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AZA → MOT
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa) to Minot International Airport (Minot)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the most iconic geological wonders of the American West, including the dramatic red rock formations of Utah and the jagged peaks of the Wyoming Rockies.
San Francisco Peaks
View the towering volcanic peaks near Flagstaff, including Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona.
Lake Powell
The striking blue waters of this massive reservoir contrast sharply against the surrounding red sandstone canyons.
Canyonlands & Arches
As you cross into Utah, the left side typically offers views of the rugged, deeply eroded mesas and natural arches.
Wind River Range
In Wyoming, look for the high, jagged granite peaks and glaciers of this remote mountain wilderness.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Just before arriving in Minot, you may see the rugged badlands and colorful strata of western North Dakota.
For the most vibrant colors, book a morning flight so the sun illuminates the western landscapes. During winter months, the contrast of snow on the red rocks of Utah is visually stunning. This side is also best for avoiding direct glare during afternoon northbound flights.
Mogollon Rim
A massive topographical cliff that defines the edge of the Colorado Plateau, offering a sea of green ponderosa pines.
San Juan Mountains
The eastern horizon often reveals the high, snow-dusted peaks of the Southern Rockies in Colorado.
The Black Hills
The dark, forested silhouette of the Black Hills rises distinctly out of the South Dakota plains to the east.
Missouri River
Watch for the massive, winding path of the Missouri River and its various reservoirs as you head into the Dakotas.
Great Plains Mosaic
The final approach features the sprawling, geometric agricultural patterns typical of the North Dakota landscape.
The right side is perfect for capturing the vastness of the Great Plains. In the evening, this side offers a peaceful view of the sunset's afterglow reflected on the Missouri River. Keep an eye out for the Black Hills of South Dakota, which look like a dark island in a sea of prairie.
Distance: 1,874 km (1,164 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 30 min
Departure: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)
Arrival: MOT (48.2593994140625, -101.27999877929688)
Route Type: Domestic
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