Right-side seats dominate both segments of this flight. During takeoff, you capture the North Bay's coastal and valley geography. During descent, the right side provides unobstructed views of the Phoenix Valley's desert-to-urban transition and the defining geographic features (Salt River, South Mountain, Sierra Estrella) that frame the approach.
Flown STS to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santa Rosa to Phoenix is 698 miles (1,123 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The flight path crosses the northern Sacramento Valley, passing east of the Sierra Nevada's western foothills. Notable midpoint features include the southern end of the Cascade Range (visible as distant peaks to the northeast around 25,000 feet), the transition from California's green valleys to the increasingly arid terrain of the Central Valley and beyond, and the gradual appearance of Arizona's high desert landscape with scattered mesas and buttes as you approach the Phoenix area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of the North Bay's geography as the aircraft climbs southeastward. You'll see the San Francisco Bay shoreline, Mount Tamalpais, and the transition from coastal terrain to inland valleys.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTRight-side seats provide the best views during descent into Phoenix. As the aircraft approaches from the northwest, you'll see the transition from the Sonoran Desert's open terrain into the Phoenix metropolitan area, with the Salt River and surrounding mountain ranges framing the approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santa Rosa to Phoenix. Right-side seats dominate both segments of this flight. During takeoff, you capture the North Bay's coastal and valley geography. During descent, the right side provides unobstructed views of the Phoenix Valley's desert-to-urban transition and the defining geographic features (Salt River, South Mountain, Sierra Estrella) that frame the approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa?
During takeoff from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the North Bay's geography as the aircraft climbs southeastward. You'll see the San Francisco Bay shoreline, Mount Tamalpais, and the transition from coastal terrain to inland valleys. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (western shore and Marin County), Mount Tamalpais (2,571 ft, prominent peak east of Santa Rosa), Sonoma Valley (agricultural flatlands extending southeast), Pacific coastline near Point Reyes.
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. Right-side seats provide the best views during descent into Phoenix. As the aircraft approaches from the northwest, you'll see the transition from the Sonoran Desert's open terrain into the Phoenix metropolitan area, with the Salt River and surrounding mountain ranges framing the approach. Notable sights include: Phoenix metropolitan area (sprawling urban grid), Salt River (dry riverbed visible as a linear feature), South Mountain Park (dark volcanic ridgeline south of downtown), Sierra Estrella Mountains (western boundary of Phoenix Valley).
How long is the flight from Santa Rosa to Phoenix?
The flight from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 698 miles (1,123 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santa Rosa to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the northern Sacramento Valley, passing east of the Sierra Nevada's western foothills. Notable midpoint features include the southern end of the Cascade Range (visible as distant peaks to the northeast around 25,000 feet), the transition from California's green valleys to the increasingly arid terrain of the Central Valley and beyond, and the gradual appearance of Arizona's high desert landscape with scattered mesas and buttes as you approach the Phoenix area.