While takeoff favors the left side for the Blue Ridge views, the right side wins overall because the dramatic Rocky Mountain approach into Denver is far more visually striking than the flat Midwest cruise, and it comes at the most memorable part of the flight.
Flown IAD to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Denver is 1,449 miles (2,332 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
Appalachian ridgelines over West Virginia, the Ohio River Valley, and the flat farmland of Indiana, Illinois, and Kansas beneath the cruise track
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
LEFTDeparting IAD westbound, the left (south) side catches the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley rippling across northern Virginia as the plane climbs out. The right side mostly shows flat Piedmont suburbs and farmland with less texture.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTOn approach into DEN from the east, the descent gives right-side (north-facing) passengers a clear view of the Front Range and Rocky Mountains rising abruptly from the plains, with Denver's skyline and the foothills visible ahead. The left side faces east toward flat, featureless plains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Denver. While takeoff favors the left side for the Blue Ridge views, the right side wins overall because the dramatic Rocky Mountain approach into Denver is far more visually striking than the flat Midwest cruise, and it comes at the most memorable part of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IAD westbound, the left (south) side catches the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley rippling across northern Virginia as the plane climbs out. The right side mostly shows flat Piedmont suburbs and farmland with less texture. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, Potomac River bends, Northern Virginia piedmont.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into DEN from the east, the descent gives right-side (north-facing) passengers a clear view of the Front Range and Rocky Mountains rising abruptly from the plains, with Denver's skyline and the foothills visible ahead. The left side faces east toward flat, featureless plains. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Longs Peak area foothills, Denver skyline, South Platte River plains.
How long is the flight from Washington to Denver?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,449 miles (2,332 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Denver flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridgelines over West Virginia, the Ohio River Valley, and the flat farmland of Indiana, Illinois, and Kansas beneath the cruise track