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GRR → DEN
Which side of the plane to sit from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Grand Rapids) to Denver International Airport (Denver)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side provides a superior approach into Denver, offering an expansive view of the Rocky Mountains' Front Range as the plane descends from the Great Plains toward the airport.
Search flights from GRR to DEN
Lake Michigan Expanse
Deep blue water views as the flight leaves Grand Rapids and heads west toward the Wisconsin/Illinois border.
Nebraska Sandhills
View the unique, grass-stabilized sand dunes of north-central Nebraska, a distinct geological feature.
Rocky Mountain Front Range
The dramatic first sight of the snow-capped Rockies rising abruptly from the flat plains during descent.
DEN Airport Tents
The iconic white Teflon-coated fiberglass roof of the Jeppesen Terminal is often visible during the final approach.
The right side is the 'cool side' for westward afternoon flights, as it faces north away from the sun. This side is the clear winner for the arrival phase, as the Rockies will be visible out your window for the final 30 minutes of the flight. If flying at sunset, this side offers a spectacular display of colors behind the mountain silhouettes. Look for the 'checkerboard' landscape of the high plains just before the mountains appear.
Book Hotels in DenverLake Michigan Southern Arc
Aerial views of the southern tip of Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes shoreline shortly after takeoff.
Chicago Horizon
On clear days, the Chicago skyline including the Willis Tower is visible to the south as you cross into Illinois.
Mississippi River Crossing
A clear view of the massive river system and the bridges connecting Illinois and Iowa.
Midwestern Tapestry
Infinite geometric patterns of corn and soybean fields across the heart of the American corn belt.
Denver Tech Center
During specific landing patterns from the north, you can see the sprawling suburban development south of Denver.
The left side (south-facing) will experience direct sunlight for much of the flight, which can be intense in the afternoon. For the best photography of the Chicago skyline and the Mississippi River, a morning flight is recommended to avoid glare. Keep your window shade down during mid-cruise to stay cool, but open it 20 minutes before landing to see the Colorado plains.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,629 km (1,012 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 10 min
Departure: GRR (42.88079834, -85.52279663)
Arrival: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Route Type: Domestic
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