The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a close view of South Mountain during Phoenix departure and the towering San Jacinto range framing the Palm Springs approach, both more visually striking than the flatter terrain and more distant ranges seen from the right.
Flown PHX to PSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Palm Springs is 260 miles (419 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Sonoran and Colorado Desert basins, scattered dry mountain ranges including the Chocolate Mountains, with the Salton Sea occasionally visible to the south depending on routing
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
LEFTDeparting PHX westbound, the left side offers a close view of South Mountain Park's rugged ridgeline right off the wingtip, followed by the Estrella Mountains as the plane climbs over the Sonoran Desert. The right side shows flatter valley floor and the more distant White Tank Mountains.
Landing at PSP
LEFTOn approach into PSP through the San Gorgonio Pass, the left side faces south toward the dramatic granite face of the San Jacinto Mountains, which rise almost 9,000 feet directly above the valley floor near the airport. This is far more striking than the northern San Bernardino range, which sits farther back and lower relative to the flight path.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Palm Springs International (PSP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Palm Springs. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a close view of South Mountain during Phoenix departure and the towering San Jacinto range framing the Palm Springs approach, both more visually striking than the flatter terrain and more distant ranges seen from the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PHX westbound, the left side offers a close view of South Mountain Park's rugged ridgeline right off the wingtip, followed by the Estrella Mountains as the plane climbs over the Sonoran Desert. The right side shows flatter valley floor and the more distant White Tank Mountains. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Estrella Mountains, Sonoran Desert basin.
What can I see when landing at Palm Springs International in Palm Springs?
When landing at Palm Springs International (PSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into PSP through the San Gorgonio Pass, the left side faces south toward the dramatic granite face of the San Jacinto Mountains, which rise almost 9,000 feet directly above the valley floor near the airport. This is far more striking than the northern San Bernardino range, which sits farther back and lower relative to the flight path. Notable sights include: San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs valley floor, Santa Rosa Mountains.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Palm Springs?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Palm Springs International (PSP) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 260 miles (419 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Palm Springs flight path pass over?
Sonoran and Colorado Desert basins, scattered dry mountain ranges including the Chocolate Mountains, with the Salton Sea occasionally visible to the south depending on routing