25/06/2025
Yes, you're absolutely right! Valley of Dreams is a surreal and otherworldly badlands area located in the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area in northwestern New Mexico. It’s a lesser-known gem but a dream for photographers, hikers, and lovers of the bizarre natural world.
Here's a detailed guide for exploring Valley of Dreams:
🌄 Valley of Dreams Overview
Location: Near Chaco Canyon, between Farmington and Cuba, NM.
Part of: The Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness (BLM-managed land).
Landscape: Alien-like badlands filled with hoodoos, sandstone spires, mushroom rocks, and colorful clay hills.
Vibe: Remote, quiet, and wild. No facilities. No crowds. Just nature.
🧭 How to Get There
Nearest town: Farmington, NM (~1.5–2 hrs drive).
Access: Dirt roads (4WD recommended, especially after rain).
Coordinates for parking:
N36.1419°, W107.9572° (you may need to navigate by GPS only – signage is minimal).
IMPORTANT: Cell service is limited or nonexistent. Download offline maps (Google Maps, Gaia GPS, or AllTrails) and know your route.
🥾 Best Things to Do in Valley of Dreams
1. Explore the Alien Landscape
The area has no formal trails. You’ll wander among formations like:
Alien Throne
King of Wings
Valley of Dreams North/South
Cracked Eggs (nearby in Bisti/De-Na-Zin)
Every corner feels like another planet.
2. Photography
Best lighting is during golden hour (sunrise/sunset).
Night sky photography is spectacular — extremely dark skies!
3. Fossil Hunting (look, don’t touch)
This is a fossil-rich area, especially dinosaur-era plant and animal remains.
Legal note: Removing fossils is prohibited on BLM land.
🎒 What to Bring
Plenty of water – there’s no shade or water source.
Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
Navigation tools – GPS, downloaded map layers.
Snacks or food – no services for miles.
Solid hiking shoes – terrain is loose, rocky, and uneven.
Camera/tripod – essential for low-light or astro shots.
🏕️ Where to Stay
1. Farmington, NM
Closest city with hotels, restaurants, and gear shops.
2. Camping
Dispersed camping on BLM land is allowed — no facilities.
RV or Tent: Boondocking is possible if you're fully self-contained.
Nearby: Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness also has open camp spots.
📝 Tips and Notes
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall. Summer is very hot; winter can be muddy and remote.
Leave No Trace: Pack out everything. These badlands are fragile.
No drones allowed in wilderness study areas.
Wildlife: Coyotes, lizards, and occasional rattlesnakes.
Safety: Tell someone where you're going – this is true wilderness.
Would you like a comparison between Valley of Dreams and Bisti Badlands? Or maybe a custom travel route that includes both Monument Valley and this area