The left side dominates the long cruise phase, passing near the Grand Canyon's eastern reaches and tracking along the San Juan Mountains and Colorado Rockies into Denver, while the right side mostly overlooks flat Sonoran desert with little variation after the brief San Diego takeoff view.
Flown SAN to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Denver is 852 miles (1,371 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
Northern Arizona's Colorado Plateau near the Grand Canyon's eastern edge, the Four Corners region, and the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
RIGHTDeparting SAN on Runway 27, the aircraft climbs west over San Diego Bay before making a climbing right turn toward the northeast. During that turn the right side briefly faces downtown San Diego's skyline and Balboa Park before the plane straightens out toward the Laguna and Cuyamaca Mountains east of the city.
Landing at DEN
LEFTOn the descent into Denver from the southwest, the aircraft holds a northeast-ish heading well into the letdown, keeping the Front Range peaks off the left side of the plane. Passengers see the abrupt transition from snowy Rocky Mountain foothills to the flat high plains just before landing.
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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. The left side dominates the long cruise phase, passing near the Grand Canyon's eastern reaches and tracking along the San Juan Mountains and Colorado Rockies into Denver, while the right side mostly overlooks flat Sonoran desert with little variation after the brief San Diego takeoff view.
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. Departing SAN on Runway 27, the aircraft climbs west over San Diego Bay before making a climbing right turn toward the northeast. During that turn the right side briefly faces downtown San Diego's skyline and Balboa Park before the plane straightens out toward the Laguna and Cuyamaca Mountains east of the city. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, downtown San Diego skyline, Balboa Park, Laguna/Cuyamaca Mountains.
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. On the descent into Denver from the southwest, the aircraft holds a northeast-ish heading well into the letdown, keeping the Front Range peaks off the left side of the plane. Passengers see the abrupt transition from snowy Rocky Mountain foothills to the flat high plains just before landing. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak, Mount Evans, Denver's flat eastern plains.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Denver?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 852 miles (1,371 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Denver flight path pass over?
Northern Arizona's Colorado Plateau near the Grand Canyon's eastern edge, the Four Corners region, and the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado