While the right side offers good Des Moines departure views, the left side delivers superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially during the dramatic descent into Las Vegas with the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon as the visual highlight.
Flown DSM to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Des Moines to Las Vegas is 1,213 miles (1,953 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path westbound crosses central Iowa farmland, then enters Nebraska's Platte River valley (visible as a linear green corridor through the plains), continues across Wyoming with the North Platte River and high plains terrain, passes near the southern edge of the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming, then crosses into Utah and Nevada with the Great Basin's high desert landscape. The Wasatch Range may be visible to the north depending on exact routing. As you approach Las Vegas, the transition from high desert to the Las Vegas Valley becomes pronounced, with the Spring Mountains forming a dramatic western boundary.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DSM
RIGHTRight side captures the Des Moines metro area and the Des Moines River valley as you climb westward. You'll see the city grid and surrounding agricultural patchwork clearly during the initial climb-out.
Landing at LAS
LEFTLeft side offers the best views during descent into Las Vegas. You'll see the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon to the west, then the Las Vegas Valley floor with the city's distinctive grid layout and the Strip corridor as you descend toward Harry Reid International.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Des Moines International (DSM) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Des Moines to Las Vegas. While the right side offers good Des Moines departure views, the left side delivers superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially during the dramatic descent into Las Vegas with the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon as the visual highlight.
What can I see during takeoff from Des Moines International in Des Moines?
During takeoff from Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Des Moines metro area and the Des Moines River valley as you climb westward. You'll see the city grid and surrounding agricultural patchwork clearly during the initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Des Moines city center, Des Moines River valley, Iowa farmland grid pattern, Saylorville Lake (north of the airport).
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers the best views during descent into Las Vegas. You'll see the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon to the west, then the Las Vegas Valley floor with the city's distinctive grid layout and the Strip corridor as you descend toward Harry Reid International. Notable sights include: Spring Mountains (western edge of Las Vegas Valley), Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas Valley floor and urban sprawl, Lake Mead (visible to the northeast at higher altitudes).
How long is the flight from Des Moines to Las Vegas?
The flight from Des Moines International (DSM) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,213 miles (1,953 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Des Moines to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
The flight path westbound crosses central Iowa farmland, then enters Nebraska's Platte River valley (visible as a linear green corridor through the plains), continues across Wyoming with the North Platte River and high plains terrain, passes near the southern edge of the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming, then crosses into Utah and Nevada with the Great Basin's high desert landscape. The Wasatch Range may be visible to the north depending on exact routing. As you approach Las Vegas, the transition from high desert to the Las Vegas Valley becomes pronounced, with the Spring Mountains forming a dramatic western boundary.