While the left side wins at takeoff with the San Gabriel Mountains, the right side dominates the rest of the flight — the direct routing passes very close to the Grand Canyon's South Rim during cruise, and the final approach into Denver reveals the dramatic Front Range of the Rockies, giving the right side more sustained, high-impact scenery overall.
Flown LGB to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Long Beach to Denver is 853 miles (1,373 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert, the Colorado River near Lake Mead, and passes very near the Grand Canyon's South Rim before crossing the high plateaus of northern Arizona into western Colorado.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGB
LEFTDeparting LGB on runway 30, the initial turn puts the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains into view on the left as the aircraft climbs out over the LA Basin, offering a dramatic contrast to the flat urban sprawl below.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTOn approach into Denver, arriving flights typically cross the Front Range before turning south to align with the north-south runways, putting the jagged Rocky Mountain foothills on the right side just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Long Beach (LGB) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Long Beach to Denver. While the left side wins at takeoff with the San Gabriel Mountains, the right side dominates the rest of the flight — the direct routing passes very close to the Grand Canyon's South Rim during cruise, and the final approach into Denver reveals the dramatic Front Range of the Rockies, giving the right side more sustained, high-impact scenery overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Long Beach in Long Beach?
During takeoff from Long Beach (LGB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing LGB on runway 30, the initial turn puts the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains into view on the left as the aircraft climbs out over the LA Basin, offering a dramatic contrast to the flat urban sprawl below. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Bernardino Mountains, Los Angeles Basin urban sprawl, Long Beach Harbor.
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 Denver, arriving flights typically cross the Front Range before turning south to align with the north-south runways, putting the jagged Rocky Mountain foothills on the right side just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Rocky Mountain peaks, South Platte River valley, Denver metro skyline.
How long is the flight from Long Beach to Denver?
The flight from Long Beach (LGB) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 853 miles (1,373 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Long Beach to Denver flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert, the Colorado River near Lake Mead, and passes very near the Grand Canyon's South Rim before crossing the high plateaus of northern Arizona into western Colorado.