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SBP → PHX
Which side of the plane to sit from San Luis County Regional Airport (San Luis Obispo) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the diverse California landscape, from coastal ranges to high desert salt flats, while benefiting from cooler lighting and less sun glare on this eastbound route.
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Los Padres National Forest
Dense, rugged ridge lines and deep canyons of the coastal mountains shortly after departing San Luis Obispo.
Mojave National Preserve
Vast stretches of the high desert featuring ancient cinder cones, lava flows, and the Kelso Dunes.
Lake Havasu
The vivid blue waters of the Colorado River carving through the arid desert landscape at the California-Arizona border.
Bradshaw Mountains
High-altitude desert peaks and rugged wilderness terrain during the initial descent into the Valley of the Sun.
The left side is the 'cool' side for this eastbound morning or midday flight, as the sun remains to the south. Keep your camera ready about 30-40 minutes into the flight for the crossing of the Colorado River, where the blue water contrasts sharply with the red earth. In winter, look for snow caps on the higher peaks of the Transverse Ranges.
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Central Coastline
Brief but beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the Pismo Beach area during the initial climb.
San Bernardino Mountains
Impressive views of Mt. San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California, often snow-capped in winter.
Joshua Tree National Park
The distinct geology and boulder piles of the northern Mojave and Colorado Desert transition zones.
Phoenix Skyline
A close-up view of Downtown Phoenix and the sports stadiums when landing on the western-facing runways.
The right side offers a great view of the Phoenix skyline if the aircraft is landing from the east (common in morning winds). However, afternoon travelers will face intense direct sunlight and heat coming through the window. Look out early for the Santa Ynez Mountains shortly after the turn toward Arizona.
Book Hotels in PhoenixDistance: 817 km (508 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: SBP (35.2368011475, -120.641998291)
Arrival: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Route Type: Domestic
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