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IAD → COS
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (Colorado Springs)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the majestic Pikes Peak and the rugged Front Range of the Rocky Mountains during the descent and final approach into Colorado Springs.
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Appalachian Mountains
Dense green ridges of the Shenandoah Valley and West Virginia visible shortly after departure.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
Potential views of the iconic silver arch and the Mississippi River when tracking on southern flight corridors.
Great Plains Patterns
Extensive center-pivot irrigation circles creating a geometric patchwork across Kansas and eastern Colorado.
Pikes Peak
A stunning view of the 14,115-foot peak that dominates the Colorado Springs skyline during arrival.
Garden of the Gods
Distinguishable red rock formations visible near the base of the mountains during the final approach.
Sit on the left (south-facing) side for the best lighting on the mountains during afternoon flights. Keep an eye out for the Mississippi River crossing roughly halfway through the flight. During winter, the snow-capped Pikes Peak is exceptionally prominent on this side.
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Potomac River
Bird's-eye view of the winding river separating Virginia and Maryland immediately after takeoff.
Indianapolis
The urban sprawl of central Indiana and the famous Motor Speedway may be visible on northern tracks.
Denver Skyline
On clear days, the high-rises of Denver are visible to the north as the plane begins its descent into the COS area.
Buckley Space Force Base
The large radomes and runways of the base can often be spotted on the horizon north of the flight path.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. While you miss the direct view of Pikes Peak, you get a broader perspective of the entire Front Range stretching north toward Wyoming. Watch for the dramatic change from flat plains to vertical peaks.
Book Hotels in Colorado SpringsDistance: 2,350 km (1,460 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 8 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: COS (38.805801, -104.700996)
Route Type: Domestic
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