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LAX → SAF
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to Santa Fe Municipal Airport (Santa Fe)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the dramatic high desert topography, the iconic San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, and the vibrant colors of the Painted Desert during the approach to Santa Fe.
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San Gabriel Mountains
Immediate views of the rugged peaks bordering the Los Angeles basin during initial climb.
Mojave National Preserve
A vast landscape of cinder cones, sand dunes, and ancient Joshua tree forests.
San Francisco Peaks
Towering volcanic mountains near Flagstaff that dominate the Northern Arizona skyline.
Painted Desert
Vivid streaks of red, orange, and lavender across the badlands of the Four Corners region.
Valles Caldera
A massive, 13-mile wide volcanic crater in the Jemez Mountains just west of Santa Fe.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you, revealing the deep reds of the Painted Desert. Keep a keen eye north about halfway through the flight; on clear days, you may catch a distant glimpse of the Grand Canyon's South Rim.
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Joshua Tree NP
Views of the unique desert ecosystem and the San Bernardino Mountains to the south.
Colorado River
The winding blue lifeline of the Southwest cutting through the arid landscape near Lake Havasu.
Meteor Crater
A nearly mile-wide, perfectly circular impact site visible on the Arizona plateau.
Mount Taylor
An enormous stratovolcano that serves as a major landmark in Western New Mexico.
Rio Grande Valley
The fertile green strip of the Rio Grande valley providing a sharp contrast to the surrounding mesas.
The right side is the best choice for spotting the distinct Meteor Crater, which appears approximately 15-20 minutes after crossing the Colorado River. For morning flights, this side offers beautiful early light on the New Mexican mesas, though glare can be an issue.
Book Hotels in Santa FeDistance: 1,140 km (708 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 31 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: SAF (35.617099761999995, -106.088996887)
Route Type: Domestic
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