Canyon de Chelly or Messa Verde

Question

We are doing a trip from overseas in September , travelling in RV,trouble is too many parjs to see, if we were to drop off one of the above parjs , which would be best to visit. We are going to Moab, monument valley ,canyonlands etc. Thanks in advance.

Answer

Both Canyon de Chelly and Mesa Verde offer unique experiences, but given your overall itinerary including Moab, Monument Valley, and Canyonlands, you may want to prioritize based on how they complement your other stops.

Canyon de Chelly (Arizona) is a living Navajo community with dramatic sandstone canyons, petroglyphs, and cliff dwellings visible from the rim. The main attractions are accessible via scenic drives and guided tours, many operated by Navajo guides. It’s more intimate and culturally immersive, and the landscape shares some similarities with Monument Valley and Canyonlands, but with the added perspective of Navajo heritage and ongoing habitation.

Mesa Verde (Colorado) is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved cliff dwellings and Ancestral Puebloan history. It requires more time to explore thoroughly, and the experience is heavily historical and archaeological. The park is more self-contained and doesn’t overlap visually with the desert landscapes of Monument Valley or Canyonlands.

Considerations for your RV trip:

RV access: Canyon de Chelly allows access to rim drives with RVs, but interior tours require a guided vehicle; Mesa Verde has larger parking areas and campgrounds, but RV sites can fill quickly.
Travel distances: Canyon de Chelly is closer to Monument Valley, making it logistically easier if you are coming from or going to that region.
Time constraints: Mesa Verde generally requires more time to appreciate the cliff dwellings and visitor center exhibits.

Recommendation:

If your focus is on striking desert landscapes and integration with Monument Valley and Canyonlands, keep Canyon de Chelly and consider dropping Mesa Verde.
If your interest is primarily archaeological and historical sites, and you are willing to dedicate more time, then Mesa Verde is ideal, but it may feel slightly detached from the rest of your itinerary.

In short, for a road trip emphasizing scenic and iconic desert landscapes in September, Canyon de Chelly would likely provide a more cohesive and memorable experience with your other stops.