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TUS β SLC
Which side of the plane to sit from Tucson International Airport (Tucson) to Salt Lake City International Airport (Salt Lake City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular tour of the American Southwest's most iconic geological wonders, including the San Francisco Peaks, the heart of the Grand Canyon, and the dramatic Wasatch Range on arrival.
Santa Catalina Mountains
Immediate views of Mount Lemmon and the rugged ridges that border Tucson to the north.
San Francisco Peaks
Arizona's highest point, Humphreys Peak, stands prominently near Flagstaff, often capped with snow in winter.
Grand Canyon National Park
Depending on the flight corridor, you will see the immense scale and deep red chasms of the eastern canyon rim.
Lake Powell
The striking contrast of deep blue water against the bright red sandstone of Glen Canyon.
Wasatch Range
A dramatic descent parallel to the high peaks of the Wasatch Mountains, providing a close-up look at Utah's famous ski terrain.
This is the premier side for this route. Morning flights are particularly stunning as the early sun highlights the textures of the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell. During the descent, the aircraft often flies directly alongside the Wasatch peaks; have your camera ready for the transition from high desert to alpine scenery. Be aware that winter flights may offer breathtaking views of the snow-covered Colorado Plateau.
Sonoran Desert
Expansive views of the Saguaro-dotted landscape and the volcanic remains of Picacho Peak shortly after departure.
Phoenix Skyline
Clear views of the Valley of the Sun, Camelback Mountain, and the sprawling metropolitan grid as you head north.
Zion National Park
From a distance, the towering white and red Navajo Sandstone cliffs of Southern Utah are visible on the horizon.
Great Salt Lake
As the plane turns for its final approach into SLC, you get an aerial view of the silver-blue water and the Antelope Island causeway.
Choose a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat blur when photographing the Phoenix valley. Afternoon flights are ideal for the left side as the sun will be behind the plane, illuminating the desert colors without glare. Keep an eye out for the Kennecott Copper Mine, one of the world's largest man-made excavations, just southwest of Salt Lake City.
Distance: 969 km (602 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 37 min
Departure: TUS (32.116100311279304, -110.94100189208984)
Arrival: SLC (40.78839874267578, -111.97799682617188)
Route Type: Domestic
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