The left side wins on both ends of the flight: the Sierra Nevada foothills add drama during climb-out, and the Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks provide a striking mountainous backdrop during the descent into Phoenix, while the right side stays comparatively flat and desert-plain throughout.
Flown SMF to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sacramento to Phoenix is 646 miles (1,040 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Mojave Desert, Colorado River near Lake Havasu, and the transition into the Sonoran Desert of western Arizona
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SMF
LEFTDeparting SMF to the south, the left side faces east toward the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Sacramento Valley's transition into rolling gold-and-green terrain near Folsom Lake. The right side mostly shows flat Central Valley farmland and the distant, less dramatic Coast Ranges.
Landing at PHX
LEFTOn the descent into Phoenix, the left side typically faces northeast toward the jagged Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks rising over the Salt River Valley, giving strong terrain contrast against the desert floor. The right side mainly shows flatter Sonoran Desert scrubland and the more subdued White Tank Mountains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sacramento International (SMF) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sacramento to Phoenix. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: the Sierra Nevada foothills add drama during climb-out, and the Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks provide a striking mountainous backdrop during the descent into Phoenix, while the right side stays comparatively flat and desert-plain throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Sacramento International in Sacramento?
During takeoff from Sacramento International (SMF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SMF to the south, the left side faces east toward the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Sacramento Valley's transition into rolling gold-and-green terrain near Folsom Lake. The right side mostly shows flat Central Valley farmland and the distant, less dramatic Coast Ranges. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada foothills, Folsom Lake, American River canyon, Sacramento Valley farmland.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into Phoenix, the left side typically faces northeast toward the jagged Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks rising over the Salt River Valley, giving strong terrain contrast against the desert floor. The right side mainly shows flatter Sonoran Desert scrubland and the more subdued White Tank Mountains. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, Four Peaks, Salt River Valley, Phoenix's eastern suburbs.
How long is the flight from Sacramento to Phoenix?
The flight from Sacramento International (SMF) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 646 miles (1,040 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sacramento to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert, Colorado River near Lake Havasu, and the transition into the Sonoran Desert of western Arizona