Loading map...

DEN destination photo
CEZ destination photo

DENCEZ

Our Recommendation
9.2

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.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🏔️

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏔️

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.

Top Activities in Cortez
Route Information

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

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.