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SBA → DEN
Which side of the plane to sit from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (Santa Barbara) to Denver International Airport (Denver)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior vantage point for the most iconic Western landmarks, including the Channel Islands, Lake Powell, and the highest summits of the Colorado Rockies.
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Channel Islands
Aerial views of the pristine islands off the California coast during the initial south-to-east turn.
Lake Powell
The vivid blue waters of the Colorado River winding through dramatic red sandstone desert canyons.
San Juan Mountains
One of the most rugged and scenic mountain ranges in the United States, visible to the south.
The Sawatch Range
Direct views of the highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains, including Mount Elbert and Mount Massive.
Denver Skyline
A grand view of the city architecture and the sudden transition to the vast Great Plains during descent.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct solar glare while viewing the Rockies. For the best view of the Colorado 14ers, ensure you are seated in front of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. On descent into DEN, watch for the abrupt geographical change where the mountains meet the flat plains.
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Santa Barbara Coast
Breathtaking views of the shoreline and the Santa Ynez Mountains immediately after takeoff.
Mojave & Great Basin
The harsh, colorful landscapes of the high desert and remote mountain ranges of Eastern California.
Southern Utah Canyons
A bird's-eye view of the winding canyons and red rock plateaus near Moab and Arches National Park.
Gore Range
Jagged, snow-covered peaks visible as the flight approaches the Continental Divide from the west.
Opt for an afternoon flight to see the Utah red rocks illuminated by the sun from the west. Look out about 60 to 80 minutes into the flight for the distinctive sandstone fins near Moab. Keep your camera ready for the dramatic transition from desert to alpine tundra as you cross into Colorado.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,471 km (914 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 58 min
Departure: SBA (34.42620087, -119.8399963)
Arrival: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Route Type: Domestic
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