Valley of Dreams, Rock formations and hiking trails in San Juan County, New Mexico.
Valley of Dreams is a remote wilderness area in New Mexico featuring towering rock spires and deeply eroded badlands created over millions of years. The landscape divides into two main sections where exposed clay and sandstone layers reveal the raw geology beneath the surface.
The rock layers here record millions of years of geological time through sedimentary deposits and ongoing erosion. These processes shaped the land into the striking formation that visitors encounter today.
This land holds deep significance for the Navajo Nation, who manage and care for it as part of their territory. Visitors walking through can sense the ongoing relationship between the people and this raw landscape.
You will need a high-clearance vehicle to reach this remote location on unpaved roads. Bring plenty of water and appropriate clothing, as the terrain offers no shade or shelter from the elements.
The rock walls shift in color throughout the day as sunlight strikes the different minerals embedded in each layer. This constant color play makes morning and afternoon visits feel like seeing two different landscapes.
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