I am travelling end of March to the MidWest and I can fit only one of those two parksin my itinerary. Which one is better from a photographer perspective? I am more interested in esthetics and ease of sightseeing than historical importance.
Thanks,
John

Mesa Verde is much more extensive and the artifacts and dwellings are much easier to reach than Canyon de Chelly. You'd have a great deal more photographic subject matter at Mesa Verde, hands down.

As to which one is better "from a photographer perspective," I disagree with Tek. Mesa Verde has more impressive ruins, Canyon de Chelly has more impressive scenery. If you are specifically asking about ruins, and nothing else, then I agree Mesa Verde is better. If you are asking about the esthetic beauty of what you can photograph, then Canyon de Chelly is better.

I agree with PaulRabe. Although the dwellings were pretty impressive at Mesa Verde, I loved Canyon de Chelly better. Do a 1/2 day jeep tour and you will se plenty of ruins and super fantastice scenery. You may even see horses (they do horseback rides in Canyon De Chelly and the Sheer canyon walls are incredible.

Ditto Paul and Maria

Mesa Verde