About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to Phoenix. While the left side wins at takeoff with the Wasatch Front, the right side captures more throughout the flight — the Utah Valley and southern Wasatch during the early climb, the Arizona high desert transition, and the best views of the Phoenix metro on approach. Right side edges it overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
During takeoff from Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. SLC typically departs south on runway 16L/16R, meaning the left (east) side gets a direct broadside view of the Wasatch Front — the dramatic wall of peaks rising immediately east of the city. You'll also look back over the Great Salt Lake as the aircraft climbs and turns south. Notable sights include: Wasatch Front (Mount Olympus, Twin Peaks), Great Salt Lake to the northwest, Salt Lake City grid and downtown, Jordan River valley below.
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. PHX typically lands from the east on runway 26 or from the north on runway 25L/25R, and the right (north) side gives a clear view of the Phoenix metro sprawl, Camelback Mountain, and the McDowell Mountains as the aircraft descends over the Valley of the Sun. The right side also captures South Mountain Park as a dark ridge anchoring the southern edge of the city. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park, Phoenix metro grid, Tempe Town Lake.
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to Phoenix?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
What does the Salt Lake City to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight tracks almost due south along roughly 112°W longitude. After leaving the Salt Lake Valley, the route crosses Utah Valley and passes west of the Wasatch Plateau. Over central Utah you'll see the high desert terrain of the Colorado Plateau transition zone, with the Sevier River valley visible below. Crossing into Arizona, the Vermilion Cliffs and the edge of the Grand Canyon region appear to the east. The route then crosses the Kaibab Plateau and descends over the Sonoran Desert scrubland before reaching the Phoenix basin.