Left seats capture the dramatic westbound departure over the Front Range and the entire climb through the Colorado Rockies. While landing views favor the right, the takeoff scenery is more visually striking and sustained over a longer portion of the flight.
Flown DEN to SBO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Salina is 386 miles (622 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Front Range near Kenosha Pass (11,000 ft), then follows the South Platte River drainage westward. The Mosquito Range and Sawatch Range dominate the southern view. The terrain transitions from high alpine peaks to the Gunnison Basin, with the West Elk Mountains becoming increasingly prominent as you approach. The Gunnison River valley becomes visible about 20 minutes before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDEN typically departs eastbound (runways 35L/R) or westbound (runways 17L/R). For westbound departures toward Gunnison, left seats face the Front Range and Rocky Mountains directly ahead during climb-out. Right seats see the plains extending toward Kansas.
Landing at SBO
RIGHTGunnison-Salina Airport (SBO) sits at 7,664 feet in the Gunnison Valley. Approaches typically come from the east or northeast. Right-side seats during descent capture the Elk Mountains and West Elk Mountains rising dramatically above the valley floor, plus the town of Gunnison itself.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Salina-Gunnison Airport (SBO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Salina. Left seats capture the dramatic westbound departure over the Front Range and the entire climb through the Colorado Rockies. While landing views favor the right, the takeoff scenery is more visually striking and sustained over a longer portion of the flight.
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 eastbound (runways 35L/R) or westbound (runways 17L/R). For westbound departures toward Gunnison, left seats face the Front Range and Rocky Mountains directly ahead during climb-out. Right seats see the plains extending toward Kansas. Notable sights include: Front Range (Colorado), Rocky Mountain foothills, Denver metro sprawl to the southeast, South Platte River valley.
What can I see when landing at Salina-Gunnison Airport in Salina?
When landing at Salina-Gunnison Airport (SBO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gunnison-Salina Airport (SBO) sits at 7,664 feet in the Gunnison Valley. Approaches typically come from the east or northeast. Right-side seats during descent capture the Elk Mountains and West Elk Mountains rising dramatically above the valley floor, plus the town of Gunnison itself. Notable sights include: Elk Mountains, West Elk Mountains, Gunnison Valley floor, Gunnison town and airport.
How long is the flight from Denver to Salina?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Salina-Gunnison Airport (SBO) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 386 miles (622 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Salina flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Front Range near Kenosha Pass (11,000 ft), then follows the South Platte River drainage westward. The Mosquito Range and Sawatch Range dominate the southern view. The terrain transitions from high alpine peaks to the Gunnison Basin, with the West Elk Mountains becoming increasingly prominent as you approach. The Gunnison River valley becomes visible about 20 minutes before landing.