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PSP destination photo
PHX destination photo

PSPPHX

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The Left side offers a superior vantage point for Joshua Tree National Park and the striking transition between the Mojave and Sonoran desert ecosystems.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏜️

Joshua Tree National Park

Massive granite monoliths and the dense Joshua Tree forests of the high desert.

🏔️

San Bernardino Mountains

The snow-capped peaks of San Gorgonio Wilderness visible to the northwest.

🌵

Sheep Hole Mountains

Rugged and remote desert peaks within the Mojave Trails National Monument.

⛰️

White Tank Mountains

The final major mountain range before entering the Phoenix metropolitan sprawl.

🏙️

North Phoenix Valley

Views of Camelback Mountain and the urban grid of Glendale and Peoria during descent.

Choose the left side for morning departures to avoid direct sun glare. Shortly after takeoff, the plane climbs over the Coachella Valley, providing an expansive view of the desert floor. Look for the distinct line where the developed valley meets the wilderness of Joshua Tree. This side is also excellent for seeing the 'miniature' look of the Phoenix grid layout during the approach.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏔️

Mount San Jacinto

The sheer 10,000-foot granite face that towers over Palm Springs immediately after takeoff.

🌊

The Salton Sea

California's largest lake shimmering in the distance to the south.

💧

Colorado River

The bright blue ribbon of water and green agricultural fields near the town of Blythe.

🪨

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

Sharp, jagged volcanic spires and deep canyons in the heart of the Arizona desert.

⛰️

South Mountain Park

One of the largest municipal parks in the US, signaling your final approach into PHX.

The right side is the choice for seeing the Colorado River crossing clearly. During late afternoon flights, the setting sun illuminates the red rocks of the Kofa Mountains beautifully. Upon arrival in Phoenix, if the plane lands heading West, you will get a spectacular view of the downtown skyline and the distinctive 'Papago Park' buttes.

Top Activities in Phoenix
Route Information

Distance: 418 km (260 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 42 min

Departure: PSP (33.829700469970696, -116.50700378417967)

Arrival: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)

Route Type: Domestic

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