While takeoff slightly favors the right due to Madison's lakes, the left side wins overall because of the unmatched approach into Denver with the Rocky Mountains' Front Range dominating the view, a far more dramatic and lasting scenic impression than the brief lake view at departure.
Flight Path
Flat agricultural plains of Iowa and Nebraska, the Platte River valley, gradually rising terrain approaching the Colorado Front Range
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSN
RIGHTDeparting MSN southbound on 18, the right side gives views over Lake Monona and the Madison isthmus skyline before leveling over the flat farmland of southern Wisconsin. It's a brief but pleasant urban-lake moment before the plains take over.
Landing at DEN
LEFTArriving into DEN from the east, the left side offers the dramatic first sight of the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains rising abruptly from the plains, a view unavailable on the flat eastern side. This is the defining scenic feature of the entire route.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madison to Denver. While takeoff slightly favors the right due to Madison's lakes, the left side wins overall because of the unmatched approach into Denver with the Rocky Mountains' Front Range dominating the view, a far more dramatic and lasting scenic impression than the brief lake view at departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld in Madison?
During takeoff from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MSN southbound on 18, the right side gives views over Lake Monona and the Madison isthmus skyline before leveling over the flat farmland of southern Wisconsin. It's a brief but pleasant urban-lake moment before the plains take over. Notable sights include: Lake Monona, Lake Mendota, Wisconsin State Capitol dome, Madison isthmus.
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. Arriving into DEN from the east, the left side offers the dramatic first sight of the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains rising abruptly from the plains, a view unavailable on the flat eastern side. This is the defining scenic feature of the entire route. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Longs Peak, Denver skyline, Great Plains-to-mountain transition.
How long is the flight from Madison to Denver?
The flight from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) to Denver International (DEN) takes 1h 50m.
What does the Madison to Denver flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of Iowa and Nebraska, the Platte River valley, gradually rising terrain approaching the Colorado Front Range