USA Valley of Dreams

Located within the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area in New Mexico, the total area of Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah is 7,242 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Bizarre landscape of slickrock, mudstone, hoodoos, and cap rocks similar to terrain found in nearby Bisti Badlands and De-Na-Zin Wilderness Study Areas.

A special permit is required to film or photograph for commercial use. If you’re lodging in Farmington, you will need to leave at least two hours before sunrise to arrive at the Valley of Dreams in time for sunrise. I’ve seen a couple of people hike in with backpacking tents but I’m not certain whether camping is permitted. Avoid visiting the area after heavy rain or if rain is in the forecast. The resulting mud will cake on your boots/shoes and make hiking difficult. More importantly, the tracks you leave will mar the landscape for months or even years.

From Farmington, New Mexico proceed to CR 7650. Take CR 7650 7.8 miles and turn right onto CR 7870. CR 7870 is a good dirt road. Take 7870 to GPS location 36.12427 N, 107.98073 W and turn left on a dirt road. After 0.4 miles bear left. At 1.1 miles a road comes in from the left. To get to Valley of Dream parking take the left for about 0.6 miles and park anywhere to begin your hike north. GPS location for the parking area is 36.1338670, -107.9714029

If the roads are dry the drive to get there is possible with a regular sedan. If you MUST travel after a heavy rain, 4WD is necessary and the cost of a tow truck to get you unstuck is upwards of $1,000 US.