The left side wins on the strength of the cruise phase: the flight path passes just north of the San Juan Mountains and the Grand Canyon area, both visible to the south, in addition to the Front Range views right after takeoff. The right side's Downtown LA and San Gabriel Mountains view is strong but limited to the final few minutes of the flight.
Flight Path
San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, the canyon and mesa country of the Colorado Plateau in Utah, and the Grand Canyon's eastern reaches visible to the south over northern Arizona before the route crosses the Mojave Desert into Southern California
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDEN typically departs south before turning southwest toward LA, and that turn sweeps the Front Range of the Rockies into view on the left side of the aircraft. Passengers get a clear look at the foothills and peaks like Pikes Peak and Mount Evans rising above the plains just after takeoff.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTArrivals into LAX from the east cross the San Gabriel Valley before turning toward the coast, putting the San Gabriel Mountains and the Downtown Los Angeles skyline on the right side of the cabin during descent. It's the most urban, landmark-dense moment of the whole flight.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Los Angeles. The left side wins on the strength of the cruise phase: the flight path passes just north of the San Juan Mountains and the Grand Canyon area, both visible to the south, in addition to the Front Range views right after takeoff. The right side's Downtown LA and San Gabriel Mountains view is strong but limited to the final few minutes of the flight.
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 south before turning southwest toward LA, and that turn sweeps the Front Range of the Rockies into view on the left side of the aircraft. Passengers get a clear look at the foothills and peaks like Pikes Peak and Mount Evans rising above the plains just after takeoff. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Pikes Peak, Mount Evans, South Platte River valley.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into LAX from the east cross the San Gabriel Valley before turning toward the coast, putting the San Gabriel Mountains and the Downtown Los Angeles skyline on the right side of the cabin during descent. It's the most urban, landmark-dense moment of the whole flight. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles basin sprawl.
How long is the flight from Denver to Los Angeles?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes 2h 30m.
What does the Denver to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, the canyon and mesa country of the Colorado Plateau in Utah, and the Grand Canyon's eastern reaches visible to the south over northern Arizona before the route crosses the Mojave Desert into Southern California