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SAN destination photo
DEN destination photo

SANDEN

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a more direct view of the Grand Canyon and the most dramatic sections of the Rocky Mountains during the descent into Denver.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Mission Bay and Coastline

After taking off westward, the plane loops back east, offering stunning views of the San Diego shoreline.

🏜️

Grand Canyon National Park

Depending on the specific airway, the northern rim of the Grand Canyon is often visible in the distance.

🗿

Monument Valley

The unique red sandstone buttes of the Four Corners region can be seen clearly from this side.

🏔️

San Juan Mountains

As you enter Colorado, the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the San Juans provide spectacular alpine scenery.

🏙️

Denver Skyline

On many approaches into DEN, the left side provides a clear view of the downtown skyscrapers against the mountain backdrop.

Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Grand Canyon and the heart of the Rockies. Choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the red rocks and mountains with clear, sharp light. During winter, the snow-covered peaks of the San Juans are a must-see.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

San Diego Skyline

Excellent views of Downtown San Diego and the Coronado Bridge immediately after the initial departure turn.

🌊

The Salton Sea

A massive, shimmering inland saline lake located in the heart of the California desert.

☄️

Meteor Crater

Near Winslow, Arizona, you can often spot this perfectly preserved impact site in the desert landscape.

⛰️

Pikes Peak

As the flight approaches the Denver area from the south, this iconic 14,115-foot peak is often visible.

🚜

High Plains

The transition from the mountains to the vast, geometric patterns of the Eastern Colorado plains.

The right side is superior for the initial departure views of San Diego Bay and the city skyline. However, be aware that on afternoon flights, the southern sun can be very bright and may cause significant glare on this side of the aircraft. Keep an eye out for Pikes Peak about 20 minutes before landing.

Top Activities in Denver
Route Information

Distance: 1,371 km (852 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 50 min

Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)

Arrival: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)

Route Type: Domestic

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