Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Front Range mountains during takeoff are the flight's most visually striking feature. While left seats offer good coastal views on approach, the mountain scenery from Denver is more distinctive and memorable.
Flown BJC to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Los Angeles is 841 miles (1,353 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau and high desert. Notable features include the Book Cliffs (visible as a distant escarpment in eastern Utah), the San Juan Mountains (south of the direct route but sometimes visible on clear days), and the transition from high elevation terrain (8,000-10,000 feet) to the lower Mojave Desert as you approach California. The Colorado River canyon system is typically too far south to see on the standard flight corridor. Around the Utah-Arizona border, the terrain flattens into high desert with sparse vegetation. As you approach California, the San Bernardino Mountains become visible on the left side during descent, marking the approach to the Los Angeles Basin.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BJC
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of the Rocky Mountains as the aircraft climbs out of Denver. The Front Range peaks are directly east of BJC, and a right-bank turn toward the southwest flight path to LAX positions these mountains prominently during initial climb.
Landing at LAX
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during the descent into LAX. Aircraft typically approach from the east over the San Gabriel Mountains and descend across the Los Angeles Basin. Left seats face south and west toward the Pacific coastline, Santa Monica Bay, and the final approach corridor over Long Beach and coastal neighborhoods.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Los Angeles. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Front Range mountains during takeoff are the flight's most visually striking feature. While left seats offer good coastal views on approach, the mountain scenery from Denver is more distinctive and memorable.
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 seats offer immediate views of the Rocky Mountains as the aircraft climbs out of Denver. The Front Range peaks are directly east of BJC, and a right-bank turn toward the southwest flight path to LAX positions these mountains prominently during initial climb. Notable sights include: Front Range peaks (including Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt visible on clear days), Denver metropolitan sprawl below, South Platte River valley, and the high plains extending eastward.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during the descent into LAX. Aircraft typically approach from the east over the San Gabriel Mountains and descend across the Los Angeles Basin. Left seats face south and west toward the Pacific coastline, Santa Monica Bay, and the final approach corridor over Long Beach and coastal neighborhoods. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (receding behind as you descend), Los Angeles Basin urban grid, Santa Monica Bay and Pacific coastline, Long Beach harbor and port facilities.
How long is the flight from Denver to Los Angeles?
The flight from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 841 miles (1,353 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau and high desert. Notable features include the Book Cliffs (visible as a distant escarpment in eastern Utah), the San Juan Mountains (south of the direct route but sometimes visible on clear days), and the transition from high elevation terrain (8,000-10,000 feet) to the lower Mojave Desert as you approach California. The Colorado River canyon system is typically too far south to see on the standard flight corridor. Around the Utah-Arizona border, the terrain flattens into high desert with sparse vegetation. As you approach California, the San Bernardino Mountains become visible on the left side during descent, marking the approach to the Los Angeles Basin.