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DEN destination photo
BFL destination photo

DENBFL

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the high-altitude terrain, including the most rugged sections of the Colorado Rockies and the dramatic crossing of the Sierra Nevada mountains during the descent into Bakersfield.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🏔️

Sawatch Range

Fly directly over the highest peaks of the Colorado Rockies, including Mount Elbert and Mount Massive.

🏜️

Arches National Park

Look for the distinctive red sandstone fins and arches located just north of Moab, Utah.

🌫️

Great Basin Desert

View the 'basin and range' topography of Nevada, characterized by parallel mountain chains and wide valleys.

🏔️

High Sierra

A spectacular crossing of the Sierra Nevada, featuring jagged granite peaks and alpine lakes near the descent.

🏞️

Kern River Canyon

The deep, winding gorge that the Kern River has carved into the mountains just east of Bakersfield.

The right side is the 'photographer's choice' for this route. It provides the best views of the high-altitude peaks in both Colorado and California. During the winter, the snow-covered Sierras are particularly breathtaking. This side also stays in the shade during afternoon westbound flights, providing better visibility and cooler cabin temperatures.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏔️

Pikes Peak

Visible to the south shortly after takeoff, this iconic 14,115-foot summit towers over the Front Range.

🏜️

Canyonlands National Park

Observe the intricate network of canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers in southern Utah.

🎲

Las Vegas Strip

On clear days, the dense cluster of high-rise hotels and the Sphere are clearly visible in the Nevada desert.

💧

Hoover Dam & Lake Mead

A stunning aerial perspective of the massive reservoir and the historic dam on the Colorado River.

🌵

Mojave National Preserve

A vast expanse of desert featuring volcanic cinder cones and extensive Joshua tree forests.

The left side is excellent for spotting famous landmarks like Las Vegas and Hoover Dam. However, on afternoon flights, the sun will be on this side of the aircraft, which can create significant glare and make photography difficult. For the best experience, choose this side on morning flights when the desert features are front-lit.

Top Activities in Bakersfield
Route Information

Distance: 1,357 km (843 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 49 min

Departure: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)

Arrival: BFL (35.43360138, -119.0569992)

Route Type: Domestic

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