The left side wins overall because the Front Range arrival view into Denver is one of the most spectacular in North American commercial aviation — a sustained, panoramic view of the Rockies on approach that far outweighs the relatively flat boreal and prairie scenery on departure from Meadow Lake. During the cruise portion heading south, the left side also picks up the first glimpses of the Montana and Wyoming Rockies appearing on the western horizon.
Flown YLJ to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Meadow Lake to Denver is 1,002 miles (1,612 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
The flight tracks roughly south-southeast across Saskatchewan prairie, crossing into Montana over flat high plains, then over the Wyoming high plains and the Powder River Basin. The Bighorn Mountains appear to the west in Wyoming as a notable range. Further south, the Laramie Range and the broad Wyoming Basin are crossed before the Front Range comes into view on descent into Denver. The terrain is predominantly flat to rolling high plains with isolated mountain ranges visible to the west throughout the Wyoming segment.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YLJ
RIGHTMeadow Lake Airport typically departs to the south or southeast. On a southbound departure, the right side faces west and southwest, giving views over the boreal forest and the open Saskatchewan prairie stretching toward the North Saskatchewan River valley. The left side faces east into flat, featureless farmland.
Landing at DEN
LEFTDenver International sits east of the Rockies, and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast on runways oriented roughly north-south. On approach from the north, the left side faces west and gives a sustained, clear view of the entire Front Range — from Longs Peak down through the Denver skyline backed by the mountains. The right side faces east over the flat Eastern Plains with little of visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Meadow Lake (YLJ) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Meadow Lake to Denver. The left side wins overall because the Front Range arrival view into Denver is one of the most spectacular in North American commercial aviation — a sustained, panoramic view of the Rockies on approach that far outweighs the relatively flat boreal and prairie scenery on departure from Meadow Lake. During the cruise portion heading south, the left side also picks up the first glimpses of the Montana and Wyoming Rockies appearing on the western horizon.
What can I see during takeoff from Meadow Lake in Meadow Lake?
During takeoff from Meadow Lake (YLJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Meadow Lake Airport typically departs to the south or southeast. On a southbound departure, the right side faces west and southwest, giving views over the boreal forest and the open Saskatchewan prairie stretching toward the North Saskatchewan River valley. The left side faces east into flat, featureless farmland. Notable sights include: North Saskatchewan River valley, Meadow Lake Provincial Park boreal forest, Saskatchewan prairie patchwork farmland.
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 International sits east of the Rockies, and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast on runways oriented roughly north-south. On approach from the north, the left side faces west and gives a sustained, clear view of the entire Front Range — from Longs Peak down through the Denver skyline backed by the mountains. The right side faces east over the flat Eastern Plains with little of visual interest. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain Front Range (Longs Peak, Mount Evans, Pikes Peak on the distant southern horizon), Denver city skyline, South Platte River corridor.
How long is the flight from Meadow Lake to Denver?
The flight from Meadow Lake (YLJ) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,002 miles (1,612 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Meadow Lake to Denver flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south-southeast across Saskatchewan prairie, crossing into Montana over flat high plains, then over the Wyoming high plains and the Powder River Basin. The Bighorn Mountains appear to the west in Wyoming as a notable range. Further south, the Laramie Range and the broad Wyoming Basin are crossed before the Front Range comes into view on descent into Denver. The terrain is predominantly flat to rolling high plains with isolated mountain ranges visible to the west throughout the Wyoming segment.