While right offers better takeoff scenery, left provides superior landing views of the Front Range, which is the most visually dramatic feature of this route. The approach into Denver showcases the Rocky Mountains' eastern escarpment more effectively than the departure from El Paso.
Flown BIF to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
El Paso to Denver is 562 miles (904 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the New Mexico-Colorado border roughly midway. Notable features include the Raton Pass area (mountains visible to the left/west), the Sangre de Cristo Range (southern extension of the Rockies), and the transition from high desert scrubland to the Colorado Front Range foothills. The Canadian River valley may be visible in northern New Mexico. As you approach Denver, the Palmer Divide becomes visible as a ridge separating the South Platte drainage from the Arkansas River basin to the south.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BIF
RIGHTRight side offers immediate views of the Franklin Mountains as they rise directly east of El Paso, and you'll see the Rio Grande valley stretching northward. Left side faces the flat desert and Ciudad Juárez across the border.
Landing at DEN
LEFTLeft side provides the best approach views of the Colorado Front Range, particularly the dramatic eastern escarpment of the Rocky Mountains as you descend toward Denver. Right side faces the flat eastern plains with fewer distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Biggs Aaf (BIF) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from El Paso to Denver. While right offers better takeoff scenery, left provides superior landing views of the Front Range, which is the most visually dramatic feature of this route. The approach into Denver showcases the Rocky Mountains' eastern escarpment more effectively than the departure from El Paso.
What can I see during takeoff from Biggs Aaf in El Paso?
During takeoff from Biggs Aaf (BIF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers immediate views of the Franklin Mountains as they rise directly east of El Paso, and you'll see the Rio Grande valley stretching northward. Left side faces the flat desert and Ciudad Juárez across the border. Notable sights include: Franklin Mountains (immediate eastern ridge), Rio Grande valley (north-south corridor), El Paso urban sprawl (beneath and behind), Hueco Mountains (distant northeast).
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides the best approach views of the Colorado Front Range, particularly the dramatic eastern escarpment of the Rocky Mountains as you descend toward Denver. Right side faces the flat eastern plains with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Colorado Front Range (Rocky Mountains eastern face), Denver metropolitan area (urban grid), South Platte River (winding through city), Castle Rock (isolated butte on plains).
How long is the flight from El Paso to Denver?
The flight from Biggs Aaf (BIF) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 562 miles (904 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the El Paso to Denver flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the New Mexico-Colorado border roughly midway. Notable features include the Raton Pass area (mountains visible to the left/west), the Sangre de Cristo Range (southern extension of the Rockies), and the transition from high desert scrubland to the Colorado Front Range foothills. The Canadian River valley may be visible in northern New Mexico. As you approach Denver, the Palmer Divide becomes visible as a ridge separating the South Platte drainage from the Arkansas River basin to the south.