While the takeoff offers excellent high-desert geology, the landing descent into Santiago provides the most dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the snow-capped Andes cordillera is far more striking than the Utah red rock formations and dominates the final 90 minutes of flight.
Flown CDC to SCL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cedar City to Santiago is 5,615 miles (9,036 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau (Utah/Arizona), descends into the Sonoran Desert (Arizona/Mexico border region), crosses the Sierra Madre Occidental (northern Mexico), continues over the Mexican Plateau and Sierra Madre Oriental, then transitions into Central America's volcanic highlands before reaching the Pacific coast and crossing toward the Andes approach into Chile. Notable visible features include the Grand Canyon region (if routed north), the Rio Grande valley, Mexican volcanic peaks (Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl if visible on route), and Central American highlands.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDC
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Red Cliffs and Markagunt Plateau as the aircraft climbs out northwestward. Cedar City sits at 5,600 feet elevation, so the surrounding high desert terrain and escarpments are prominent during the initial climb.
Landing at SCL
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Andes Mountains during the descent into Santiago, particularly the main cordillera ridge and snow-capped peaks that dominate the eastern approach. The aircraft descends from the east, so right-side passengers see the dramatic mountain wall that frames Santiago's eastern boundary.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cedar City Rgnl (CDC) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cedar City to Santiago. While the takeoff offers excellent high-desert geology, the landing descent into Santiago provides the most dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the snow-capped Andes cordillera is far more striking than the Utah red rock formations and dominates the final 90 minutes of flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Cedar City Rgnl in Cedar City?
During takeoff from Cedar City Rgnl (CDC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Red Cliffs and Markagunt Plateau as the aircraft climbs out northwestward. Cedar City sits at 5,600 feet elevation, so the surrounding high desert terrain and escarpments are prominent during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Red Cliffs (Navajo Sandstone formations immediately west), Markagunt Plateau (elevated terrain to the north), Hurricane Cliffs (eastern ridge), Cedar Breaks National Monument rim (northeast, visible at altitude).
What can I see when landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
When landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Andes Mountains during the descent into Santiago, particularly the main cordillera ridge and snow-capped peaks that dominate the eastern approach. The aircraft descends from the east, so right-side passengers see the dramatic mountain wall that frames Santiago's eastern boundary. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains main ridge (snow-capped peaks visible 30+ miles away), Santiago urban sprawl (visible 15 miles out), Maipo River valley (cuts through the foothills), Coastal Range (low mountains visible to the west across the Central Valley).
How long is the flight from Cedar City to Santiago?
The flight from Cedar City Rgnl (CDC) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,615 miles (9,036 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cedar City to Santiago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau (Utah/Arizona), descends into the Sonoran Desert (Arizona/Mexico border region), crosses the Sierra Madre Occidental (northern Mexico), continues over the Mexican Plateau and Sierra Madre Oriental, then transitions into Central America's volcanic highlands before reaching the Pacific coast and crossing toward the Andes approach into Chile. Notable visible features include the Grand Canyon region (if routed north), the Rio Grande valley, Mexican volcanic peaks (Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl if visible on route), and Central American highlands.