The left side dominates during takeoff and much of the cruise, tracking the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain ranges through Wyoming, Montana, and into Canada, offering sustained mountain scenery for hours. The right side's advantage is limited to the final approach into Anchorage.
Flown BJC to ANC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Anchorage is 2,384 miles (3,836 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
Wind River Range and Absaroka Mountains in Wyoming, the Canadian Rockies along the Alberta-British Columbia border, and the rugged Coast Mountains approaching the Alaska panhandle
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BJC
LEFTDeparting BJC to the northwest, the left side faces the Front Range, giving passengers a close view of the foothills and peaks like Longs Peak as the aircraft climbs out of the Denver basin. The right side shows only the flat plains east of the city.
Landing at ANC
RIGHTOn approach into Anchorage from the southeast, the right side of the aircraft faces the Chugach Mountains rising steeply just outside the city, while Cook Inlet and the flatter Susitna lowlands appear on the left. The Chugach front range gives dramatic close-up terrain right before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Anchorage. The left side dominates during takeoff and much of the cruise, tracking the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain ranges through Wyoming, Montana, and into Canada, offering sustained mountain scenery for hours. The right side's advantage is limited to the final approach into Anchorage.
What can I see during takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver?
During takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BJC to the northwest, the left side faces the Front Range, giving passengers a close view of the foothills and peaks like Longs Peak as the aircraft climbs out of the Denver basin. The right side shows only the flat plains east of the city. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak, Indian Peaks Wilderness, Denver suburban sprawl below.
What can I see when landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International in Anchorage?
When landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Anchorage from the southeast, the right side of the aircraft faces the Chugach Mountains rising steeply just outside the city, while Cook Inlet and the flatter Susitna lowlands appear on the left. The Chugach front range gives dramatic close-up terrain right before touchdown. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm, Anchorage downtown skyline, Cook Inlet mudflats.
How long is the flight from Denver to Anchorage?
The flight from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,384 miles (3,836 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Anchorage flight path pass over?
Wind River Range and Absaroka Mountains in Wyoming, the Canadian Rockies along the Alberta-British Columbia border, and the rugged Coast Mountains approaching the Alaska panhandle