Loading map...
SFO → PHX
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is the clear winner for this route, offering a spectacular panorama of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the iconic San Francisco Bay during departure.
San Francisco Bay
Unrivaled views of the Bay Bridge, Oakland, and the salt ponds of the South Bay during the initial climb.
High Sierra
Witness the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the southern Sierra Nevada, including views near Sequoia National Park.
Lake Isabella
A deep blue reservoir tucked into the mountains at the southern end of the Sierra range.
Mojave Basin
The stark transition from high mountains to the vast, arid basins of the California desert.
Camelback Mountain
The most recognizable landmark in the Phoenix area, visible as you descend into the Salt River Valley.
Sit on the left for the most dramatic mountain scenery. For morning flights, this side is shaded, providing much better conditions for photography without window glare. Keep an eye out about 30 minutes into the flight for the best mountain vistas.
Silicon Valley
Views of the tech corridor and the Santa Cruz Mountains as the plane heads southeast from SFO.
San Joaquin Valley
The massive agricultural patchwork of California's Central Valley stretching toward the horizon.
Mojave Air & Space Port
Look for the distinctive runways and stored airliners in the famous desert aerospace graveyard.
Colorado River
The striking blue line marking the border between California and Arizona amidst the red desert.
Phoenix Skyline
Direct views of the downtown Phoenix skyscrapers and Chase Field during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or sunset flights to see the desert landscape illuminated in golden light. On approach to PHX, this side usually offers a superior view of the urban sprawl and the city center.
Distance: 1,046 km (650 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.