While the left side offers good Phoenix departure views, the right side dominates the longer portion of this flight with the Canadian Rockies' Front Ranges becoming increasingly spectacular as you approach Calgary. The mountain scenery on descent outweighs the desert views on departure.
Flown PHX to YYC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Calgary is 1,226 miles (1,973 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau and high desert of northern Arizona and southern Utah, then transitions into the Great Plains of Colorado and Wyoming. Notable features include the Kaibab Plateau region, the transition zone between high desert and grassland near the Utah-Wyoming border, and the approach to the Rocky Mountain foothills in southern Wyoming and northern Colorado. The terrain gradually rises from roughly 3,000 feet elevation in Arizona to 5,000+ feet across the high plains before reaching Calgary at 3,500 feet elevation.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Salt River Mountains and the Phoenix urban sprawl spreading northward. You'll see the grid of Phoenix's neighborhoods and the transition to desert scrubland clearly from this angle.
Landing at YYC
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Canadian Rockies' eastern foothills as you descend into Calgary. The Front Ranges become increasingly prominent, and you'll see the Bow River valley and Calgary's position at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Calgary International (YYC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Calgary. While the left side offers good Phoenix departure views, the right side dominates the longer portion of this flight with the Canadian Rockies' Front Ranges becoming increasingly spectacular as you approach Calgary. The mountain scenery on descent outweighs the desert views on departure.
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. Left side offers views of the Salt River Mountains and the Phoenix urban sprawl spreading northward. You'll see the grid of Phoenix's neighborhoods and the transition to desert scrubland clearly from this angle. Notable sights include: Salt River Mountains, Phoenix metropolitan area grid, Camelback Mountain, Sonoran Desert.
What can I see when landing at Calgary International in Calgary?
When landing at Calgary International (YYC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the Canadian Rockies' eastern foothills as you descend into Calgary. The Front Ranges become increasingly prominent, and you'll see the Bow River valley and Calgary's position at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. Notable sights include: Canadian Rocky Mountains (Front Ranges), Bow River valley, Calgary urban area, Elbow River.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Calgary?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Calgary International (YYC) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,226 miles (1,973 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Calgary flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau and high desert of northern Arizona and southern Utah, then transitions into the Great Plains of Colorado and Wyoming. Notable features include the Kaibab Plateau region, the transition zone between high desert and grassland near the Utah-Wyoming border, and the approach to the Rocky Mountain foothills in southern Wyoming and northern Colorado. The terrain gradually rises from roughly 3,000 feet elevation in Arizona to 5,000+ feet across the high plains before reaching Calgary at 3,500 feet elevation.