The right side captures the dramatic Sandia Mountains on departure and maintains good views of the high desert terrain and river systems throughout the northbound climb. The landing approach favors the left, but the takeoff scenery is more visually striking.
Flown ABQ to MWH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Albuquerque to Grant County Airport is 1,067 miles (1,717 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau, passing east of the San Juan Mountains (visible as distant peaks to the east around cruise altitude), then transitions into the Basin and Range province. The Rio Grande continues northward below for much of the flight. Around the midpoint near the Utah-Colorado border, the terrain becomes increasingly high desert with scattered mesas and buttes. As the flight approaches Washington, the landscape transitions to the Columbia Plateau with its characteristic basalt formations and coulees.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ABQ
RIGHTClimbing northeast from ABQ, the right side offers immediate views of the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande valley. The left side faces the less dramatic western plateau.
Landing at MWH
LEFTDescending into Grant County from the south, the left side provides views of the Columbia River and the surrounding channeled scablands terrain. The right side faces less distinctive inland plateau.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Grant Co International (MWH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Albuquerque to Grant County Airport. The right side captures the dramatic Sandia Mountains on departure and maintains good views of the high desert terrain and river systems throughout the northbound climb. The landing approach favors the left, but the takeoff scenery is more visually striking.
What can I see during takeoff from Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque?
During takeoff from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing northeast from ABQ, the right side offers immediate views of the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande valley. The left side faces the less dramatic western plateau. Notable sights include: Sandia Mountains (east), Rio Grande river valley (north), Albuquerque urban grid (below), Manzano Mountains (southeast distant).
What can I see when landing at Grant Co International in Grant County Airport?
When landing at Grant Co International (MWH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Descending into Grant County from the south, the left side provides views of the Columbia River and the surrounding channeled scablands terrain. The right side faces less distinctive inland plateau. Notable sights include: Columbia River (north), Coulee Dam area (northwest), Grant County plateau terrain (immediate), Cascade Range foothills (distant northeast).
How long is the flight from Albuquerque to Grant County Airport?
The flight from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Grant Co International (MWH) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,067 miles (1,717 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Albuquerque to Grant County Airport flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau, passing east of the San Juan Mountains (visible as distant peaks to the east around cruise altitude), then transitions into the Basin and Range province. The Rio Grande continues northward below for much of the flight. Around the midpoint near the Utah-Colorado border, the terrain becomes increasingly high desert with scattered mesas and buttes. As the flight approaches Washington, the landscape transitions to the Columbia Plateau with its characteristic basalt formations and coulees.