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IAH → BFL
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Meadows Field (Bakersfield)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers superior views of iconic southwestern geological features, including the perfectly preserved Meteor Crater and the volcanic San Francisco Peaks of northern Arizona.
Meteor Crater
A stunningly well-preserved 50,000-year-old meteorite impact site near Winslow, Arizona.
San Francisco Peaks
The snow-capped volcanic peaks near Flagstaff, including Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona.
Painted Desert
Vibrant, multi-colored badlands extending from the Grand Canyon area into the Petrified Forest.
Colorado River
The deep blue ribbon of the Colorado River cutting through the arid landscapes of the Arizona-California border.
Southern Sierras
The majestic southern tip of the Sierra Nevada mountains visible to the north during the approach to Bakersfield.
The right side is the 'geology side.' To spot Meteor Crater, look down about 30-40 minutes after passing Albuquerque. On afternoon flights, the sun will be on the opposite side, providing perfect, glare-free lighting for photographing the colorful Arizona desert and the San Francisco Peaks.
Houston Skyline
Excellent views of the sprawling Greater Houston area and the Energy Corridor during the initial climb.
Chihuahuan Desert
Vast stretches of the West Texas desert landscape featuring rugged mesas and the Pecos River valley.
Gila National Forest
Deep canyons and forested mountains of southwestern New Mexico visible as the flight crosses the continental divide.
Sonoran Desert
The unique saguaro-dotted landscape of southern Arizona as the flight nears the California border.
Tehachapi Mountains
Dramatic ridges and wind farms marking the transition from the Mojave Desert into the San Joaquin Valley.
Choose the left side for better views of the Texas sunrises if flying early. This side is also preferred for seeing the rugged southern edge of the Gila Wilderness. During the descent into Bakersfield, watch for the famous Tehachapi Loop, a feat of railway engineering visible among the mountains.
Distance: 2,294 km (1,425 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 4 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: BFL (35.43360138, -119.0569992)
Route Type: Domestic
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