From the Bitterroot peaks at takeoff through the high country of western Wyoming and into the Front Range on final approach, the right side keeps mountains in view for nearly the entire flight, while the left side faces mostly plains and lower terrain.
Flown MSO to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Missoula to Denver is 678 miles (1,091 km), a flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
The route crosses the high plateau country near Yellowstone National Park and the Wind River Range in Wyoming, with the Continental Divide visible as a broad mountainous spine below before the terrain flattens into the Great Divide Basin and eventually the Colorado Front Range foothills.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSO
RIGHTDeparting Missoula, the climb-out tracks southeast and puts the jagged Bitterroot Range—capped by Lolo Peak and St. Mary's Peak—right outside the right-side windows, while the left side only shows the lower, less dramatic Rattlesnake and Garnet ranges.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTOn the descent into Denver from the north, the aircraft tracks south with the Front Range—including the foothills near Boulder and the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park—visible on the right, while the left side only shows the flat eastern Colorado plains.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Missoula to Denver. From the Bitterroot peaks at takeoff through the high country of western Wyoming and into the Front Range on final approach, the right side keeps mountains in view for nearly the entire flight, while the left side faces mostly plains and lower terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Missoula Montana Airport in Missoula?
During takeoff from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Missoula, the climb-out tracks southeast and puts the jagged Bitterroot Range—capped by Lolo Peak and St. Mary's Peak—right outside the right-side windows, while the left side only shows the lower, less dramatic Rattlesnake and Garnet ranges. Notable sights include: Bitterroot Range, Lolo Peak, St. Mary's Peak, Bitterroot River valley.
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 the descent into Denver from the north, the aircraft tracks south with the Front Range—including the foothills near Boulder and the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park—visible on the right, while the left side only shows the flat eastern Colorado plains. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak, Flatirons near Boulder, South Platte River plains.
How long is the flight from Missoula to Denver?
The flight from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 678 miles (1,091 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Missoula to Denver flight path pass over?
The route crosses the high plateau country near Yellowstone National Park and the Wind River Range in Wyoming, with the Continental Divide visible as a broad mountainous spine below before the terrain flattens into the Great Divide Basin and eventually the Colorado Front Range foothills.