Right side captures the most dramatic scenery: the Front Range peaks during departure and the Superstition Mountains during approach. The westbound flight path also favors the right side for viewing the transition from the Colorado high plains through the high desert to the Phoenix basin.
Flown BJC to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Phoenix is 588 miles (946 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight passes over the high desert plateau of western Colorado and eastern Arizona. Notable features include the Colorado River (visible as a thin line cutting through red rock canyons in the Four Corners region), the Uncompahgre Plateau, and the transition from pinyon-juniper forest to open desert. The San Juan Mountains appear on the left (west) side during the midpoint of the flight. As the aircraft descends into Arizona, the terrain becomes increasingly arid with sparse vegetation, and the Mogollon Rim marks the transition zone between the Colorado Plateau and the lower Sonoran Desert.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BJC
RIGHTRight side offers immediate views of the Front Range peaks as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Denver. The Rocky Mountains dominate the western horizon during initial climb, providing dramatic elevation contrast against the high plains to the east.
Landing at PHX
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the Salt River valley during descent into Sky Harbor. The city sprawl and surrounding desert terrain are more visible on the left as the aircraft approaches from the north on typical landing vectors.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Phoenix. Right side captures the most dramatic scenery: the Front Range peaks during departure and the Superstition Mountains during approach. The westbound flight path also favors the right side for viewing the transition from the Colorado high plains through the high desert to the Phoenix basin.
What can I see during takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver?
During takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers immediate views of the Front Range peaks as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Denver. The Rocky Mountains dominate the western horizon during initial climb, providing dramatic elevation contrast against the high plains to the east. Notable sights include: Front Range (Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt visible on clear days), South Platte River valley below, Denver metropolitan sprawl to the east, high plains extending eastward.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the Salt River valley during descent into Sky Harbor. The city sprawl and surrounding desert terrain are more visible on the left as the aircraft approaches from the north on typical landing vectors. Notable sights include: Phoenix downtown skyline, Salt River valley, South Mountain Park (dark volcanic peaks south of the city), Superstition Mountains to the east.
How long is the flight from Denver to Phoenix?
The flight from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 588 miles (946 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight passes over the high desert plateau of western Colorado and eastern Arizona. Notable features include the Colorado River (visible as a thin line cutting through red rock canyons in the Four Corners region), the Uncompahgre Plateau, and the transition from pinyon-juniper forest to open desert. The San Juan Mountains appear on the left (west) side during the midpoint of the flight. As the aircraft descends into Arizona, the terrain becomes increasingly arid with sparse vegetation, and the Mogollon Rim marks the transition zone between the Colorado Plateau and the lower Sonoran Desert.