The northbound climb-out from DEN provides superior mountain views of the Front Range and Continental Divide at closer range. While the HLN landing offers valley scenery, the takeoff experience is more dramatic and geographically distinctive.
Flown DEN to HLN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Helena is 593 miles (955 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the northern Colorado Front Range, passes over the Laramie Range foothills, and enters the intermountain basin region. Notable geographic features include the transition from the Rocky Mountain Front near Fort Collins, the open grasslands of northern Colorado and southern Montana, and the approach to the Helena Valley with the Elkhorn Mountains visible to the south and the Scratchgravel Hills to the west of Helena.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDEN typically departs eastbound (runways 35L/R) or northeastbound. Left side seats face toward the Front Range and Rocky Mountains immediately west and northwest, providing dramatic close-range views of the Continental Divide and peaks above 13,000 feet.
Landing at HLN
RIGHTHLN typically lands westbound (runway 27). Right side seats face toward the Prickly Pear Valley and the mountains west of Helena. The approach path descends over the valley with views of the Continental Divide and the Scratchgravel Hills to the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Helena Rgnl (HLN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Helena. The northbound climb-out from DEN provides superior mountain views of the Front Range and Continental Divide at closer range. While the HLN landing offers valley scenery, the takeoff experience is more dramatic and geographically distinctive.
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. DEN typically departs eastbound (runways 35L/R) or northeastbound. Left side seats face toward the Front Range and Rocky Mountains immediately west and northwest, providing dramatic close-range views of the Continental Divide and peaks above 13,000 feet. Notable sights include: Front Range peaks (Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt visible on clear days), South Platte River valley below, Denver metro sprawl to the east, foothills transition zone.
What can I see when landing at Helena Rgnl in Helena?
When landing at Helena Rgnl (HLN), sit on the Right side for the best views. HLN typically lands westbound (runway 27). Right side seats face toward the Prickly Pear Valley and the mountains west of Helena. The approach path descends over the valley with views of the Continental Divide and the Scratchgravel Hills to the west. Notable sights include: Prickly Pear Valley floor, Scratchgravel Hills, Continental Divide ridgeline, Helena city nestled in the valley.
How long is the flight from Denver to Helena?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Helena Rgnl (HLN) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 593 miles (955 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Helena flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the northern Colorado Front Range, passes over the Laramie Range foothills, and enters the intermountain basin region. Notable geographic features include the transition from the Rocky Mountain Front near Fort Collins, the open grasslands of northern Colorado and southern Montana, and the approach to the Helena Valley with the Elkhorn Mountains visible to the south and the Scratchgravel Hills to the west of Helena.