Has anyone been to both Mesa Verde and Walnut Canyon? We are planning to go to Mesa Verde on our trip to the Southwest but I was wondering if we might get the same idea from going to Walnut Canyon and have to drive a lot less.
Any advice will be appreciated.

I've never been to Walnut Canyon, but I can't see how anything could top Mesa Verde. It is truly one of the great sites in this country.

We went to Walnut Canyon last year on a trip to Sedona, Arizona. It was incredible. You can walk right up to and into the cliff dwellings- actually touching the walls, seeing the markings on from the fires etc. Fantastic views and an easy 1 mile walk around the "island" in the middle. I've never been to Mesa Verde though so I can't speak as to which is better.

Considering I've never heard of Walnut Canyon, I'd think Mesa Verde National Park is better.

Been to both and Mesa Verde wins hands down. Can take tours into several ruins and it's spectacular. Don't miss it.

I have done both and there is no comparison - Mesa Verde wins hands down and there is more to see. Spent 1 1/2 days at MV; three hours at Walnut Canyon If you decide on MV you can visit Canyon de Chelly without going out of your way. You could also get in a visit to Monument Valley. Drive the extra miles.

Thanks for the replies. We'll definitely go on to Mesa Verde and Monument Valley.

RFQ - a tag along question. I am going to Mesa Verde and Monument Valley this summer.

How did you drive to Monument Valley? Thru Arizona or Utah? Did you stop at Four Corners? How long did it take you? Thanks

For those of you planning a trip to Monument Valley, make sure you stay overnight at Goulding's Lodge. Then, awaken before dawn, go out on the balcony (all rooms have them) and watch the sun come up over the monuments. 'Tis truly a breathtaking sight!

Howard, there is actually at least one room at Gouldings that does not have a balcony. That's where they put us when we were there in 2000. When I complained (since we were paying the same price), they said that all other rooms were full, but they gave us one of the cabins which have front porches that you have a view from.

It is about 150 miles from Mesa Verde to Monument Valley. Take rt 160 west going through AZ. When you get to Kayenta, AZ take rt 163 north to Monument Valley. It is around 25 miles from Kayenta. If you are referring to the Four Corners National Monument the stop could be less than one hour. You take a photo of someone in your group standing in four states at the same time (CO, NM. UT and AZ), check out some of the shopping stalls run by Native Americans and leave.
My visit lasted less than 30 minutes

Make sure you get some Navajo fry bread for a snack when you go to the Four Corners Monument. It's like a beignet or flattened out donut - really bad for you, but delicious.

Ruth, thanks for the info about the "balcony-less" room at Goulding's. Glad you were able to get a substitute which offered the magnificent view! From now on, I guess I'll have to say that most rooms have balconies!