I'm semi disable, I can walk but slowly with a cane. I just saw that Mesa Verde is really close to our bucket trip route next year and when I watched the video they talked about strenuous hikes and not for the faint of heart trails and I'm wondering if there is any point to going. Is there anything for these old legs to see and do?Any help would be appreciated.

Most of it you could see there are some spots I am not sure but there are several places to drive in the park to see some of the cliff dwellings not sure it has been about 15 years since I was there.

There are several spots along a loop drive that you can get out for a short hike.There also some that really require an effort; one trail we did we covered 99% of it without any problems but one spot required myself and another gentlemen to get my wife up as she is too short to reach the hand holds. That one was listed as moderate.

Was there less than a year ago. Visitor center and museum is interesting and worthy of a visit. Pretty strenuous walk to the cliff dwellings. All down to them and all up coming back.hovenweep is another park close to Cortez co that one can visit and see ruins without lots of hiking. You will see them from a reasonable distance, just not on top of them. Of course 4 corners is not far from Cortez either. If you have the time go.

To get to the cliff dwellings you'll definitely have to walk - down and up. If you can manage that - even slowly - that's great. A few ranger-led tours take you into the dwellings and one in particular you'd have to crawl through a opening and climb tall ladders. So read about the park in depth.Mesa VerdeWe went to Bandelier Nat'l Monument in New Mexico and it has a nice flat walk going by the dwellings. Again, a ladder is needed to get right up to them.BandelierIf you're ever around Flagstaff definitely go to Sunset Crater Volcano Nat'l Monument just north of town on Hwy 89. Right at the entrance gate is an awesome dry camping national forest campground, Bonito. On the loop drive through Sunset Crater is Wupatki Nat'l Monument and that one I believe you'd be able to enter the dwelling easily. It's a beautiful loop drive.Wupatki

You might not be able to get in any of the cliff dwellings, but you can see some of them from viewpoints along the loop roads. Very short walks to some of these viewpoints. In addition, there are some mesa top structures that are also right off the road, maybe 100'-200' of walking. These are worth visiting, and while not as imposing as the cliff dwellings themselves, nonetheless give an interesting perspective as to the difficulty of life back in the day. The visitors center is definitely worth a stop also. It is relatively new and quite informative. They do have a cd you can buy that has 360 degree views of some of the cliff dwellings, including those in other parks and monuments. Maybe you can get there virtually!

Tell me about Mesa Verde National Park, CO | Good Sam Community

TyroneandGladys
Explorer
May 30, 2015
Take the RV to Durango less than 40 miles and ride the Durango Silverton Railroad while in the area and drive to Mesa Verde.
armadillo_17
Explorer
May 30, 2015
We chose to see some the ruins in Aztec NM. We were able get all around them. Later I found out that some of the
ruins were reconstructed by the WPA.
Major_Dad
Explorer
May 22, 2015
Glad to be of service! The museum has a very nice picnic area with covered tables along an accessible concrete-paved path up the hill behind the museum. Beautiful views from these picnic tables.
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
May 22, 2015
Major Dad wrote:
imgoin4it wrote:
There is a nice little park right in the middle of Cortez also.

If you stay in Cortez or one of the RV parks near Mancos, the BLM has a nice new museum (VERY accessible) near Dolores (which also has an RV park) that I recommend. Trust me...I'm a History teacher!
Anasazi Heritage Center

WOW, Added that quickly. Thanks so much for the suggestion. It looks awesome.
pawatt
Explorer
May 22, 2015
I would go if close by, It will be difficult to actually hike into the cliff dwellings but still plenty to see. 1/2 day may be adequate time if not hiking or taking the tours into the dwellings. If going towards Arches you can see much of it from the roads and overlooks, stunning. You may also like the Hot Spring pools in Pagosa Springs and the Hot Air Balloon Rides.
Thom02099
Explorer II
May 22, 2015
Here's a link that you might find helpful, has detailed information for folks with physical challenges, whether mobility or sight/hearing. Lots of good information to be found in the sub-links

Mesa Verde NP Accessibility
Major_Dad
Explorer
May 21, 2015
imgoin4it wrote:
There is a nice little park right in the middle of Cortez also.

If you stay in Cortez or one of the RV parks near Mancos, the BLM has a nice new museum (VERY accessible) near Dolores (which also has an RV park) that I recommend. Trust me...I'm a History teacher!
Anasazi Heritage Center
imgoin4it
Explorer
May 21, 2015
There is a nice little park right in the middle of Cortez also.
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
May 21, 2015
Thanks all, okay it goes on our list. We have all the time in the world and plan to take it. We may leave the rig in Farmington and just drive there for the day.
DougE
Explorer
May 21, 2015
Just to be clear, there is plenty to see without "hiking". Don't pass up your opportunity to see this park!