Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Denver. While the Chicago departure offers a modest skyline glimpse, the Rocky Mountain approach into Denver is the defining scenic moment of this flight, giving the left side the edge for the trip overall.

During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ORD to the west, the right side offers views over Chicago's western suburbs and, depending on runway use, glimpses back toward Lake Michigan and the skyline on climb-out. It's a brief urban scenic window before the flat Illinois farmland takes over. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (distant), Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's surrounding suburban grid.

When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Denver from the east, the left side reveals the dramatic wall of the Front Range and Rocky Mountains rising abruptly from the plains, a striking contrast most of the flight lacks. This is the visual payoff of the route, especially on clear days when peaks like Longs Peak are visible. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Longs Peak, Denver's flat urban grid against the mountain backdrop.

The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Denver International (DEN) takes 2h 35m.

Flat agricultural plains of Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska, with the Missouri River crossing visible below before the terrain begins rising toward the High Plains and the distant Rockies near Denver