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RAP → DEN
Which side of the plane to sit from Rapid City Regional Airport (Rapid City) to Denver International Airport (Denver)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular views of the Black Hills shortly after takeoff and an unparalleled panorama of the Rocky Mountain Front Range during the descent into Denver.
The Black Hills
Immediately after takeoff, enjoy bird's-eye views of the dense pine forests and granite outcroppings of the Black Hills.
The Front Range
As the flight nears Colorado, the massive wall of the Rocky Mountains dominates the western horizon.
Longs Peak
The northernmost 'fourteener' in the Front Range is often clearly visible during the descent into Denver.
Denver Skyline
Depending on the landing pattern, you may see the downtown high-rises and the golden dome of the State Capitol.
Rocky Mountain National Park
The snow-capped peaks of the national park are visible to the west during the final 20 minutes of flight.
Book an afternoon flight for dramatic silhouettes of the Rockies, but choose a morning flight if you want the sun to illuminate the mountains for photography. Aim for a seat ahead of the wing to ensure your view of the mountains isn't obstructed during the turn toward the runway.
Badlands National Park
On clear days, the jagged white and tan spires of the Badlands are visible in the distance to the east.
Angostura Reservoir
A large, bright blue body of water that stands out against the surrounding South Dakota prairie.
Great Plains Patterns
Observe the intricate geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation circles across the Nebraska-Colorado border.
DIA Jeppesen Terminal
As you land, you get an excellent view of the iconic white tepee-style fabric roof of the Denver terminal.
Morning flights on this side offer the best illumination of the plains without sun glare. Keep an eye out for Buckley Space Force Base and the sprawl of Aurora just before touchdown.
Distance: 484 km (301 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 48 min
Departure: RAP (44.0452995300293, -103.05699920654295)
Arrival: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Route Type: Domestic
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