While left offers excellent takeoff views of the Front Range, right side dominates the landing approach with dramatic desert scenery, Lake Mead, and the Las Vegas Valley. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown BJC to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Las Vegas is 606 miles (976 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
As you cross western Colorado and eastern Utah, you'll pass over the Colorado River canyon system, the Book Cliffs escarpment, and the transition from high desert to lower Mojave Desert terrain. The flight path typically follows a southwest corridor, passing east of the Wasatch Range and over the high desert plateau of central Utah before descending into Nevada.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BJC
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Front Range peaks as you climb westbound out of Denver. The Rocky Mountains dominate the western horizon and left wing view during the initial 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTRight side provides the best views during descent into Las Vegas. You'll see the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon formations to the west, then the Las Vegas Valley opening up with the city sprawl and Lake Mead in the distance to the northeast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Las Vegas. While left offers excellent takeoff views of the Front Range, right side dominates the landing approach with dramatic desert scenery, Lake Mead, and the Las Vegas Valley. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
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 offers immediate views of the Front Range peaks as you climb westbound out of Denver. The Rocky Mountains dominate the western horizon and left wing view during the initial 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Front Range peaks (Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt visible on clear days), South Platte River valley below, Denver metropolitan area receding eastward, foothills transitioning to high peaks.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best views during descent into Las Vegas. You'll see the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon formations to the west, then the Las Vegas Valley opening up with the city sprawl and Lake Mead in the distance to the northeast. Notable sights include: Spring Mountains (western rim of valley), Red Rock Canyon escarpment, Las Vegas Valley floor with the Strip visible, Lake Mead shoreline to the northeast.
How long is the flight from Denver to Las Vegas?
The flight from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 606 miles (976 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
As you cross western Colorado and eastern Utah, you'll pass over the Colorado River canyon system, the Book Cliffs escarpment, and the transition from high desert to lower Mojave Desert terrain. The flight path typically follows a southwest corridor, passing east of the Wasatch Range and over the high desert plateau of central Utah before descending into Nevada.