While takeoff offers brief coastal scenery, the landing approach provides sustained, dramatic views of the Front Range and the transition from high desert to the Rocky Mountains—the most visually distinctive portion of this route.
Flown MRY to BJC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Monterey to Denver is 935 miles (1,504 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
San Luis Valley (Colorado), Great Sand Dunes National Park, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Rio Grande River valley, transition from California's coastal ranges through Nevada/Utah high desert to Colorado's Front Range
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MRY
LEFTLeft seats offer immediate views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific coastline as the aircraft climbs out over water. The bay's distinctive curved shoreline and kelp forests are visible within the first 10–15 minutes of flight.
Landing at BJC
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views during the descent into Denver. As the aircraft approaches from the west, the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains dominates the right side, with peaks like Mount Evans and the Continental Divide clearly visible against the western horizon.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Monterey to Denver. While takeoff offers brief coastal scenery, the landing approach provides sustained, dramatic views of the Front Range and the transition from high desert to the Rocky Mountains—the most visually distinctive portion of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Monterey Regional Airport in Monterey?
During takeoff from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer immediate views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific coastline as the aircraft climbs out over water. The bay's distinctive curved shoreline and kelp forests are visible within the first 10–15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Monterey Bay, Pacific Ocean coastline, Santa Lucia Mountains (south), Salinas Valley (inland to the east).
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. Right seats provide excellent views during the descent into Denver. As the aircraft approaches from the west, the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains dominates the right side, with peaks like Mount Evans and the Continental Divide clearly visible against the western horizon. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Mount Evans, South Platte River valley, Denver metropolitan area.
How long is the flight from Monterey to Denver?
The flight from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 935 miles (1,504 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Monterey to Denver flight path pass over?
San Luis Valley (Colorado), Great Sand Dunes National Park, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Rio Grande River valley, transition from California's coastal ranges through Nevada/Utah high desert to Colorado's Front Range