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LAX → COS
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (Colorado Springs)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning desert and mountain views, the right side is generally superior for its dramatic approach into Colorado Springs, offering a more direct and sustained view of Pikes Peak and the southern Rocky Mountain ranges.
Search flights from LAX to COS
Inland Empire & San Bernardinos
A great view of the Los Angeles basin urban sprawl meeting the steep San Bernardino mountain range during the initial climb.
Colorado River & Lake Havasu
The bright blue waters of the Colorado River create a sharp contrast against the rugged, sun-bleached desert landscape.
Sangre de Cristo Range
A stunning, narrow chain of peaks that stretches north-south, often covered in snow well into the summer months.
Pikes Peak
The 'America's Mountain' dominates the horizon on the approach, providing an unforgettable close-up view of its 14,115-foot summit.
The right side is the premier choice for viewing Pikes Peak during the approach to COS. On afternoon flights, the sun will be behind you, illuminating the mountains perfectly for photography. If the flight path takes a southern route, keep an eye out for the perfectly circular Meteor Crater in Northern Arizona.
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Mojave National Preserve
Expansive views of the high desert, featuring ancient cinder cones and vast Joshua tree forests shortly after crossing the California border.
Southern Utah Red Rocks
Distances views of the vibrant plateaus and deep canyons near the Arizona-Utah border, showcasing unique geological layering.
San Juan Mountains
The rugged, snow-capped peaks of southwestern Colorado provide a dramatic transition from the desert floor to high alpine terrain.
Garden of the Gods
Upon final descent into COS, look for the iconic vertical red sandstone formations located on the west side of the city.
Select the left side for morning departures to avoid the harsh southern sun glare. This side is better for spotting the transition from the Mojave Desert into the deep canyons of the Colorado Plateau. Watch the descent closely as the plane enters the Front Range; you may see the United States Air Force Academy campus just north of the city.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,339 km (832 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 47 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: COS (38.805801, -104.700996)
Route Type: Domestic
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