I love to fly the CLT-PHX route (on the way to SJD) and typically sit on the left side of the plane headed west. I love to fly over the southern end of the Appalachians then the Mississipi River and watch as it meanders down the continent. Then plains and more plains until you begin to hit the hill country of North Texas (at least, I think that's where it begins) - watching the country change from lush green to desert browns and oranges. I'm always amazed when the precisely measured bright green irrigated fields surrounding Phoenix, with its protuding hills, come into view.

I have only once been privy to catching a glimpse of the Grand Canyon on a PHX departure - I think we flew a bit more north because of weather. Lucky.

As for PHX north and west, I don't know... you might hit the Grand Canyon on that leg... SMF being on the other side of the Sierra Nevadas - that would be pretty neat as well.

Have a great flight.