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DEN → CEZ
Which side of the plane to sit from Denver International Airport (Denver) to Cortez Municipal Airport (Cortez)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an unparalleled panorama of the highest peaks in the Colorado Rockies, including the Sawatch and San Juan ranges.
The Front Range
Immediate views of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide shortly after takeoff from Denver.
Mt. Elbert & Mt. Massive
Fly past the two highest summits in the entire Rocky Mountain range near the town of Leadville.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Spot the dark, steep-walled gorge carved by the Gunnison River as you head toward the southwest corner of the state.
The San Juan Mountains
The most rugged and visually stunning mountains in Colorado, featuring sharp ridges and deep glacial cirques.
Telluride Region
Look for the iconic box canyon and surrounding ski terrain just before starting the final descent into Cortez.
The right side is the definitive choice for mountain lovers. Afternoon flights offer the best lighting as the sun hits the western faces of the 14ers. Use a flight tracking app to identify specific peaks like Mt. Sneffels or Wilson Peak as you cross the San Juans. Window seats away from the wing are essential for seeing the steep valley floors.
Pikes Peak
Visible to the south during the early phase of the flight, standing as a lone sentinel of the southern Front Range.
Great Sand Dunes
On clear days, the massive dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park can be seen shimmering at the base of the mountains.
Sangre de Cristo Range
A dramatic, narrow spine of snow-capped peaks that stretches toward the New Mexico border.
Rio Grande National Forest
Vast stretches of high-altitude evergreen forests and winding river valleys below the flight path.
Sit on the left for morning flights to see the peaks illuminated by the rising sun. Keep an eye out for the distinct pale patch of the Great Sand Dunes roughly midway through the journey. Seasonal snow cover in late spring makes the Sangre de Cristo range look particularly sharp.
Distance: 446 km (277 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 45 min
Departure: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Arrival: CEZ (37.3030014038, -108.627998352)
Route Type: Domestic
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