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DEN → RAP
Which side of the plane to sit from Denver International Airport (Denver) to Rapid City Regional Airport (Rapid City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains during departure and the rugged terrain of the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore area during the approach into Rapid City.
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Front Range Rockies
Stunning views of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, including the 14,259-foot Longs Peak, shortly after takeoff from Denver.
Pawnee Buttes
Two prominent geologic features rising 300 feet above the Colorado plains within the Pawnee National Grassland.
Black Hills National Forest
Dense ponderosa pine forests and granite peaks that define the unique topography of western South Dakota.
Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse
Depending on the flight path and descent pattern, these iconic monuments can often be spotted tucked into the granite ridges.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. During the final 15 minutes of the flight, look closely at the granite outcrops; if the pilot circles from the west, you will get a prime view of the presidential carvings.
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Denver International Airport
An excellent overhead view of the iconic white tepee-style roof of the Jeppesen Terminal during the initial climb.
High Plains & Sandhills
The vast, rolling grasslands of eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska, showing the geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation.
Badlands National Park
On the horizon to the east, you can see the jagged, striped spires and ancient sedimentary layers of the South Dakota Badlands.
Rapid City Skyline
As the plane lines up for landing, the 'Gateway to the Black Hills' unfolds below with its valley-centered layout.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or sunset flights, as the late-day sun illuminates the colorful layers of the distant Badlands. It also provides a better view of the massive scale of the Denver airport complex during departure.
Book Hotels in Rapid CityDistance: 484 km (301 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 48 min
Departure: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Arrival: RAP (44.0452995300293, -103.05699920654295)
Route Type: Domestic
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