The Valley Of Dreams Is Home To Some Of The Most Out Of This World Hiking Trails

The Valley of Dreams is aptly named — everything here seems as it has been pulled straight from a dream or perhaps another planet. Located near Nageezi and Farmington — some of the coolest desert towns in America — in remote northwestern New Mexico, this surreal destination, part of the larger Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, offers some of the most unique hiking trails in the country. Eerie rock formations, colorful badlands, and alien landscapes that are far from the typical desert vistas of the Southwest make the Valley of Dreams feel like a set from a sci-fi film. This place is largely unknown and underrated — also, it isn't easy to find — but for those willing to venture off the beaten path, the Valley of Dreams provides a sublime hiking experience unlike anywhere else in the world.

What you'll see before your eyes began to take shape 70 million years ago. Around 6,500 acres in all, the Valley of Dreams is comprised of dry, eroded clay, mudstone, sandstone, shale, and volcanic ash. Classified as the badlands, its terrain is layered with different colors, from deep reds and oranges to soft greys and whites. These color bands tell the geological history of this area and represent different sedimentary layers laid down over the years. Hoodoos — tall, thin spires of eroded rock that protrude from the ground — are a defining feature of the Valley of Dreams. Some of them resemble mushrooms or toadstools, with broad, flat tops, while others look like spindly towers ready to topple over at any moment. You'll find similar formations in the bucket-list-worthy city of Cappadocia in Turkey. 

Hiking in the Valley of Dreams is a unique experience, as there are no designated trails. Using GPS, maps, and your own innate sense of direction (a skill every backcountry explorer must master), you can explore the maze of rock formations with complete freedom — an open world. However, this 2-mile AllTrails loop trail is what most hikers refer to when traversing the area. An essential highlight in the Valley of Dreams is nothing else other than the Alien Throne. Aptly named (once again), this must-see 10-foot rock formation literally looks like a throne carved out of stone; its unique shape and towering size make it one of the most iconic landmarks in the area, and many visitors hike specifically to witness the Alien Throne (but, you can't sit on it). 

The Three Wise Men, a formation of three large hoodoos, is a textbook example of this geological oddity. You'll also find peculiar landmarks like the Red Dinosaur Egg, Petrified Wood Turtle, Milky Way, and Chocolate Penguin King; if you can distinguish and match the rocks to the name, that is. Another highlight is the King of Wings, a colossal formation that looks like a wing made of rock — it's the biggest of its kind in this area. Because the Valley of Dreams is on Navajo land, you might notice some horses roaming freely — don't disturb them, as they belong to the local communities. And, it goes without saying, but leave no trace. The Valley of Dreams is a fragile and remote area; take only pictures and leave the landscape as you found it. 

Like much of the desert in the Southwest, the Valley of Dreams experiences extreme temperatures, so fall and spring are the best times to visit. During the summer, temperatures can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making hiking difficult, unpleasant, and potentially dangerous. Moreover, there isn't much shade in this exposed desert area. Sunrise and sunset are ideal, as the low-angle sunlight brings out the vibrant colors in the rock formations, and the shadows cast by the hoodoos create stark contrasts. Plus, you'll benefit from cooler temperatures and fewer people for a more peaceful experience. Allow at least three hours to complete your visit. Entrance is free.

Since there are no marked trails, it's essential to have a reliable map or GPS, like this Garmin Worldwide Handheld Navigator. The landscape can be disorienting, and it's easy to lose your way if you're not prepared — this is what you should do if you get lost. Bring much more water than you think you'll need, and wear sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection (the desert rays are very harsh), and layers. The temperature can vary significantly throughout the day, so it's essential to be ready for both heat and cold. Beware that there are no trashcans or washrooms in this area. The nearest gas station isn't until Farmington, so ensure you have enough in the tank to go there and back. Nearby, you can visit the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a network of ruins that belonged to the Ancestral Puebloans. Campsites are available there if you wish to stay in the area overnight. The Valley of Dreams is daring you to dream and explore — will you?