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FSD → AZA
Which side of the plane to sit from Joe Foss Field Airport (Sioux Falls) to Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic transition from the Great Plains to the towering peaks of the Colorado Rockies and the vibrant geological formations of the Arizona desert.
Nebraska Sandhills
The largest sand dune formation in the Western Hemisphere, appearing as rolling, grass-stabilized waves.
Colorado Front Range
Spectacular views of snow-capped 14ers like Longs Peak and the dense urban corridor of Denver in the distance.
San Juan Mountains
The most rugged and scenic part of the Colorado Rockies, featuring high alpine tundra and sharp ridges.
Painted Desert
A vast landscape of badlands and mesas featuring vivid bands of red, orange, and purple minerals.
Mogollon Rim
A massive geological escarpment that defines the edge of the Colorado Plateau, covered in the world's largest Ponderosa pine forest.
This is the 'scenic' side for geography buffs. To see the Rockies clearly, choose a morning flight to avoid the haze and afternoon cloud build-up over the mountains. During the winter, the contrast of snow on the red rocks of Northern Arizona is breathtaking. Be prepared for direct sunlight in the afternoon, so bring sunglasses if you are in the window seat.
Nebraska Heartland
Geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation systems create a sprawling quilt of agricultural green and gold across the plains.
Sangre de Cristo Range
The southern-most subrange of the Rocky Mountains stretches along the horizon in northern New Mexico.
Mount Taylor
An extinct stratovolcano in northwest New Mexico, standing as a lone sentinel above the surrounding plateau.
Salt River Canyon
A series of deep, winding gorges often called the 'Little Grand Canyon' of Arizona visible during the descent.
Superstition Mountains
Dramatic, jagged volcanic peaks that dominate the horizon as the flight approaches Mesa-Gateway.
Sit on this side if you want the best view of the Superstition Mountains during the final approach. This side also avoids the direct glare of the afternoon sun on southwest-bound flights. Keep an eye out for the white domes of the VLA radio telescopes if the flight path tracks slightly further south through New Mexico.
Distance: 1,725 km (1,072 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 18 min
Departure: FSD (43.5820007324, -96.741897583)
Arrival: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)
Route Type: Domestic
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