While the right side offers excellent views during Denver departure, the left side dominates the longer eastern portion of the flight and provides superior views during the final descent into Asheville. The Blue Ridge Mountains and the dramatic transition from plains to Appalachian terrain are the flight's most visually distinctive features, and these are best seen from the left.
Flown BJC to AVL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Asheville is 1,269 miles (2,042 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the High Plains of eastern Colorado and Kansas, then transitions into the Ozark Plateau of Missouri and Arkansas. Notable features include the South Platte River valley (visible during early climb), the Arkansas River valley in southeastern Colorado, and the transition from Great Plains grassland to forested Ozark terrain. The Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma may be visible to the south during the midpoint of the flight. As you approach the Appalachian region, the terrain becomes increasingly mountainous with the Boston Mountains of Arkansas and the Ouachita Mountains visible before reaching the Blue Ridge system of western North Carolina.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BJC
RIGHTRight side offers immediate views of the Front Range as you climb out westbound from Denver. You'll see the dramatic eastern escarpment of the Rocky Mountains rising directly ahead and to your right, with the city sprawl of Denver and the plains visible behind you to the left.
Landing at AVL
LEFTLeft side provides the best views during descent into Asheville. You'll see the Blue Ridge Mountains directly ahead and to your left as you approach from the west, with the ridgelines and valleys of western North Carolina clearly visible. The terrain becomes increasingly mountainous and forested as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Asheville. While the right side offers excellent views during Denver departure, the left side dominates the longer eastern portion of the flight and provides superior views during the final descent into Asheville. The Blue Ridge Mountains and the dramatic transition from plains to Appalachian terrain are the flight's most visually distinctive features, and these are best seen from the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver?
During takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers immediate views of the Front Range as you climb out westbound from Denver. You'll see the dramatic eastern escarpment of the Rocky Mountains rising directly ahead and to your right, with the city sprawl of Denver and the plains visible behind you to the left. Notable sights include: Front Range peaks (including Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt in the distance), Denver metropolitan area, High Plains extending eastward.
What can I see when landing at Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville?
When landing at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides the best views during descent into Asheville. You'll see the Blue Ridge Mountains directly ahead and to your left as you approach from the west, with the ridgelines and valleys of western North Carolina clearly visible. The terrain becomes increasingly mountainous and forested as you descend. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains, Pisgah National Forest, French Broad River valley, Asheville basin.
How long is the flight from Denver to Asheville?
The flight from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,269 miles (2,042 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Asheville flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the High Plains of eastern Colorado and Kansas, then transitions into the Ozark Plateau of Missouri and Arkansas. Notable features include the South Platte River valley (visible during early climb), the Arkansas River valley in southeastern Colorado, and the transition from Great Plains grassland to forested Ozark terrain. The Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma may be visible to the south during the midpoint of the flight. As you approach the Appalachian region, the terrain becomes increasingly mountainous with the Boston Mountains of Arkansas and the Ouachita Mountains visible before reaching the Blue Ridge system of western North Carolina.