While the right side wins at takeoff for the Dallas skyline, the left side delivers the defining moment of this flight: the full panoramic reveal of the Colorado Front Range during descent into Denver, which is genuinely one of the most spectacular approach views in North America. Left side also picks up the Raton Pass area and the gradual rise of the Sangre de Cristo foothills during the mid-flight climb over New Mexico and southern Colorado.
Flown DAL to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dallas to Denver is 651 miles (1,048 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest over the Red River valley into Oklahoma, crossing the flat Oklahoma panhandle and into northeastern New Mexico. Around the midpoint you pass over the Raton Mesa and Raton Pass area where the terrain begins rising noticeably. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains become visible to the left (west) as you enter southern Colorado, and the Arkansas River valley is visible below before the terrain flattens briefly onto the Palmer Divide before Denver.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DAL
RIGHTLove Field's primary departure runway 13R/31L means northbound departures often head northwest, putting downtown Dallas and the Trinity River corridor on the right side. You get a clear look at the Dallas skyline, White Rock Lake, and the sprawling DFW metro grid as you climb out heading northwest.
Landing at DEN
LEFTDEN's primary arrival runways from the south (34L/34R) bring aircraft in from the south-southwest, placing the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains — including Pikes Peak, Longs Peak, and the entire Colorado Front Range — squarely on the left side during descent. This is one of the most dramatic mountain approach views in the continental US.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dallas Love Fld (DAL) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dallas to Denver. While the right side wins at takeoff for the Dallas skyline, the left side delivers the defining moment of this flight: the full panoramic reveal of the Colorado Front Range during descent into Denver, which is genuinely one of the most spectacular approach views in North America. Left side also picks up the Raton Pass area and the gradual rise of the Sangre de Cristo foothills during the mid-flight climb over New Mexico and southern Colorado.
What can I see during takeoff from Dallas Love Fld in Dallas?
During takeoff from Dallas Love Fld (DAL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Love Field's primary departure runway 13R/31L means northbound departures often head northwest, putting downtown Dallas and the Trinity River corridor on the right side. You get a clear look at the Dallas skyline, White Rock Lake, and the sprawling DFW metro grid as you climb out heading northwest. Notable sights include: Downtown Dallas skyline, White Rock Lake, Trinity River floodplain, Lake Ray Hubbard to the east.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. DEN's primary arrival runways from the south (34L/34R) bring aircraft in from the south-southwest, placing the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains — including Pikes Peak, Longs Peak, and the entire Colorado Front Range — squarely on the left side during descent. This is one of the most dramatic mountain approach views in the continental US. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak (south), Longs Peak (north), Denver skyline against the foothills.
How long is the flight from Dallas to Denver?
The flight from Dallas Love Fld (DAL) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 651 miles (1,048 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dallas to Denver flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Red River valley into Oklahoma, crossing the flat Oklahoma panhandle and into northeastern New Mexico. Around the midpoint you pass over the Raton Mesa and Raton Pass area where the terrain begins rising noticeably. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains become visible to the left (west) as you enter southern Colorado, and the Arkansas River valley is visible below before the terrain flattens briefly onto the Palmer Divide before Denver.