Right side scores higher due to the San Juan Mountains providing dramatic terrain relief and visual variety throughout the cruise and landing phases. While left side offers superior takeoff scenery with the LA coast and urban landscape, the landing approach on the right side—with substantial mountain peaks, plateau geology, and river valley features—creates more compelling overall scenery for the majority of this 2-hour flight. The right side's terrain drama outweighs the left side's coastal advantage.
Flown LAX to MTJ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Montrose is 665 miles (1,070 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert (sparse, flat terrain with occasional dry lake beds), then transitions into the Colorado Plateau region. Notable midpoint features include the Grand Staircase-Escalante area (visible as layered mesa formations), the Colorado River system (visible as a dark linear feature cutting through red rock country), and the transition from low desert to high plateau around the Utah-Colorado border. The Uncompahgre Plateau becomes increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Montrose from the southwest.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTLeft side captures the Los Angeles basin, Pacific coastline, and Santa Monica Mountains during departure. The urban sprawl of greater LA and the dramatic coastal escarpment provide immediate visual interest that right side (inland desert) cannot match.
Landing at MTJ
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery with the San Juan Mountains dominating the landscape—dramatic peaks, ridges, and the Uncompahgre Plateau creating substantial terrain relief. The Gunnison River valley and surrounding high desert provide visual variety that left side (open plateau) lacks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Montrose. Right side scores higher due to the San Juan Mountains providing dramatic terrain relief and visual variety throughout the cruise and landing phases. While left side offers superior takeoff scenery with the LA coast and urban landscape, the landing approach on the right side—with substantial mountain peaks, plateau geology, and river valley features—creates more compelling overall scenery for the majority of this 2-hour flight. The right side's terrain drama outweighs the left side's coastal advantage.
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. Left side captures the Los Angeles basin, Pacific coastline, and Santa Monica Mountains during departure. The urban sprawl of greater LA and the dramatic coastal escarpment provide immediate visual interest that right side (inland desert) cannot match. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles basin urban grid, Catalina Island (visible on clear days).
What can I see when landing at Montrose Regional Airport in Montrose?
When landing at Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach scenery with the San Juan Mountains dominating the landscape—dramatic peaks, ridges, and the Uncompahgre Plateau creating substantial terrain relief. The Gunnison River valley and surrounding high desert provide visual variety that left side (open plateau) lacks. Notable sights include: San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau, Gunnison River valley, Montrose town and surrounding mesas.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Montrose?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 665 miles (1,070 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Montrose flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert (sparse, flat terrain with occasional dry lake beds), then transitions into the Colorado Plateau region. Notable midpoint features include the Grand Staircase-Escalante area (visible as layered mesa formations), the Colorado River system (visible as a dark linear feature cutting through red rock country), and the transition from low desert to high plateau around the Utah-Colorado border. The Uncompahgre Plateau becomes increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Montrose from the southwest.