About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reno Tahoe International (RNO) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reno to Denver. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada on departure, and the Front Range plus Denver skyline on approach. The mid-flight segment over Nevada and Utah high desert is relatively flat and featureless from either side, so the bookend views are what matter most on this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Reno Tahoe International in Reno?
During takeoff from Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Reno typically departs east on runway 16R/34L or uses runway 25, meaning a left-side seat captures the Sierra Nevada range including the Lake Tahoe basin to the southwest. Lake Tahoe is strikingly visible as a deep blue rectangle nestled in the mountains, and the Truckee Meadows valley spreads out below. Right side gets the high desert scrubland of the Lahontan Valley. Notable sights include: Lake Tahoe basin, Sierra Nevada crest, Truckee Meadows/Reno urban grid, Mount Rose (10,776 ft).
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Denver approaches typically come from the west or northwest on runways oriented northeast-southwest. A left-side seat on approach from the west gives a clear view of the Front Range of the Rockies including Longs Peak and the Denver metro sprawl. Right side faces east toward the flat plains with little of visual interest. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Longs Peak, Denver metro grid, Rocky Mountain Arsenal area.
How long is the flight from Reno to Denver?
The flight from Reno Tahoe International (RNO) to Denver International (DEN) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
What does the Reno to Denver flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly east across the Great Basin of Nevada, crossing the Humboldt River basin and the flat salt flats and basin-and-range terrain of central Nevada. Over Utah, the Bonneville Salt Flats and the Great Salt Lake may be visible to the north depending on exact routing. The Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City can appear on the left horizon. Crossing into Colorado, the terrain rises gradually through the Colorado Plateau and the Rockies become visible well before Denver.