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DRO destination photo
PHX destination photo

DROPHX

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏺

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.

Top Activities in Phoenix
Route Information

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

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