About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Denver. While the right side wins at takeoff for the bay views, the left side delivers the more sustained and dramatic scenery. Once the aircraft turns northeast, the left side tracks the California desert, the Colorado River corridor, and then the entire approach to the Rockies. The Front Range arrival view on the left is one of the most spectacular in domestic US flying.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. SAN's primary departure runway 27 heads west over the bay before turning north. The right side gives you San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and the Silver Strand as you climb out over the water. Left side faces the city and Point Loma but misses the bay panorama. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay and Coronado Island, Silver Strand barrier beach, Point Loma peninsula, downtown San Diego skyline.
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. DEN's primary arrival from the south typically uses runways oriented north-south. On approach from the southwest, the left side faces west toward the Front Range — you get a clear view of the entire Rocky Mountain wall from Pikes Peak in the south to Longs Peak in the north. Right side faces east over the plains with little of interest. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rockies (Pikes Peak to Longs Peak), Denver metro grid on the plains, Rocky Mountain Arsenal area, Mount Evans and its summit road visible as a pale scar.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Denver?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Denver International (DEN) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
What does the San Diego to Denver flight path pass over?
After departing San Diego the route crosses the Mojave Desert and the Colorado River near Needles or Blythe. Over Arizona you pass north of the Grand Canyon region with the Kaibab Plateau visible. Crossing into Utah and Colorado the terrain rises through the Colorado Plateau with canyon country visible below. The San Juan Mountains and then the Sawatch Range appear before the descent toward Denver across the high plains.