How to find Alien Throne and Valley of Dreams in New Mexico?
Have you seen photos of the Alien Throne and the strange, moon-like landscape of the Valley of Dreams in New Mexico? Want to see it with your own eyes? You’re in the right place! The Valley of Dreams is just a small part of the vast Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area. In this article, we’ll show you how to get there, where to hike, and what to expect. We’ve included detailed driving directions, a hiking map, and plenty of helpful tips to guide you through this unforgettable road trip adventure.
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What is Valley of Dreams, New Mexico?
The Valley of Dreams, home to the famous Alien Throne rock formation, is part of the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area in northwestern New Mexico. It’s located near the small community of Nageezi, not far from Farmington.
This landscape was shaped over millions of years, dating back to the late Cretaceous period. The area is filled with rolling clay hills, colorful layers of mudstone, and sculpted sandstone cap rocks. Many hills shine in shades of olive green, giving the whole place an eerie, otherworldly feel.
This guide focuses only on the Valley of Dreams, the western part of Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah. Here, we’ll show you how to reach the Alien Throne and the Valley of Dreams in the fastest and easiest way—especially useful if:
- You’re short on time but don’t want to miss this surreal rock formation.
- You’re planning to photograph Alien Throne at sunrise or sunset, so reaching the site quickly is essential.
- You want to capture the Milky Way Galaxy from this location and need the shortest route to hike in the dark.
The photos in this article are all from the Valley of Dreams area, focused around the Alien Throne. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to explore this incredible spot on your next New Mexico road trip.
Our Experiences with Valley of Dreams New Mexico
Chris and I have visited the Valley of Dreams several times, so all our tips come from personal experience. We’ve explored this area in depth and created a detailed guide to hiking and exploring Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness. If you’re heading into this unmarked and remote landscape, be sure to read it first.
In that guide, we share the most important tips—how to find your way without trails, when to go, how to pack, where to stay, and the latest rules and regulations for this Wilderness Study Area.
We’ve also written a separate article on how to find another famous rock formation, the King of Wings, and explored the nearby Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, known for its surreal badlands.
Every photo in this article was taken during our New Mexico adventures. We’ve explored this incredible state several times, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learned with you.
Please check out our brief video of the New Mexico badlands. We used a phone and a DJI handheld camera to film it since drones are prohibited in this area.
Where Is the Valley of Dreams?
The Valley of Dreams is located in northwestern New Mexico, near Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
It’s about 70 miles from Farmington and 90 miles from Shiprock Formation. If you’re coming from Albuquerque, expect at least 3 hours of driving via US-550 N. From Santa Fe, the drive takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes using the same highway.
Below, we share detailed driving directions based on our firsthand experience. The trailhead we recommend offers the fastest and easiest route to reach the Valley of Dreams and the Alien Throne rock formation.
Important: This route becomes impassable when wet. Once you leave the main road, you won’t have cell or internet service, so download your maps in advance.
The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), but you’ll be driving, hiking, and parking on a mix of Tribal and private lands. Please respect the land and follow all Tribal rules and guidelines.
There are no facilities, restrooms, or water sources. This is remote wilderness. You’ll be in the middle of nowhere—no signs, no trails, just open desert. So pack accordingly:
- Bring plenty of water
- Use sun protection
- Leave no trace—take all trash (including human waste) with you
And enjoy the feeling of being transported to another planet—this alien-like landscape truly lives up to its name.
Valley of Dreams New Mexico – Directions from Farmington
How do you get to the Valley of Dreams from Farmington? There are two main routes that lead to the unmarked trailhead. Both involve driving on remote dirt and gravel roads.
If you’re planning this route from Farmington, be sure to check out our list of Top Things to Do in Farmington and the Surrounding Area.
Important: The parking area and formations at the Valley of Dreams sit on Tribal lands. Camping is not recommended in this area.
Option 1: Via Road 371 and 7650
This route is best if you’re already near the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness or heading south from Farmington.
- Take Road 371 South from Farmington.
- After about 45 miles, turn left onto Road 7650 (a dirt road).
- Drive 8 miles until you reach a T-junction with Road 7870.
- Turn right onto 7870 and continue for about 8 more miles.
- Watch for a sharp left turn onto an unmarked dirt road.
- After about 1 mile, turn left again.
- You’ll soon reach the cliffside parking area near Valley of Dreams. Look for a burned car or a clearing by the edge—that’s the spot.
- If you accidentally continue to Road 57, you’ve gone too far. Turn around and backtrack to find the dirt road.
Option 2: Via Road 550 and Nageezi (Better Road Conditions)
This is a longer route but has better-quality gravel roads. Ideal if you’re driving straight from Farmington.
- Take US-550 South from Farmington toward Nageezi (about 50 miles).
- In Nageezi, after passing the Post Office on your right, turn right onto Road 7800.
- Drive 8 miles until you reach a T-junction with Road 7840.
- Turn left to stay on Road 7800, then continue for 3 miles.
- At the next T-junction with Road 57 (usually marked), turn left onto Road 57.
- Drive for 6 miles. You’ll pass the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah parking area on your right—keep going.
- About 2.5 miles later, look for a right turn onto Road 7870.
- Drive 1 mile, passing a few houses on your right.
- Watch for another right turn and continue for 1.1 miles.
- Take a sharp left turn, and in 0.3 miles, you’ll see a cleared parking area on your right.
Please Note
- This is not an official trailhead.
- The parking lot is not marked or maintained.
- There are no signs or marked trails.
- This is remote wilderness land.
- You hike and explore at your own risk.
Be prepared with downloaded maps, GPS, and the ability to navigate without cell service.
Where Is the Alien Throne in New Mexico?
The Alien Throne is one of the most famous rock formations in the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, located in the San Juan Basin of northwestern New Mexico. You’ll find it in a section called the Valley of Dreams.
The easiest and fastest way to reach the Alien Throne is by hiking from the parking spot we described above. A few sections below, we’ve also included our exact hiking map to help you find it.
GPS Coordinates for the Alien Throne
- Latitude: 36.14889° (or 36° 8′ 56″ N)
- Longitude: -107.98072° (or 107° 58′ 51″ W)
We recommend using a detailed map of the Alien Throne area, as these formations are hard to find without GPS. One of the most helpful tools is the AllTrails app, where you can follow the Valley of Dreams Loop trail.
How Tall Is the Alien Throne?
Whether carved by nature or aliens (we’ll let you decide), the Alien Throne rises about 9.84 feet (3 meters). Its otherworldly shape includes arches, columns, and a seat-like hoodoo at the top of a narrow spire. It truly looks like something from another planet.
Valley of Dreams New Mexico Hike
There are no officially marked trails in this area. That means all distances are approximate. Your hike might be a bit longer or shorter. You might miss some formations. And over time, wind, rain, erosion, or flash floods can change how the hoodoos look.
What you see may not always match photos online. Below, we share our experience and our Valley of Dreams Loop hike.
The Valley of Dreams hike is not too difficult—especially compared to others we’ve done in the New Mexico badlands. It’s actually the easiest trek we’ve done in this area, even easier than the Bisti Badlands or King of Wings hike. But that doesn’t mean you should take it lightly. Always be prepared.
Even though Chris and I have years of experience hiking off-trail, we still plan carefully each time. The desert can be tough and unpredictable. So please read our tips on what to pack and the rules that apply to this wilderness area before heading out.
Valley of Dreams Loop
The Valley of Dreams Loop is about 3.7 miles, and the hike ranges from easy to moderate. It becomes much harder on hot days when the sun is strong. There’s no shade, and you’ll walk on soft sand most of the time. Bring lots of water, and wear sun protection.
The hike is mostly flat, with just a little elevation gain as you approach the badlands. We recommend allowing at least 3 hours, especially if you plan to take pictures.
We’ve done this loop twice—once in the blue hour before sunset, and once in the early morning. We’re planning to return soon for night photography and sunset shots.
What to Expect on the Hike
From the trailhead, you can see many of the rock formations in the distance. This land belongs to the Tribal community, so please show respect. Don’t litter, stay on natural paths, and follow leave-no-trace principles.
As you hike to the Valley of Dreams, follow a narrow natural pathway toward the formations. You may see horses roaming the area—they belong to Tribal members. Please don’t approach or disturb them. Use your camera’s zoom if you want to take pictures.
The terrain stays mostly flat, and the hike to the Alien Throne is fairly straightforward. Once you reach the first formations, you’ll start to feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
Valley of Dreams New Mexico – Our Hiking Map
Below is a map of our hike, registered with Fenix 6 Pro Solar Smartwatch.
Exciting Rock Formations in Valley of Dreams, New Mexico
As you explore the Valley of Dreams, you’ll be amazed by the incredible landscape. You’ll see clay badlands, hoodoos, toadstools, pinnacles, petrified wood, and dry washes. Every formation looks more surreal and otherworldly than the last. Hiking here feels like walking through a dream.
Besides the famous Alien Throne, there are many unique rock formations to discover. Some even have fun names! Keep an eye out for:
- Giant Mushroom
- Three Wise Men
- Mushroom Seat
- Hoodoo with Two Legs
- Chocolate Penguin King
Important Reminder: These rock formations are extremely fragile. Please don’t climb on them, scratch or draw on them, or take anything, including rocks, bones, or pieces of petrified wood. No vehicles, no drones, and no campfires are allowed here. Respect this ancient and delicate landscape—it took millions of years to form. Follow Leave No Trace principles and help protect this amazing place.
Alien Throne and Valley of Dreams, New Mexico – Final Thoughts
Of all the badlands we’ve explored in New Mexico—both Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah and Bisti—the Valley of Dreams has impressed us the most. In our opinion, it’s the most spectacular. The views are surreal, and the rock formations are incredibly varied and unique.
Of course, the Alien Throne is the highlight. But the surrounding rocks are just as amazing. The whole landscape feels like it belongs in a fantasy world—a true Land of Enchantment.
We were especially struck by how photogenic this place is. That’s why we plan to return soon, to capture the sunset glow and night sky over these magical formations.
If you’re planning to visit, please remember this area is located on Native American Lands. Respect the land, the people, and their customs. And before you go, we recommend reading our complete guide to Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah. It’ll help you prepare for a safe and respectful hike through the Valley of Dreams, New Mexico.
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