Left side scores higher due to superior mountain scenery on both departure and arrival. The takeoff captures the dramatic Front Range escarpment and Denver metro, while the landing reveals Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada crest—two iconic alpine features. Right side offers only flat plains and desert with minimal visual interest. The 1.5-point advantage reflects the consistent presence of major mountain ranges and a significant alpine lake on the left throughout the flight.
Flown BJC to RNO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Reno is 778 miles (1,253 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Great Basin high desert, Toiyabe Range (central Nevada), Desatoya Mountains, vast sagebrush plains between the Sierra Nevada and the Wasatch Range to the east. The flight path crosses the high desert at roughly 25,000 feet, offering expansive views of Nevada's remote interior with few landmarks—mostly open terrain with scattered low mountain ranges appearing as ridges on the horizon.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BJC
LEFTLeft side captures the Denver metro area and the dramatic eastern face of the Front Range during climb-out. The Rocky Mountains rise steeply to the west and northwest, creating immediate visual drama as the aircraft departs eastward or northeastward from BJC.
Landing at RNO
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Sierra Nevada range and Lake Tahoe during descent into Reno. The lake's distinctive shape and the surrounding alpine peaks create striking visual interest. Right side shows the Truckee Meadows and Reno sprawl with less dramatic terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Reno Tahoe International (RNO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Reno. Left side scores higher due to superior mountain scenery on both departure and arrival. The takeoff captures the dramatic Front Range escarpment and Denver metro, while the landing reveals Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada crest—two iconic alpine features. Right side offers only flat plains and desert with minimal visual interest. The 1.5-point advantage reflects the consistent presence of major mountain ranges and a significant alpine lake on the left throughout the flight.
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 metro area and the dramatic eastern face of the Front Range during climb-out. The Rocky Mountains rise steeply to the west and northwest, creating immediate visual drama as the aircraft departs eastward or northeastward from BJC. Notable sights include: Denver downtown skyline, Front Range peaks (Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt visible on clear days), South Platte River valley, suburban sprawl of metro Denver.
What can I see when landing at Reno Tahoe International in Reno?
When landing at Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Sierra Nevada range and Lake Tahoe during descent into Reno. The lake's distinctive shape and the surrounding alpine peaks create striking visual interest. Right side shows the Truckee Meadows and Reno sprawl with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Lake Tahoe (if visible during approach), Sierra Nevada crest, Truckee River valley, Reno city lights and sprawl.
How long is the flight from Denver to Reno?
The flight from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Reno Tahoe International (RNO) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 778 miles (1,253 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Reno flight path pass over?
Great Basin high desert, Toiyabe Range (central Nevada), Desatoya Mountains, vast sagebrush plains between the Sierra Nevada and the Wasatch Range to the east. The flight path crosses the high desert at roughly 25,000 feet, offering expansive views of Nevada's remote interior with few landmarks—mostly open terrain with scattered low mountain ranges appearing as ridges on the horizon.