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PSC destination photo
AZA destination photo

PSCAZA

Which side of the plane to sit from Tri Cities Airport (Pasco) to Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior perspective of the dramatic transition from the high deserts of Oregon into the rugged Wasatch Range and the iconic red rock canyons of northern Arizona.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🌲

Blue Mountains

View the dense evergreen forests and rugged ridges of the Umatilla National Forest in Eastern Oregon shortly after takeoff.

🏔️

Wasatch Range

The dramatic snow-capped peaks of Utah's primary mountain range provide a stunning backdrop during the mid-flight segment.

🌊

Lake Powell

The deep turquoise waters of this massive reservoir create a striking contrast against the surrounding orange sandstone.

🏜️

Grand Canyon North Rim

Glimpse the eastern stretches of the Grand Canyon, showcasing the immense depth and geological layers of the Colorado Plateau.

🎨

Painted Desert

Watch for the vibrant, multicolored badlands stretching across the Navajo Nation as you begin your descent into the Phoenix area.

Sit on the left for afternoon flights to avoid the direct western sun and enjoy perfectly illuminated canyon walls. This side provides the best view of the Colorado River's winding path through the desert. Keep your camera ready about 75 minutes into the flight for the best landscape shots of Utah.

Right Side Highlights
8.1
🌋

Cascade Range Peaks

On clear days, look west early in the flight to see the distant white cones of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson.

🏜️

Steens Mountain

Witness the massive, 9,700-foot fault-block mountain that dominates the landscape of southeastern Oregon.

🌊

Lake Mead

As you enter Nevada/Arizona airspace, view the expansive blue reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam.

🏗️

Hoover Dam

Depending on the specific flight path, you may spot this engineering marvel bridging the gap between Nevada and Arizona.

🪨

Sedona Red Rocks

During the final descent, look for the iconic crimson spires and buttes of the Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon region.

The right side is ideal for morning flights when the sun is in the east, providing excellent lighting for the Great Basin and Nevada's basin-and-range topography. Look for the stark white salt flats of the Black Rock Desert. During winter, this side offers great views of the snow-covered peaks in the High Desert.

Top Activities in Mesa
Route Information

Distance: 1,574 km (978 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 6 min

Departure: PSC (46.26470184326172, -119.11900329589844)

Arrival: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)

Route Type: Domestic

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