SAN JUAN COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) — Tucked away in northwestern New Mexico, there’s a surreal destination that almost leaves you feeling like you’re in another country. The Valley of Dreams located near Farmington, New Mexico, bears resemblance to a region of Turkey called Cappadocia that is partly known for its unique rock formations.
This valley is home to “Alien Throne,” a spiraling rock formation featuring hoodoos. That’s not the only sight to see, though. Throughout the valley, you’ll find rocks made of mudstone, sandstone, eroded clay, and remnants of volcanic ash. There have even been discoveries of dinosaur bones and other fossils. On top of that, there are various animals, including rabbits, lizards, and coyotes.
Before you head out the door, it’s important to know that the valley gets toasty depending on the time of year. In the summer, it may be in your best interest to visit earlier in the day before the temperatures start to rise. And since the area is primarily rocks opposed to trees, there’s not much shade, so SPF is a must.
Most importantly, the Valley of Dreams trail does not exactly have a defined route. To help out with the navigation process, an offline map should be downloaded before heading to the area. The area is free to enter, and you can camp there if you’d like. But seeing as there’s no gas stations or facilities in the nearby area, it’s vital to bring the necessities, including water and food. As for getting to the trail, most people go through the Bisti Badlands.
If you decide you’d rather not camp, then Farmington and Shiprock are just about an hour-and-a-half away. Both towns offer ample lodging and more to see.
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