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AZA destination photo
BZN destination photo

AZABZN

Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa) to Gallatin Field (Bozeman)?

Our Recommendation
9.4

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft offers a spectacular sequence of the American West's most iconic landscapes, including the red rocks of Lake Powell, the jagged Grand Tetons, and the geothermal expanse of Yellowstone.

Right Side Highlights
9.4
⛰️

Mogollon Rim

A massive geological fault line in Arizona marking the edge of the Colorado Plateau with a 2,000-foot drop.

🏞️

Lake Powell

Breathtaking views of the winding blue water of Glen Canyon set against brilliant red and orange sandstone.

🏔️

Wasatch Front

Continuous views of the steep, snow-capped peaks bordering Salt Lake City and the high-altitude Uinta range.

🏔️

Grand Tetons

Look for the iconic sharp spires of the Teton Range rising abruptly from the valley floor near Jackson Hole.

🌲

Yellowstone National Park

The high plateau of the world's first national park, featuring dense forests and steam rising from geothermal basins.

This is the premier side for this route. Request a seat behind the wing to capture the Grand Tetons without engine obstruction. For the best lighting, choose a morning flight to have the sun illuminate the mountains from the east, or a late afternoon flight for dramatic shadows in the canyons. Keep your camera ready as you pass the Idaho/Wyoming border.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🌵

Sonoran Desert

Immediately after departure, view the rugged desert basins and Saguaro-covered hills surrounding the Phoenix valley.

🏜️

Grand Canyon North

Distant but impressive views of the North Rim's vast plateau and the deep erosion of the Kaibab Plateau.

🌊

Great Salt Lake

Observe the striking color contrast between the turquoise water and the white salt flats of the northern lake bed.

🌑

Craters of the Moon

A massive, distinctively black volcanic field in Idaho that looks like a giant ink stain on the landscape.

🏔️

Sawtooth Mountains

The jagged, serrated peaks of central Idaho provide a dramatic backdrop as the flight nears the Montana border.

Sit in front of the wing for the best views of the Great Salt Lake's unique coloration. On clear days, the northern arm of the lake often appears pink or purple due to halophilic bacteria. This side is also excellent for spotting the stark volcanic geography of the Idaho desert in mid-flight.

Top Activities in Bozeman
Route Information

Distance: 1,387 km (862 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 51 min

Departure: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)

Arrival: BZN (45.77750015, -111.1529999)

Route Type: Domestic

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