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LAX destination photo
DFW destination photo

LAXDFW

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides the most iconic views of the American Southwest, including the San Bernardino Mountains, the Colorado Plateau, and the northern rim of the Grand Canyon on typical northern routings.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

San Bernardino Mountains

Vivid views of Mount San Antonio and the rugged peaks of the Inland Empire shortly after takeoff.

🏜️

Grand Canyon & Colorado Plateau

On many standard flight paths, the northern horizon reveals the deep carvings of the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert.

🌋

San Francisco Peaks

The towering volcanic peaks near Flagstaff, Arizona, stand out dramatically against the high desert floor.

🏙️

Albuquerque & Rio Grande

A clear view of the Sandia Mountains and the silver ribbon of the Rio Grande cutting through New Mexico.

🌊

Grapevine Lake

During the final descent into DFW, the aircraft often passes over this large reservoir just north of the airfield.

For the most dramatic lighting on the canyon walls and mountains, choose a morning flight. The sun will be behind the aircraft, illuminating the features on the left perfectly. Keep your camera ready about 45 to 60 minutes after takeoff for the best geological formations.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌵

Joshua Tree National Park

Aerial perspective of the unique monzogranite rock formations and transition between the Mojave and Colorado deserts.

🏙️

Phoenix Sky Harbor Region

Direct views of the sprawling Phoenix metropolitan area and the distinctive Camelback Mountain.

🌲

Gila National Forest

The vast, rugged wilderness of southwestern New Mexico, characterized by deep canyons and forested ridges.

🛢️

Permian Basin Oil Fields

The distinctive grid pattern of West Texas oil infrastructure, which is particularly mesmerizing when lit up at night.

🏢

Downtown Fort Worth

On southern arrivals, the 'City of Cowboys and Culture' provides a clear skyline view before touching down.

The right side is superior for night flights, as it passes directly over the bright grids of Phoenix and the illuminated oil fields of the Permian Basin. In the winter, the southern sun can be quite intense on this side, so keep the window shade partially down to prevent glare.

Top Activities in Dallas-Fort Worth
Route Information

Distance: 1,983 km (1,232 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 39 min

Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)

Arrival: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)

Route Type: Domestic

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