While takeoff offers good Lake Michigan views from the right, the landing approach on the left provides the most visually striking scenery of the entire flight—the Maroon Bells and Elk Mountains are among the most photographed peaks in Colorado and dominate the descent.
Flown ORD to ASE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Aspen is 1,011 miles (1,627 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Colorado, passing over the Rockies. Notable features visible from altitude include the Continental Divide, the White River National Forest, and the upper Colorado River valley. Around the midpoint, passengers may see the Gore Range and Vail area to the north, with the Sawatch Range visible to the south. The terrain transitions from high plains east of Denver to increasingly rugged alpine terrain as the aircraft approaches Aspen.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the climb-out over Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline to the northeast. The aircraft typically departs eastbound over the lake before turning west toward the Rockies, giving right-side passengers an excellent view of the water and downtown Chicago's high-rises.
Landing at ASE
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Aspen. Aircraft approach from the northeast, and left-side passengers see the Elk Mountains and Maroon Bells directly ahead and to the left as the plane descends into the Roaring Fork Valley. This is the most dramatic mountain scenery of the entire flight.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) (ASE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Aspen. While takeoff offers good Lake Michigan views from the right, the landing approach on the left provides the most visually striking scenery of the entire flight—the Maroon Bells and Elk Mountains are among the most photographed peaks in Colorado and dominate the descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the climb-out over Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline to the northeast. The aircraft typically departs eastbound over the lake before turning west toward the Rockies, giving right-side passengers an excellent view of the water and downtown Chicago's high-rises. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (immediate view), Chicago downtown skyline, suburban sprawl extending west toward the horizon.
What can I see when landing at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) in Aspen?
When landing at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) (ASE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Aspen. Aircraft approach from the northeast, and left-side passengers see the Elk Mountains and Maroon Bells directly ahead and to the left as the plane descends into the Roaring Fork Valley. This is the most dramatic mountain scenery of the entire flight. Notable sights include: Maroon Bells (distinctive twin peaks), Elk Mountains, Roaring Fork Valley, Castle Peak.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Aspen?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) (ASE) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,011 miles (1,627 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Aspen flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Colorado, passing over the Rockies. Notable features visible from altitude include the Continental Divide, the White River National Forest, and the upper Colorado River valley. Around the midpoint, passengers may see the Gore Range and Vail area to the north, with the Sawatch Range visible to the south. The terrain transitions from high plains east of Denver to increasingly rugged alpine terrain as the aircraft approaches Aspen.