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DEN → TUS
Which side of the plane to sit from Denver International Airport (Denver) to Tucson International Airport (Tucson)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a dramatic progression from the highest peaks of the Colorado Rockies to the colorful high-desert mesas of the Navajo Nation and the iconic Sky Islands of Arizona.
Collegiate Peaks
Spectacular views of Mount Harvard, Mount Yale, and Mount Princeton shortly after departure.
San Juan Mountains
The most rugged section of the Colorado Rockies, featuring sharp peaks and deep glacial valleys.
Four Corners Region
Look for Shiprock and the unique geological formations where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet.
Painted Desert
A vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and purples across the badlands of northern Arizona.
Mogollon Rim
The massive limestone and sandstone cliff that marks the edge of the Colorado Plateau.
Santa Catalina Mountains
A close-up view of Mount Lemmon as the plane descends into the Tucson basin for landing.
The right side is the 'scenic side' for this route. For the best experience, choose a morning flight when the sun illuminates the western faces of the Rockies. Watch for the dramatic change in terrain from snow-capped peaks to red-rock desert. During the winter, the San Juan Mountains are particularly breathtaking when covered in snow.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Watch the long, narrow spine of this rugged range stretching through southern Colorado into New Mexico.
Albuquerque Metro
View the Rio Grande winding through New Mexico's largest city, flanked by the Sandia Mountains.
White Sands National Park
On clear days, the brilliant white gypsum dunes are often visible in the distance to the south of the flight path.
Spanish Peaks
Two prominent volcanic mountains that serve as landmarks for the transition from the plains to the mountains.
Chihuahuan Desert
Vast stretches of arid landscape dotted with desert scrub as you approach the Arizona border.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun, which can wash out the landscape. Look for the distinct green ribbon of the Rio Grande Valley as it contrasts sharply with the surrounding New Mexico desert. This side is also better for spotting the expansive grasslands of the high plains during takeoff.
Distance: 1,029 km (639 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Arrival: TUS (32.116100311279304, -110.94100189208984)
Route Type: Domestic
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