For most of the DEN-PHX route the flight path keeps the mountainous terrain - the Front Range at departure, the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo ranges mid-route, and the Sonoran Desert peaks near Phoenix - on the right side of the aircraft, while the left side mostly faces flat high plains and open desert with fewer distinct features.
Flown DEN to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Phoenix is 601 miles (968 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
San Juan Mountains and Sangre de Cristo range of southern Colorado, the high desert plateau near the Four Corners region, and the northern Arizona high country including the Mogollon Rim
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDEN typically departs south on the 17-series runways before turning southwest toward Phoenix, and during that southbound climb the Front Range of the Rockies sits directly off the right side. Passengers get a close, dramatic look at the mountains rising abruptly from the plains, including Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTOn typical west-flow arrivals into PHX, the aircraft descends from the northeast and turns to land westbound, putting South Mountain Park and the saguaro-covered desert ridges south of the city on the right side. Passengers also catch the Superstition Mountains and the sprawling Sonoran desert basin before the final turn.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Phoenix. For most of the DEN-PHX route the flight path keeps the mountainous terrain - the Front Range at departure, the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo ranges mid-route, and the Sonoran Desert peaks near Phoenix - on the right side of the aircraft, while the left side mostly faces flat high plains and open desert with fewer distinct features.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. DEN typically departs south on the 17-series runways before turning southwest toward Phoenix, and during that southbound climb the Front Range of the Rockies sits directly off the right side. Passengers get a close, dramatic look at the mountains rising abruptly from the plains, including Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rockies, Pikes Peak, Rampart Range foothills, Colorado Springs urban area.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On typical west-flow arrivals into PHX, the aircraft descends from the northeast and turns to land westbound, putting South Mountain Park and the saguaro-covered desert ridges south of the city on the right side. Passengers also catch the Superstition Mountains and the sprawling Sonoran desert basin before the final turn. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Superstition Mountains, Sonoran Desert terrain, Phoenix metro skyline.
How long is the flight from Denver to Phoenix?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 601 miles (968 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Phoenix flight path pass over?
San Juan Mountains and Sangre de Cristo range of southern Colorado, the high desert plateau near the Four Corners region, and the northern Arizona high country including the Mogollon Rim