Valley of Dreams

Valley of Dreams: A Journey Beyond Reality

Tucked away in the remote badlands of New Mexico, the Valley of Dreams feels like stepping onto another planet. Towering hoodoos, surreal rock formations, and an endless labyrinth of stone make this place a dreamscape for any explorer.

Hiking through this alien terrain with Scout and Nora, we felt like we had crossed into another dimension. The sandstone pillars stretched toward the sky, their swirling layers telling stories of time itself. Every turn in this labyrinth revealed something new, something impossible to fully capture in a photo. This isn't just a place to see, it's a place to feel, to get lost in, to experience beyond the limits of reality. 

As the sun set, the valley transformed-the rocks glowed, the stars felt closer, and the silence was almost otherworldly.

At the Alien Throne, one of the most famous formations in the valley, we set up our camera for a nighttime shoot. The jagged silhouette of the rock against the galaxy looked like something from a sci-fi film. 

How to Find the Valley of Dreams, a remote and rugged landscape in the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness of northwestern New Mexico:

Since there are no official trails GPS navigation is essential. Here's how to get there:

1. Start in Farmington, NM - This is the nearest major town with amenities. From Farmington, head south on Us-371 for about 40 miles.
2. Turn onto County Road 7650 - Also known as Road 7650 or Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Road, this well-graded dirt road leads into the wilderness. Follow it for roughly 15 miles.
3. Turn onto County Road 7870 - This road is rougher and less maintained. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rain. Continue for about 4.5 miles until you reach an open area where you can park.
4. Hike to the Valley of Dreams - There are no marked trails, so use GPS coordinates (36.1591, -107.9777) to navigate. The hike is about 1.5 to 2 miles through soft, sandy washes and badlands terrain.

1. Use Offline Maps: Cell service is unreliable, so download maps beforehand.
2. Bring a GPS Device: The landscape can be disorienting, and there are no signs.
3. Prepare for Extreme Conditions: There's no shade or water, so bring plenty of hydration and sun protection.
   

If you crave adventure, the Valley of Dreams is one destination you definitely don't want to miss and once you arrive, the surreal landscape makes the journey more than worth it!

See you on the next adventure!

Love,

The Team