Left side scores higher due to superior takeoff scenery from Denver—the Front Range provides dramatic mountain relief immediately after departure, and the urban-to-alpine transition is visually compelling. While the landing into Cody is slightly better on the right, the takeoff advantage and overall variety of the left side (urban Denver, river valley, mountain escarpment) outweighs the landing benefit. The flight is short enough that takeoff/landing quality heavily influences the overall experience.
Flown BJC to COD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Cody is 376 miles (605 km), a flight of about 55 minutes.
North Park valley, Medicine Bow Range to the west, high plains terrain between Denver and Cody, Laramie Range foothills, transition from Front Range to the higher Absaroka and Beartooth ranges as the flight progresses northwestward
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BJC
LEFTLeft side captures the Denver metropolitan area and the dramatic eastern face of the Front Range as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The contrast between urban sprawl and the sudden rise of the Rocky Mountains creates immediate visual interest during departure.
Landing at COD
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery into Cody. The descent path reveals the Absaroka Range, Shoshone River canyon, and the high desert landscape surrounding the airport. The terrain is more dramatic and varied than the left side's view of the same ranges from a different angle.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Cody. Left side scores higher due to superior takeoff scenery from Denver—the Front Range provides dramatic mountain relief immediately after departure, and the urban-to-alpine transition is visually compelling. While the landing into Cody is slightly better on the right, the takeoff advantage and overall variety of the left side (urban Denver, river valley, mountain escarpment) outweighs the landing benefit. The flight is short enough that takeoff/landing quality heavily influences the overall experience.
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. Left side captures the Denver metropolitan area and the dramatic eastern face of the Front Range as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The contrast between urban sprawl and the sudden rise of the Rocky Mountains creates immediate visual interest during departure. Notable sights include: Denver downtown skyline, Front Range peaks (Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt visible on clear days), South Platte River valley, suburban grid of metro Denver.
What can I see when landing at Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody?
When landing at Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach scenery into Cody. The descent path reveals the Absaroka Range, Shoshone River canyon, and the high desert landscape surrounding the airport. The terrain is more dramatic and varied than the left side's view of the same ranges from a different angle. Notable sights include: Absaroka Range peaks, Shoshone River canyon, Cody valley floor, high desert sagebrush terrain.
How long is the flight from Denver to Cody?
The flight from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) takes about 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 376 miles (605 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Cody flight path pass over?
North Park valley, Medicine Bow Range to the west, high plains terrain between Denver and Cody, Laramie Range foothills, transition from Front Range to the higher Absaroka and Beartooth ranges as the flight progresses northwestward