The left side wins throughout — it captures the Big Belt Mountains on departure, then tracks the Continental Divide and the Absaroka and Wind River ranges through Wyoming in the middle portion of the flight, and delivers the full Colorado Front Range panorama on approach into Denver.
Flown HLN to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Helena to Denver is 593 miles (955 km), a flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
The flight tracks roughly south over central Montana then into Wyoming, passing west of Billings and over the Bighorn Basin region. The Wind River Range is visible to the west — one of Wyoming's most dramatic mountain chains with peaks exceeding 13,000 feet. The flight then crosses the high plains of southeastern Wyoming near Cheyenne before descending toward Denver. The Continental Divide is visible as a distant ridgeline to the west for much of the Wyoming portion of the flight.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HLN
LEFTHelena Regional typically departs runway 27 (heading west) or runway 9 (heading east). On a southbound flight to Denver, aircraft commonly depart runway 27 then turn south, putting the Continental Divide and the Big Belt Mountains on the left (east) side as you climb out over the Helena Valley. The left side gives you a clear look at the rugged ridgelines of the Big Belts and the broad Helena Valley below.
Landing at DEN
LEFTDenver International sits on the plains east of the Rockies, and aircraft typically approach from the east or southeast on runways oriented northeast-southwest. On approach from the north, the left side faces west toward the Front Range — you get a panoramic view of the entire Colorado Front Range including Longs Peak, the Indian Peaks, and the Denver metro spread across the plains below.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helena Rgnl (HLN) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helena to Denver. The left side wins throughout — it captures the Big Belt Mountains on departure, then tracks the Continental Divide and the Absaroka and Wind River ranges through Wyoming in the middle portion of the flight, and delivers the full Colorado Front Range panorama on approach into Denver.
What can I see during takeoff from Helena Rgnl in Helena?
During takeoff from Helena Rgnl (HLN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Helena Regional typically departs runway 27 (heading west) or runway 9 (heading east). On a southbound flight to Denver, aircraft commonly depart runway 27 then turn south, putting the Continental Divide and the Big Belt Mountains on the left (east) side as you climb out over the Helena Valley. The left side gives you a clear look at the rugged ridgelines of the Big Belts and the broad Helena Valley below. Notable sights include: Big Belt Mountains to the east, Helena Valley floor, Missouri River canyon to the north, Mount Helena ridgeline.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Denver International sits on the plains east of the Rockies, and aircraft typically approach from the east or southeast on runways oriented northeast-southwest. On approach from the north, the left side faces west toward the Front Range — you get a panoramic view of the entire Colorado Front Range including Longs Peak, the Indian Peaks, and the Denver metro spread across the plains below. Notable sights include: Colorado Front Range (Longs Peak, Indian Peaks), Denver metro skyline, Rocky Mountain National Park peaks on the horizon, South Platte River corridor.
How long is the flight from Helena to Denver?
The flight from Helena Rgnl (HLN) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 593 miles (955 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Helena to Denver flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south over central Montana then into Wyoming, passing west of Billings and over the Bighorn Basin region. The Wind River Range is visible to the west — one of Wyoming's most dramatic mountain chains with peaks exceeding 13,000 feet. The flight then crosses the high plains of southeastern Wyoming near Cheyenne before descending toward Denver. The Continental Divide is visible as a distant ridgeline to the west for much of the Wyoming portion of the flight.