Denver to Raleigh-Durham flight path: DEN to RDU

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Raleigh-Durham. The right side wins overall because it captures both the brief but genuine Rocky Mountain view during departure and the more sustained, visually interesting crossing of the Appalachian ridgelines (Allegheny/Blue Ridge foothills) during cruise, while the left side is dominated by flat, undifferentiated Midwestern plains for most of the flight.

During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. As the aircraft lifts off DEN and turns onto its easterly track toward RDU, the Front Range of the Rockies—including the foothills west of Denver—remains visible off the right side of the aircraft for a minute or two before the plane commits to its eastward heading. The left side mostly shows flat high-plains suburbs with no distinguishing terrain. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak area skyline, Denver suburban sprawl, South Platte River valley.

When landing at Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into RDU from the northeast (typical for the prevailing southwest wind flow), the descent path passes north of downtown Raleigh, putting the city's skyline and Falls Lake on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows uniform Piedmont forest and farmland with no distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Falls Lake, downtown Raleigh skyline, Neuse River corridor, Piedmont forest patchwork.

The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,433 miles (2,307 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

Great Plains of Kansas and Missouri, Ozark Plateau fringe, Appalachian ridges of the Allegheny Plateau and Blue Ridge Mountains along the Virginia/West Virginia border, descending into the North Carolina Piedmont