Santa Fe to Los Angeles is 708 miles (1,140 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Right side wins both ends of the flight — the Jemez Mountains and Rio Grande on departure, and the LA Basin, downtown skyline, and Santa Monica Mountains on approach. The left side offers mainly open Mojave Desert and the back side of terrain for most of the route.
Flight Path
The flight tracks southwest over the high desert of central New Mexico, crossing the Rio Puerco and the broad flat plains approaching Albuquerque, then over the Zuni Mountains and into Arizona. The route crosses the Painted Desert and Navajo Nation high plateau, then descends over the Mojave Desert with its flat basin-and-range topography before crossing the San Gabriel Mountains and dropping into the LA Basin.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAF
RIGHTSanta Fe Municipal typically departs runway 20 (southbound), putting the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Jemez Mountains on the right (west) side. You get a clear look at the high terrain framing the Rio Grande valley as you climb out over the high desert plateau.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTLAX approaches from the east on runway 24L/24R, meaning the aircraft tracks westbound over the Los Angeles Basin. The right side faces north, giving you a panoramic view of the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, and the downtown LA skyline as you descend over the basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Santa Fe Muni (SAF) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santa Fe to Los Angeles. Right side wins both ends of the flight — the Jemez Mountains and Rio Grande on departure, and the LA Basin, downtown skyline, and Santa Monica Mountains on approach. The left side offers mainly open Mojave Desert and the back side of terrain for most of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Santa Fe Muni in Santa Fe?
During takeoff from Santa Fe Muni (SAF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Santa Fe Municipal typically departs runway 20 (southbound), putting the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Jemez Mountains on the right (west) side. You get a clear look at the high terrain framing the Rio Grande valley as you climb out over the high desert plateau. Notable sights include: Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Jemez Mountains, Rio Grande valley corridor, Santa Fe city grid below.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX approaches from the east on runway 24L/24R, meaning the aircraft tracks westbound over the Los Angeles Basin. The right side faces north, giving you a panoramic view of the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, and the downtown LA skyline as you descend over the basin. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Santa Fe to Los Angeles?
The flight from Santa Fe Muni (SAF) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 708 miles (1,140 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santa Fe to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over the high desert of central New Mexico, crossing the Rio Puerco and the broad flat plains approaching Albuquerque, then over the Zuni Mountains and into Arizona. The route crosses the Painted Desert and Navajo Nation high plateau, then descends over the Mojave Desert with its flat basin-and-range topography before crossing the San Gabriel Mountains and dropping into the LA Basin.