Loading map...
DRO → PHX
Which side of the plane to sit from Durango La Plata County Airport (Durango) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic contrast between the colorful Painted Desert and the rugged Superstition Mountains as you descend into Phoenix.
San Juan South Rim
View the southern edge of the massive San Juan range receding behind you.
Navajo Nation Land
Expansive views of the high-desert mesas and unique geological formations.
Painted Desert
Witness the vibrant stratifications of red, orange, and lavender rock layers.
Tonto National Forest
Dense ponderosa pines give way to saguaro-filled canyons as altitude drops.
Salt River Lakes
Spot the chain of blue reservoirs including Saguaro Lake nestled in the desert.
Superstition Mountains
The iconic rugged mountain range guarding the eastern edge of the Phoenix valley.
Opt for the left side on morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is unparalleled for seeing the Superstition Mountains during the descent. In winter, the snow-capped San Juans at the start of the flight provide a dramatic departure.
Mesa Verde Plateau
The high plateau hosting world-famous ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings visible shortly after takeoff.
San Juan River
The winding river carving through the arid landscape of northern New Mexico and Arizona.
Mogollon Rim
A massive geological cliff defining the edge of the Colorado Plateau crossing into central Arizona.
Meteor Crater
On clear days, the massive impact site is visible in the distance across the desert floor.
Phoenix Metro
The sprawling urban landscape and the distinctive Camelback Mountain during the final approach.
Best for afternoon flights to see the desert sunset, though window glare can be intense. Watch closely immediately after takeoff from DRO for the flat-topped Mesa Verde plateau to the west. This side provides excellent views of the Phoenix city lights for night arrivals.
Distance: 566 km (352 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 57 min
Departure: DRO (37.1515007019, -107.753997803)
Arrival: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.