The right side delivers the Front Range mountains during takeoff and a bay-and-skyline view during landing, giving it more consistent scenic payoff than the left side's flatter plains and open-ocean views.
Flown DEN to NZY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to San Diego is 855 miles (1,375 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
San Juan Mountains and the Four Corners region, with the flight path crossing the Colorado Plateau near the Grand Canyon and Painted Desert before descending toward the Mojave Desert and Southern California coast
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDeparting DEN to the south before turning southwest, the right (west) side gets a full-frame view of the Front Range foothills and high peaks rising abruptly from the plains, while the left side only shows flat prairie and Denver's eastern suburbs fading away.
Landing at NZY
RIGHTOn final approach to NZY's runway 29, the aircraft crosses San Diego Bay with downtown's high-rise skyline and harbor on the right side, while the left shows mostly open ocean and the low Point Loma peninsula.
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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 North Island Nas (NZY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to San Diego. The right side delivers the Front Range mountains during takeoff and a bay-and-skyline view during landing, giving it more consistent scenic payoff than the left side's flatter plains and open-ocean views.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DEN to the south before turning southwest, the right (west) side gets a full-frame view of the Front Range foothills and high peaks rising abruptly from the plains, while the left side only shows flat prairie and Denver's eastern suburbs fading away. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak, Mount Evans, Pikes Peak on the horizon.
What can I see when landing at North Island Nas in San Diego?
When landing at North Island Nas (NZY), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach to NZY's runway 29, the aircraft crosses San Diego Bay with downtown's high-rise skyline and harbor on the right side, while the left shows mostly open ocean and the low Point Loma peninsula. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Naval Base San Diego ships.
How long is the flight from Denver to San Diego?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to North Island Nas (NZY) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 855 miles (1,375 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to San Diego flight path pass over?
San Juan Mountains and the Four Corners region, with the flight path crossing the Colorado Plateau near the Grand Canyon and Painted Desert before descending toward the Mojave Desert and Southern California coast