While the takeoff offers some river views on the right, the landing descent provides far superior scenery with the dramatic Front Range mountains dominating the left side. The mountain views on approach significantly outweigh the modest plains features visible during departure.
Flown MOT to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minot to Denver is 604 miles (972 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Wyoming, passing east of the Bighorn Mountains and Powder River Basin. Around the midpoint (near Gillette, Wyoming), passengers on the left may glimpse the Bighorn Range as a distant ridge on the western horizon. The terrain transitions from northern Great Plains grassland to high plains and intermontane basins. The North Platte River is occasionally visible as a thin line through the landscape in the central portion of the flight. As the aircraft approaches Colorado, the landscape becomes increasingly broken by foothills and the terrain elevation rises noticeably before the dramatic Front Range appears.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MOT
RIGHTClimbing south from Minot, the right side offers views of the Missouri River valley and the transition from northern Great Plains grassland to rolling terrain. The left side faces open prairie with minimal visual interest.
Landing at DEN
LEFTOn descent into Denver from the north, the left side provides excellent views of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, particularly the dramatic eastern escarpment. The right side faces the plains with less dramatic scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minot International (MOT) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minot to Denver. While the takeoff offers some river views on the right, the landing descent provides far superior scenery with the dramatic Front Range mountains dominating the left side. The mountain views on approach significantly outweigh the modest plains features visible during departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Minot International in Minot?
During takeoff from Minot International (MOT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing south from Minot, the right side offers views of the Missouri River valley and the transition from northern Great Plains grassland to rolling terrain. The left side faces open prairie with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Missouri River (visible as a winding corridor through flat terrain), Minot city grid below, gradual elevation increase toward the south, scattered agricultural patchwork.
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. On descent into Denver from the north, the left side provides excellent views of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, particularly the dramatic eastern escarpment. The right side faces the plains with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Front Range peaks (including Longs Peak and the Indian Peaks), South Platte River valley, Denver metropolitan area sprawl, foothills transition zone.
How long is the flight from Minot to Denver?
The flight from Minot International (MOT) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 604 miles (972 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minot to Denver flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Wyoming, passing east of the Bighorn Mountains and Powder River Basin. Around the midpoint (near Gillette, Wyoming), passengers on the left may glimpse the Bighorn Range as a distant ridge on the western horizon. The terrain transitions from northern Great Plains grassland to high plains and intermontane basins. The North Platte River is occasionally visible as a thin line through the landscape in the central portion of the flight. As the aircraft approaches Colorado, the landscape becomes increasingly broken by foothills and the terrain elevation rises noticeably before the dramatic Front Range appears.