Loading map...
IAD → DEN
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Denver International Airport (Denver)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this westbound journey to avoid direct southern sun glare and to capture views of the northern Front Range and Longs Peak upon arrival in Denver.
NoVA Corridor
Aerial views of the Dulles tech corridor and the rolling hills of northern Virginia horse country.
Shenandoah Valley
Stunning views of the Shenandoah National Park and the winding Skyline Drive below.
Mississippi River
A massive crossing of the primary drainage for the North American continent.
Kansas City
The urban sprawl and the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers are often visible to the north.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Spectacular views of Longs Peak and the jagged snow-capped peaks of the northern Front Range.
The right side (north-facing) provides consistent, even lighting for photography since you are flying away from the sun. Sit here for the best chance to see the dramatic transition from the flat plains to the sudden rise of the Rockies during the 20-minute descent phase.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Sprawling views of the southern Appalachian ridges shortly after departure from Dulles.
Ohio River Meanders
The winding path of the Ohio River as you pass over the border of West Virginia and Ohio.
St. Louis Arch
On southern flight paths, the iconic Gateway Arch can be spotted as you cross the Mississippi River.
Great Plains Grid
The mesmerizing geometric patterns of agricultural circles and squares across Kansas.
Pikes Peak
The famous 14,115-foot summit is visible to the south during the final descent into Denver.
On this westbound route, sit on the left for views of the southern Rockies, but be prepared for significant sun glare throughout the afternoon. Consider a window seat behind the wing to see the flaps during the high-altitude descent into the 'Mile High City'.
Distance: 2,332 km (1,449 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 7 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.