For most of the roughly two-and-a-half-hour flight, the right side tracks the dramatic high country of Colorado and the Colorado Plateau — the Rockies at departure, canyon and mesa country over Utah and Arizona, and desert mountain ranges approaching Southern California — giving it far more sustained visual variety than the flatter desert scenery on the left. The left side's standout moment is the San Diego arrival, but it can't match the right side's cumulative terrain drama across takeoff and cruise.
Flown DEN to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to San Diego is 852 miles (1,371 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The route's midpoint falls over the Colorado Plateau near the Four Corners region, passing close to Monument Valley, Lake Powell, and the canyon country of southeastern Utah before the terrain gives way to the Mojave Desert further west.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDEN typically departs southbound on the 17-series runways before turning southwest toward San Diego, and during that initial climb the Front Range of the Rockies dominates the view to the west. Passengers on the right see the foothills and high peaks rising abruptly from the plains as the city falls away below.
Landing at SAN
LEFTSAN's approach on Runway 27 brings the aircraft in low over San Diego's eastern suburbs and then just north of downtown, so the left side faces south toward the city skyline, the harbor, and Coronado. This is one of the most famous urban approaches in the country, with skyscrapers and the bay passing directly beneath the wing moments before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to San Diego. For most of the roughly two-and-a-half-hour flight, the right side tracks the dramatic high country of Colorado and the Colorado Plateau — the Rockies at departure, canyon and mesa country over Utah and Arizona, and desert mountain ranges approaching Southern California — giving it far more sustained visual variety than the flatter desert scenery on the left. The left side's standout moment is the San Diego arrival, but it can't match the right side's cumulative terrain drama across takeoff and cruise.
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. DEN typically departs southbound on the 17-series runways before turning southwest toward San Diego, and during that initial climb the Front Range of the Rockies dominates the view to the west. Passengers on the right see the foothills and high peaks rising abruptly from the plains as the city falls away below. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Mount Evans, Pikes Peak (distant), Denver's grid suburbs receding below.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. SAN's approach on Runway 27 brings the aircraft in low over San Diego's eastern suburbs and then just north of downtown, so the left side faces south toward the city skyline, the harbor, and Coronado. This is one of the most famous urban approaches in the country, with skyscrapers and the bay passing directly beneath the wing moments before touchdown. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma peninsula.
How long is the flight from Denver to San Diego?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 852 miles (1,371 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to San Diego flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint falls over the Colorado Plateau near the Four Corners region, passing close to Monument Valley, Lake Powell, and the canyon country of southeastern Utah before the terrain gives way to the Mojave Desert further west.