The right side wins on the strength of the Rocky Mountain Front Range panorama during the DEN approach, plus an early bonus of Appalachian ridgelines during climb-out from RIC — the left side sees mostly flat Midwestern plains with little variation.
Flown RIC to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Richmond to Denver is 1,478 miles (2,379 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Appalachian ridge-and-valley terrain giving way to the flat agricultural plains of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kansas before the Rocky Mountains rise on the horizon approaching Colorado
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RIC
RIGHTDeparting RIC to the west, the right side gives glimpses of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny ridgelines as the aircraft climbs over central Virginia and West Virginia, with folded ridge-and-valley terrain visible below.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTOn approach into DEN, arrivals descending from the east and turning to align with the north-south runways put the Front Range of the Rockies squarely on the right side, with the foothills and snow-capped peaks visible beyond the flat plains as the plane lines up for landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Richmond International (RIC) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Richmond to Denver. The right side wins on the strength of the Rocky Mountain Front Range panorama during the DEN approach, plus an early bonus of Appalachian ridgelines during climb-out from RIC — the left side sees mostly flat Midwestern plains with little variation.
What can I see during takeoff from Richmond International in Richmond?
During takeoff from Richmond International (RIC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing RIC to the west, the right side gives glimpses of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny ridgelines as the aircraft climbs over central Virginia and West Virginia, with folded ridge-and-valley terrain visible below. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley ridgelines, Allegheny Plateau folds.
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 approach into DEN, arrivals descending from the east and turning to align with the north-south runways put the Front Range of the Rockies squarely on the right side, with the foothills and snow-capped peaks visible beyond the flat plains as the plane lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Longs Peak area foothills, Denver metro skyline, South Platte River plains.
How long is the flight from Richmond to Denver?
The flight from Richmond International (RIC) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,478 miles (2,379 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Richmond to Denver flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridge-and-valley terrain giving way to the flat agricultural plains of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kansas before the Rocky Mountains rise on the horizon approaching Colorado