Mesmeric Land of Hoodoos: Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness

If you enjoy vast spaces and big sky, this is your place. Several people have posted on the internet GPS directions and other videos to help you. What I will tell you is this, you need to respect this area and make sure you know where you are at. Please do not damage or take rock formations. Only pictures. You cross tribal lands multiple times where people live out there every day. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and do not trespass. Enjoy with respect.. Use mapping methods that let you know whether you are on state, BLM or Sovereign Nation properties before you park or camp. This is a pack out place. No facilities. Wind and rain can be dangerous so watch the weather.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Pretty easy to find the parking lot off of NM-57. The drive in on County Rd 7800 and 7820 was fine. No 4WD necessary and no high clearance necessary but I'll bet with the least amount of rain, that could change quickly. The hike in was easy. There is apparently a homeless person living in a small shallow cave by the chocolate mushrooms. Not sure how they got there as there is not an extra vehicle in the parking area. Be cautious.

I’m reviewing all 3 places I went to as I found it very confusing while researching. Hopefully this will help you know what maps to download on All Trails as well. I suggest downloading an offline map on Maps.me (free app, free maps, works no service) as well as it points out the landmarks. The roads are gravel but every road we took from any direction was in great shape EXCEPT to get to valley of dreams, that one is rough and a car would struggle but might be able to make it. I highly recommend a full day in this area. Each hike took around 2 hours but you could explore each spot more if you wanted as it’s pretty endless. The hikes are easy to moderate (all similar). We did it in March and it was freezing but if you’re doing it in the sun there is no shade so bring lots of water, umbrella, hat, sunscreen, etc. THIS ONE: Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness: Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trail on all trails. The parking is further away than the hike shows so it adds another 30 minutes or so to your hike. Huge vast area and the landmarks suggested are very cool to find! Our second favorite hike. The other 2 close by: Valley of Dreams Trailhead: Valley of Dreams hike on all trails. A straight hike past 2 cool areas on the way. When you get to the main area the landmarks aren’t as cool as the names but the general scenery was my favorite of the three areas. This one has the alien thrones. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness: Bisti Wash Loop on all trails. The one we downloaded ended and we hadn’t seen much so we did a big loop to the petrified tree and the view up there was amazing. I think the trail I suggested should include that. My least favorite if I had to choose but they are all great!

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.