The left side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery (Maroon Bells, Elk Mountains) during departure and a classic LA skyline-to-coast view on arrival, while the right side mostly faces drier, less distinctive terrain during climb and the San Gabriel foothills without the skyline payoff on landing.
Flown ASE to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Aspen to Los Angeles is 736 miles (1,185 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Colorado Plateau canyon country, the edges of the Grand Canyon region to the south, and the Mojave Desert's dry lake beds before descending into the LA basin
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ASE
LEFTDeparting Sardy Field on Runway 33, the aircraft climbs north out of the Roaring Fork Valley before banking southwest toward LA. That turn puts the jagged Elk Mountains and the iconic Maroon Bells on the left side, framed by the narrow valley walls just after liftoff.
Landing at LAX
LEFTIn LAX's typical west-flow approach, arrivals descend from the east over the San Gabriel Valley before turning onto final over the Los Angeles basin. Passengers on the left get a sweeping view of the downtown LA skyline and the coastline sliding into view as the plane lines up for landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) (ASE) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Aspen to Los Angeles. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery (Maroon Bells, Elk Mountains) during departure and a classic LA skyline-to-coast view on arrival, while the right side mostly faces drier, less distinctive terrain during climb and the San Gabriel foothills without the skyline payoff on landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) in Aspen?
During takeoff from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) (ASE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Sardy Field on Runway 33, the aircraft climbs north out of the Roaring Fork Valley before banking southwest toward LA. That turn puts the jagged Elk Mountains and the iconic Maroon Bells on the left side, framed by the narrow valley walls just after liftoff. Notable sights include: Maroon Bells, Elk Mountains, Roaring Fork Valley, Sawatch Range peaks in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. In LAX's typical west-flow approach, arrivals descend from the east over the San Gabriel Valley before turning onto final over the Los Angeles basin. Passengers on the left get a sweeping view of the downtown LA skyline and the coastline sliding into view as the plane lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Griffith Observatory hillside, Pacific coastline near Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Aspen to Los Angeles?
The flight from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) (ASE) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 736 miles (1,185 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Aspen to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Colorado Plateau canyon country, the edges of the Grand Canyon region to the south, and the Mojave Desert's dry lake beds before descending into the LA basin