The south-facing side captures the tallest peaks of the Sawatch Range near Leadville during cruise and the iconic Mount Sopris on final approach, giving it more dramatic, named terrain than the north side's Gore Range views.
Flown DEN to ASE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Aspen is 125 miles (201 km), a flight of about 45 minutes.
Continental Divide, Sawatch Range near Leadville, upper Arkansas River valley, high peaks including Mount Massive and Mount Elbert visible to the south of the flight path
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDeparting DEN westbound, the south side offers early views toward the Front Range foothills and, as the plane climbs, the first glimpses of the high Sawatch Range peaks near Leadville that dominate the rest of the flight. The right side mostly shows the flatter high plains north of Denver initially.
Landing at ASE
LEFTOn the approach into Aspen's Roaring Fork Valley, the descent path curves with the Sawatch Range and Elk Mountains visible to the south, culminating in close views of the distinctive pyramid-shaped Mount Sopris just south of the runway threshold. The north side shows the Gore Range but it's farther from the final approach corridor.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) (ASE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Aspen. The south-facing side captures the tallest peaks of the Sawatch Range near Leadville during cruise and the iconic Mount Sopris on final approach, giving it more dramatic, named terrain than the north side's Gore Range views.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DEN westbound, the south side offers early views toward the Front Range foothills and, as the plane climbs, the first glimpses of the high Sawatch Range peaks near Leadville that dominate the rest of the flight. The right side mostly shows the flatter high plains north of Denver initially. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, South Platte River valley, distant Pikes Peak silhouette to the south.
What can I see when landing at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) in Aspen?
When landing at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) (ASE), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into Aspen's Roaring Fork Valley, the descent path curves with the Sawatch Range and Elk Mountains visible to the south, culminating in close views of the distinctive pyramid-shaped Mount Sopris just south of the runway threshold. The north side shows the Gore Range but it's farther from the final approach corridor. Notable sights include: Mount Sopris, Elk Mountains, Roaring Fork River valley, Aspen ski slopes.
How long is the flight from Denver to Aspen?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) (ASE) takes about 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 125 miles (201 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Aspen flight path pass over?
Continental Divide, Sawatch Range near Leadville, upper Arkansas River valley, high peaks including Mount Massive and Mount Elbert visible to the south of the flight path