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GRI → AZA
Which side of the plane to sit from Central Nebraska Regional Airport (Grand Island) to Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the dramatic transition from the Great Plains to the Southern Rocky Mountains and the colorful geology of northern Arizona.
Nebraska Sandhills
Unique rolling grass-stabilized sand dunes that create a mesmerizing textured pattern from above.
Southern Front Range
Distant but clear views of Colorado's highest peaks, including Pikes Peak if the flight path stays west.
Painted Desert
Stunning vistas of stratified layers of siltstone and shale in vibrant hues of lavender, red, and orange.
Petrified Forest National Park
High-altitude desert landscapes featuring eroded badlands and ancient fossilized wood deposits.
Mogollon Rim
A massive geological escarpment marking the edge of the Colorado Plateau with a dramatic 2,000-foot drop.
Choose the right side for the most iconic geological features. Late afternoon flights offer the best lighting for the Painted Desert and Mogollon Rim, as the low sun accentuates the shadows and deepens the red rock colors. Keep your camera ready as you cross the Arizona border.
Platte River Basin
Visible shortly after departure, the winding silver threads of the Platte River define the Nebraska landscape.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The southernmost subrange of the Rockies, providing jagged skylines as you enter New Mexico.
Albuquerque Metro Area
Excellent views of the Rio Grande valley and the urban sprawl of New Mexico's largest city.
Tonto National Forest
A vast expanse of rugged wilderness that transitions from high-altitude pines to desert scrub.
Superstition Mountains
On final approach to AZA, these iconic and mystical volcanic peaks rise sharply from the desert floor.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. This side is superior for viewing the Superstition Mountains during the descent into Mesa, which are especially vibrant during the 'golden hour' before sunset.
Distance: 1,455 km (904 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 56 min
Departure: GRI (40.96749877929688, -98.30960083007812)
Arrival: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)
Route Type: Domestic
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