The northwestbound flight path offers superior scenery on the left side throughout the journey. Departure provides immediate views of the Front Range and Continental Divide, and the cruise altitude flight maintains excellent views of the Rocky Mountain spine and high country to the left, while the right side shows mostly forested terrain with less dramatic relief.
Flown DEN to MSO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Missoula is 678 miles (1,091 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Sawatch Range and Elk Mountains (visible around cruising altitude), the high Colorado Plateau and intermountain basins, the transition from Colorado's high peaks to Montana's lower mountain ranges, the Flathead National Forest region approaching Missoula
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTLeft side captures the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains immediately after departure, with the Continental Divide visible to the northwest. Right side shows the Denver metro sprawl and plains extending eastward with minimal scenic interest.
Landing at MSO
RIGHTRight side provides the best approach views of the Missoula valley and the surrounding mountain ranges that frame the city. The descent path into Missoula typically approaches from the southeast, making the right side ideal for viewing the Clark Fork River valley and the Sapphire Range.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Missoula Montana Airport (MSO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Missoula. The northwestbound flight path offers superior scenery on the left side throughout the journey. Departure provides immediate views of the Front Range and Continental Divide, and the cruise altitude flight maintains excellent views of the Rocky Mountain spine and high country to the left, while the right side shows mostly forested terrain with less dramatic relief.
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. Left side captures the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains immediately after departure, with the Continental Divide visible to the northwest. Right side shows the Denver metro sprawl and plains extending eastward with minimal scenic interest. Notable sights include: Front Range (Rocky Mountains), Continental Divide, South Platte River valley, Denver metropolitan area.
What can I see when landing at Missoula Montana Airport in Missoula?
When landing at Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best approach views of the Missoula valley and the surrounding mountain ranges that frame the city. The descent path into Missoula typically approaches from the southeast, making the right side ideal for viewing the Clark Fork River valley and the Sapphire Range. Notable sights include: Clark Fork River, Sapphire Range, Missoula valley floor, Flathead National Forest foothills.
How long is the flight from Denver to Missoula?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 678 miles (1,091 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Missoula flight path pass over?
Sawatch Range and Elk Mountains (visible around cruising altitude), the high Colorado Plateau and intermountain basins, the transition from Colorado's high peaks to Montana's lower mountain ranges, the Flathead National Forest region approaching Missoula