While the left side offers good mountain views during takeoff, the right side dominates the descent with views of the dramatic Front Range and Denver's urban landscape. The landing approach provides more sustained and visually striking scenery than the brief takeoff climb.
Flown MTJ to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montrose to Denver is 196 miles (316 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Gunnison River valley, Cochetopa Hills, Sawatch Range (distant south), Collegiate Peaks area, transition from high mountain terrain to the Colorado Piedmont, and the gradual emergence of the Front Range as the aircraft descends eastward
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MTJ
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Uncompahgre Plateau and the San Juan Mountains to the south and southeast as the aircraft climbs eastward. The right side faces the relatively flat terrain of the Gunnison Valley with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Front Range mountains and the Denver metropolitan area during descent. As the aircraft approaches from the west on a typical eastbound approach, the right side faces the dramatic uplift of the Rocky Mountains and the sprawling urban landscape of the Denver metro area.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montrose to Denver. While the left side offers good mountain views during takeoff, the right side dominates the descent with views of the dramatic Front Range and Denver's urban landscape. The landing approach provides more sustained and visually striking scenery than the brief takeoff climb.
What can I see during takeoff from Montrose Regional Airport in Montrose?
During takeoff from Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Uncompahgre Plateau and the San Juan Mountains to the south and southeast as the aircraft climbs eastward. The right side faces the relatively flat terrain of the Gunnison Valley with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb. Notable sights include: San Juan Mountains (south), Uncompahgre Plateau (southeast), Gunnison River valley (north), Delta area towns (northeast).
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. Right side provides excellent views of the Front Range mountains and the Denver metropolitan area during descent. As the aircraft approaches from the west on a typical eastbound approach, the right side faces the dramatic uplift of the Rocky Mountains and the sprawling urban landscape of the Denver metro area. Notable sights include: Front Range mountains (Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt visible on clear days), Denver downtown skyline, South Platte River, Interstate 25 corridor.
How long is the flight from Montrose to Denver?
The flight from Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 196 miles (316 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montrose to Denver flight path pass over?
Gunnison River valley, Cochetopa Hills, Sawatch Range (distant south), Collegiate Peaks area, transition from high mountain terrain to the Colorado Piedmont, and the gradual emergence of the Front Range as the aircraft descends eastward