While the left side wins at takeoff with the Front Range views, the right side captures the dramatic San Jacinto arrival and also provides better views of the Colorado Plateau, Utah canyon country, and the Mojave Desert transition during the cruise portion of the flight. The San Jacinto approach alone is one of the most dramatic mountain arrivals in the continental US.
Flown DEN to PSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Palm Springs is 775 miles (1,247 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The flight tracks southwest over the Colorado Plateau with its red rock canyon systems, crosses the corner of Utah near the Four Corners region, passes over the Grand Canyon's South Rim area or just south of it, traverses the Mojave Desert with Joshua Tree visible to the south on descent, and drops into the Coachella Valley between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountain ranges.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDEN typically departs westbound on runway 16R/34L or 17R/35L. On a westbound departure climbing out, the left (south) side gives you a direct view of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains including Pikes Peak and the Denver metro sprawl. The right side faces north toward open plains with far less visual interest.
Landing at PSP
RIGHTPSP typically lands on runway 31L, meaning aircraft approach from the southeast over the Coachella Valley. The right (north) side gives a stunning view of the San Jacinto Mountains rising abruptly from the valley floor directly beside the approach path, with Palm Springs city visible below. The left side looks south toward the open desert of the Salton Sea basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Palm Springs International (PSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Palm Springs. While the left side wins at takeoff with the Front Range views, the right side captures the dramatic San Jacinto arrival and also provides better views of the Colorado Plateau, Utah canyon country, and the Mojave Desert transition during the cruise portion of the flight. The San Jacinto approach alone is one of the most dramatic mountain arrivals in the continental US.
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 westbound on runway 16R/34L or 17R/35L. On a westbound departure climbing out, the left (south) side gives you a direct view of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains including Pikes Peak and the Denver metro sprawl. The right side faces north toward open plains with far less visual interest. Notable sights include: Front Range Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak (14,115 ft), Denver metro grid, Cherry Creek Reservoir.
What can I see when landing at Palm Springs International in Palm Springs?
When landing at Palm Springs International (PSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. PSP typically lands on runway 31L, meaning aircraft approach from the southeast over the Coachella Valley. The right (north) side gives a stunning view of the San Jacinto Mountains rising abruptly from the valley floor directly beside the approach path, with Palm Springs city visible below. The left side looks south toward the open desert of the Salton Sea basin. Notable sights include: San Jacinto Mountains (Mt. San Jacinto 10,834 ft), Coachella Valley, Salton Sea (visible to the south on left side), Palm Springs urban grid.
How long is the flight from Denver to Palm Springs?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Palm Springs International (PSP) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 775 miles (1,247 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Palm Springs flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over the Colorado Plateau with its red rock canyon systems, crosses the corner of Utah near the Four Corners region, passes over the Grand Canyon's South Rim area or just south of it, traverses the Mojave Desert with Joshua Tree visible to the south on descent, and drops into the Coachella Valley between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountain ranges.