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AZA → GRI
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa) to Central Nebraska Regional Airport (Grand Island)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic transition from the Sonoran Desert to the high peaks of the Colorado Rockies before descending into the Great Plains.
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Superstition Mountains
Rising sharply from the desert floor immediately after takeoff from Mesa.
Mogollon Rim
A massive geological escarpment that defines the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau.
San Juan Mountains
Spectacular views of Colorado's most rugged peaks and alpine wilderness areas.
Great Sand Dunes
The tallest sand dunes in North America, visible near the base of the Sangre de Cristo range.
Colorado Front Range
Distal views of Pikes Peak and the major cities along the edge of the Rockies.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the eastern sun. Keep an eye out about 30-40 minutes into the flight for the dramatic change from red desert rock to green forest. In winter, the snow-capped San Juans are the highlight of the trip.
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Roosevelt Lake
A large blue reservoir visible early in the flight amidst the Tonto National Forest.
Sangre de Cristo Range
A long, narrow range of mountains stretching from New Mexico into Southern Colorado.
Pivot Irrigation Patterns
The iconic 'crop circles' of the High Plains as you cross into Kansas and Nebraska.
Arkansas River
Watch for the winding path of this vital waterway cutting through the flat landscape.
Platte River Valley
The broad, shallow riverbed that marks the final approach into Grand Island.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights when the sun is to the west, illuminating the textures of the Kansas and Nebraska farmland. Look for the geometric precision of the agriculture, which looks like a massive quilt from 30,000 feet.
Book Hotels in Grand IslandDistance: 1,455 km (904 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 56 min
Departure: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)
Arrival: GRI (40.96749877929688, -98.30960083007812)
Route Type: Domestic
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