and vast ranch lands across the Dakotas.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the glare of the sun. This side provides the best opportunity to see Mount Rushmore's general vicinity (though the monument itself is small) and the incredible transition from the desert Southwest to the northern prairies.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
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Phoenix Urban Basin

Bird's-eye view of the sprawling Phoenix-Mesa metropolitan area and the Salt River bed shortly after takeoff.

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Mogollon Rim

The dramatic geological shelf that marks the edge of the Colorado Plateau, showcasing a sharp rise in elevation.

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Lake Powell & Glen Canyon

Brilliant turquoise waters snaking through deep red sandstone canyons near the Arizona-Utah border.

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Wind River Range

Distant views of the rugged, snow-capped peaks of western Wyoming as you traverse the high plains.

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Missouri River Valley

The winding Missouri River provides a scenic backdrop as the plane begins its final approach into Bismarck.

Sit on the left if you are on a late afternoon flight to catch a spectacular sunset over the high desert and Rocky Mountain silhouettes. Keep an eye out for the unique 'comb' ridges of southern Utah and the vast expanses of the Wyoming prairie.

Top Activities in Bismarck
Route Information

Distance: 1,758 km (1,092 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 21 min

Departure: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)

Arrival: BIS (46.77270126342773, -100.74600219726562)

Route Type: Domestic

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