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DEN → GUC
Which side of the plane to sit from Denver International Airport (Denver) to Gunnison Crested Butte Regional Airport (Gunnison)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unrivaled view of the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in the United States, including Mt. Elbert and the dramatic Collegiate Peaks.
Mount Blue Sky
Formerly Mt. Evans, this peak is visible early in the flight, often showcasing its high-altitude access road.
The Collegiate Peaks
A stunning sequence of 14ers including Mounts Harvard, Yale, and Princeton along the Sawatch Range.
Mount Elbert
The highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain range is clearly visible as the plane traverses the high country.
Leadville
Look for the highest incorporated city in North America nestled near the headwaters of the Arkansas River.
Crested Butte
During the descent, the iconic pyramid-shaped peak of Crested Butte appears to the northwest of the flight path.
The right side is the premium choice for peak-baggers. For the best photography, choose a seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine distortion. Autumn flights (late September) are spectacular on this side as the aspen groves near Twin Lakes turn brilliant gold.
Pikes Peak
The most famous mountain in the Front Range stands out to the south shortly after departure from Denver.
South Park Basin
A massive, high-altitude grassland valley that offers a unique geometric contrast to the surrounding jagged peaks.
Eleven Mile Reservoir
A large, deep blue body of water situated in the high country between the Front and Sawatch Ranges.
Monarch Pass
Excellent views of the ski area and the Continental Divide crossing as the flight approaches the Gunnison Basin.
Morning flights are ideal for the left side as the sun illuminates the eastern faces of the mountains. Look for the distinct transition from the flat plains of Denver into the steep ramparts of the Rockies within the first 10 minutes.
Distance: 244 km (152 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 24 min
Departure: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Arrival: GUC (38.53390121, -106.9329987)
Route Type: Domestic
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