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BIL destination photo
AZA destination photo

BIL → AZA

Our Recommendation
8.9

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the most iconic landscapes of the American West, including distant views of Yellowstone, the red rock cathedrals of Utah, and a spectacular vantage point for the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff peaks.

Right Side Highlights
8.9
🌋

Yellowstone & Tetons

Depending on the specific air corridor, the snow-capped Grand Tetons and the steaming geothermal basins of Yellowstone are visible on the western horizon.

🏜️

Arches & Canyonlands

Look down over southern Utah to see the intricate networks of canyons, mesas, and natural arches carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.

峥

The Grand Canyon

The star attraction; the flight path often provides a sweeping perspective of the canyon's immense scale and the winding Colorado River far below.

🏔️

San Francisco Peaks

Soaring above Flagstaff, Humphreys Peak (Arizona's highest point) stands as a prominent volcanic landmark before your descent begins.

🏙️

Phoenix Valley

The vast sprawl of the Valley of the Sun opens up as the plane turns for the final approach into Mesa-Gateway.

The right side is the definitive choice for landmarks. For the best lighting on the Grand Canyon, choose an afternoon flight when the sun illuminates the canyon walls from the west. However, be aware that afternoon flights in summer can be bumpier due to desert thermal activity. Ensure your window is clean to capture the high-contrast colors of the Utah-Arizona border.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏔️

Bighorn Mountains

Shortly after takeoff, view the rugged peaks and deep canyons of the Bighorn National Forest stretching across northern Wyoming.

🌊

Flaming Gorge

The brilliant green waters of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir contrast sharply against the surrounding red canyon walls near the Wyoming-Utah border.

🎨

Painted Desert

As you enter Arizona, the landscape shifts into vibrant hues of lavender, red, and orange across the expansive Painted Desert region.

🌵

Superstition Mountains

On final approach to Mesa, the legendary and jagged Superstition Mountains provide a dramatic desert backdrop to the east.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is particularly rewarding during the descent into Mesa, as you pass closer to the Tonto National Forest and the Salt River chain of lakes. Keep an eye out for the White Mountains in the distance while over northern Arizona.

Top Activities in Mesa
Route Information

Distance: 1,415 km (879 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 53 min

Departure: BIL (45.80770111083984, -108.54299926757812)

Arrival: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)

Route Type: Domestic

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