Questions on Mesa Verde

Question

I will. Be driving to Mesa verde Tues May 6. Driving my elderly mother in her class B motorhome. (Oversize van). We are hoping to continue to black canyon national park.

I have a few questions:

1. I understand it’s a 45 minute drive in to the cliff dwellings and 45 minutes out. It’s unlikely that my mom will be able to do any hiking. She can absolutely get out of van at scenic overlooks, but no hiking. Ques: Can you see anything (cliff dwellings) at the scenic overlooks? I’d hate to drive 2 hours round trip to barely see anything at all.

2. If I budget 2 hours of driving ( in and out) how much more time should I budget?

3. Slightly off the topic of MVNP…. But would you recommend the black canyon OR the great sand dunesNP? We are heading to Minnesota. We don’t have time for both, but with my elderly mother in mind…. Does anyone have a recommendation?

Answer

Mesa Verde National Park is very scenic and has excellent viewpoints that allow you to enjoy the cliff dwellings without hiking. Driving in a Class B motorhome is feasible, but it’s important to plan for stops, limited mobility, and travel times carefully.

1. Viewing Cliff Dwellings from Scenic Overlooks:

Yes, there are several overlooks along the park’s loop roads where you can see cliff dwellings without needing to hike. Some of the main overlooks include:

Cliff Palace Overlook – provides a good view of Cliff Palace from a distance.
Spruce Tree House Overlook – you can see the dwelling from the parking area; this is one of the easiest to view without hiking.
Balcony House and other overlooks along the Mesa Top Loop – offer distant but picturesque views from the van or short walk to nearby pullouts.

While you won’t be up close to the dwellings, these overlooks provide a meaningful and scenic experience without physical exertion. Some overlooks are just steps from the parking lot, making them very accessible.

2. Time Budgeting:

The 45-minute drive in and 45-minute drive out is a good base. In addition to that, you should budget extra time for:

Stopping at scenic overlooks along the Mesa Top Loop (plan 1–1.5 hours depending on how many stops you want).
Visitor Center stop – a quick stop to see exhibits or pick up maps may take 15–30 minutes.
Potential delays or slower driving for the motorhome.

Overall, a comfortable total visit for sightseeing without hiking would be about 3–3.5 hours from entry to exit.

3. Choosing Between Black Canyon vs Great Sand Dunes with Elderly Traveler:

Both parks are beautiful but offer very different experiences, especially considering mobility:

Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Offers dramatic cliffs and scenic overlooks right along the rim road. Many viewpoints have minimal walking required, making it very accessible for an elderly traveler. Some short, paved walks are available for closer views if desired.
Great Sand Dunes National Park: While stunning, visiting the dunes often involves walking on sand, which can be physically challenging, especially for an elderly person. Even short hikes can be tiring, and there are fewer accessible scenic overlooks without walking into the sand.

Given your mother’s mobility, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is likely the better choice. It allows for breathtaking views from the vehicle and overlooks without strenuous activity, whereas the Great Sand Dunes require more walking to truly experience the landscape.

In summary, at Mesa Verde, you can enjoy cliff dwellings from overlooks without hiking, budget about 3–3.5 hours for a complete visit, and if you must choose between Black Canyon and Great Sand Dunes with an elderly traveler, Black Canyon is the more accessible and comfortable option.