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DEN → BFL
Which side of the plane to sit from Denver International Airport (Denver) to Meadows Field (Bakersfield)?
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.
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.
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.
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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