While the takeoff favors the left side for the LA basin and coastal view, the right side offers the stronger overall experience: it captures glimpses of the red-rock Colorado Plateau and Lake Mead region during cruise, and delivers the dramatic Front Range mountain wall on the Denver approach, giving it more sustained scenic value across the flight.
Flown LAX to BJC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Denver is 841 miles (1,353 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Mojave Desert, Lake Mead and the Colorado River corridor, southern Utah's red-rock Colorado Plateau, and the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains near the Colorado border
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTIn the typical west-flow departure, aircraft climb out over the Pacific before banking back over the Los Angeles basin, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the coastline, downtown LA, and the San Gabriel Mountains rising abruptly to the north as the plane turns onto its easterly heading.
Landing at BJC
RIGHTOn approach into BJC from the east, the abrupt wall of the Rocky Mountain Front Range dominates the view ahead and to the right, with the foothills and high peaks west of Denver growing more defined as the aircraft descends over the plains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Denver. While the takeoff favors the left side for the LA basin and coastal view, the right side offers the stronger overall experience: it captures glimpses of the red-rock Colorado Plateau and Lake Mead region during cruise, and delivers the dramatic Front Range mountain wall on the Denver approach, giving it more sustained scenic value across the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. In the typical west-flow departure, aircraft climb out over the Pacific before banking back over the Los Angeles basin, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the coastline, downtown LA, and the San Gabriel Mountains rising abruptly to the north as the plane turns onto its easterly heading. Notable sights include: Pacific coastline, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Monica Bay.
What can I see when landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver?
When landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into BJC from the east, the abrupt wall of the Rocky Mountain Front Range dominates the view ahead and to the right, with the foothills and high peaks west of Denver growing more defined as the aircraft descends over the plains. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder foothills, South Platte River valley, Denver metro sprawl.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Denver?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 841 miles (1,353 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Denver flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert, Lake Mead and the Colorado River corridor, southern Utah's red-rock Colorado Plateau, and the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains near the Colorado border