Looking at flightaware.com, it looks like the right side of the plane (the "F" side) on PHX-SMF will be more advantageous. Flights seem to commonly fly west between Prescott and Flagstaff, south of Las Vegas then northwest up along the Sierras. So, you might see both the Grand Canyon and Vegas.

Alternatively, a south route, will take you way south - over Lake Havasu and then northwest paralleling Rte 99 in the Central valley.

In the central valley, there will be some interesting view of the geometric patterns the farmers use in their ag work. That alone might justify sitting on the "A" side as opposed to the "F" side.