Mexican Hat, Utah Guide
San Juan County, especially near the Utah-Arizona border, just might be the best outdoor adventure land you've never heard of, and the tiny town of Mexican Hat, Utah is the perfect base to stage your desert hikes, stargazing, backpacking trips, white water rafting, canyoneering and even more from. I'm biased, of course, this is probably my favorite place on earth, one I visit every year; but if you're looking to leave the crowds of Utah's national parks behind and see some views that are just as good, if not better, then you're going to want to read this guide. From the sandstone towers of the Valley of the Gods, the sprawling vista of Muley Point, and the ancient ruins of Bears Ears, there's a little bit of everything near Mexican Hat.
When to Visit
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Summers are hot in the Utah desert--I don't think anyone is going to dispute this, and while July and early August might be too hot for some, early and late summer tend to bring crowds. Yes, I know I already sound like a liar, but expect the town and the sights to have the most foot traffic through them during these time periods--it's still going to be far less than Moab two hours to the north. Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures, and fewer people. In winter on the other hand, you just might have the whole place to yourself--don't be surprised if you see some snow though.
The San Juan River runs through the town of Mexican Hat.
How to Get There
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Mexican Hat, Utah is located about 22 miles north of the Arizona border, in San Juan County. If you're flying out here, it's still going to require some driving, as the closest major airports are in Phoenix, Arizona, just over five hours away, or Salt Lake City, Utah, at close to six hours away.
Things to Do in Mexican Hat
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The Hat Rock
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours.
Distance: .7 miles.
So, you're probably wondering about the name, right? For that I'd point you to the curious rock formation about a mile north of the town, in the shape of an upside-down sombrero: the Mexican Hat Rock. Not only can you view it from the roadside of Route 163, you can actually drive up to it, and find plenty of free camping sites nearby. If you feel like going to the top, you wouldn't be the first, and there's an unofficial and unmaintained trail to the top--and by top, I mean just under the brim of the hat. Taking the dirt road down to the hat, stay to the left, where you'll see a small parking area near it's base on the right. Begin your ascent here, but keep in mind, while this is a short hike, it's all uphill, and it will definitely require some challenging scrambling the closer you get to the top. For my complete guide on hiking the Hat Rock, click here.
The Mexican Hat Rock.
Raplee's Anticline
Time: 15 minutes.
Distance: N/A.
If you're curious about that colorful, triangular formation behind the hat rock, you're in luck. Also known as Raplee's Ridge, or Raplee's Monocline, many compare it to the patterns found on Navajo rugs. You can see it pretty well from Route 163, but for a closer look, take the dirt road to the Hat Rock, veering left, until it ends. If you feel like staying the night, there's a free campsite located here as well. While there's no official trails on the Anticline, a rafting trip down the San Juan River gives an even closer look.
About Me
Hi there, I'm Dan: videographer, travel-addict, and beer-lover. I left corporate life behind to start my own video business and travel the world. Want to know more about me and Dan Treks?
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The San Juan River meanders through Raplee's Anticline.
Monument Valley
Time: Varies.
Distance: Varies.
Call me a hypocrite right off the rip, but this place can get busy--easily the busiest on this list, but it’s close, so you just might want to check it out. Monument Valley has been the backdrop for countless westerns, and other movies alike; the landscape here is the classic American West. Sandstone buttes and towers dot the landscape, along with wavy amber sand dunes, and saturated blue skies full of fluffy, white clouds (well, hopefully).
The iconic Mittens Buttes of Monument Valley.
It’s part of the Navajo Nation’s parks, costs $20.00 per car to enter, and you’re greeted with that iconic Monument Valley view immediately after parking. There’s a lodge, restaurant, and gift shop on site, but if you’re after more of those views, you’ll want to drive the dirt loop road through the valley. It can be rough in a few spots, so you may want to tread carefully if you’re in a two-wheel-drive vehicle, especially if it’s rained recently. There's one self-guided hike in the park, but any others require booking with a Navajo guide. For more on Monument Valley, click here.
Goosenecks State Park.
Valley of the Gods
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours.
Distance: 16 mile loop road.
Maybe Monument Valley is too busy, or too expensive for you--that’s fair, we’ve all been there, I’m always trying to cut costs on vacation and failing. What if there was a place just like Monument Valley, but free? If that’s what you’re looking for, head 15 minutes north of Mexican Hat to Valley of the Gods. Administered by the Bureau of Land Management), Valley of the Gods is free to explore on foot, or via the 16 mile long dirt road that runs through it. Enjoy many of the same features of Monument Valley, while only paying the cost of gas. Undeveloped campsites are located along the road as well, also free of charge. If camping isn’t your forte, there is a small bed and breakfast located near the entrance off of route 261. For more on Valley of the Gods, click here.
Like a smaller version of Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods is free for visitors to enter and explore.
Mexican Hat Cinematic Video
Get a teaser of everything Mexican Hat has to offer in this cinematic video: from the Hat Rock, to the buttes of Monument Valley and up to the top of the Moki Dugway--take a break from reading and glimpse it all in less than two minutes.
The Moki Dugway
Time: 20 minutes.
Distance: 3 miles.
Would you believe there’s an even better, higher view of the San Juan and Goosenecks? Of course, it’s not going to be super easy to get there, but you’ll get some good views along the way, so, why not? The Moki Dugway is the way to get there, beginning on route 261 about 17 minutes from Mexican Hat, passing the western entrance to the Valley of the Gods. This twisting, turning dirt road up the cliffside may be harrowing, but a number of pull offs allow you to stop and take in the views of Valley of the Gods below, Mexican Hat, and even Monument Valley in the distance. It’s well maintained though, so most vehicles (besides large RV’s) should have no problem making the drive. For more on the Moki Dugway, click here.
The Moki Dugway is built into the cliff side, taking you to the top of Cedar Mesa.
Muley Point
Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour.
Distance: 5 mile dirt road.
Perhaps one of the best-kept secrets of the Mexican Hat area, once you reach the top of the Moki Dugway (route 261), almost immediately there should be a well-maintained dirt road to your left--it should be easily passable as long as it hasn't rained recently. Take the road until it ends, leave your car at the parking area and then take it all in: the goosenecks of the San Juan River below, miles upon miles of glowing sandstone formations, and more. It might just be the best view in the entire area, since it features, well, just about everything. Visit and sunrise or sunset for the best light, and for more information on Muley Point, click here.
Muley Point at sunrise.
The House on Fire Ruins
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours.
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip.
Much of San Juan County is considered the Bears Ears region, home to hundreds of pueblo ruins that are centuries old. While many are difficult to find and visit, the House on Fire is an exception. Starting at the Mule Canyon trailhead off ofUtah State Route 95, it's a relatively easy two mile roundtrip hike to see these cliffside ruins. And the name? If you arrive at mid morning, the reflecting sunlight causes the cliff's overhang to glow like it's engulfed in flames. For more on hiking to the House on Fire, click here.
The House on Fire glows in the mid morning sun.
Eats & Drinks in Mexican Hat
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Restaurants are a bit scare out here, but if you need the comfort of chain fast food, the towns of Blanding or Kayenta will be your best bet, though they're both about an hour away from Mexican Hat. While small, Mexican Hat does feature a handful of independently owned restaurants, including the the Olde Bridge Bar & Grille, a sit down diner and bar built into the San Juan Inn. Their menu sports classic comfort food, along with the region's famous Navajo tacos. If you're in the mod for something heartier, stop by the Swingin' Steak. This open air restaurant in the Mexican Hat Lodge is open from March through October, and features fresh beef cooked over a swinging grill.
The Swingin' Steak in action.
Where to Stay in Mexican Hat
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Hotels and Lodges
There's a handful of independent motels in Mexican Hat, all around the same price ($100 - $150 per night) and modestly furnished. I personally am a fan of the San Juan Inn, located on a cliff overlooking the San Juan River. While their rooms are clean and comfortable, their yurt park up near the Hat Rock is what makes them stand out: two small yurts and a large one are completely furnished, including bathrooms. I'm also a fan of the Mexican Hat Lodge, and it's sister motel, the Hat Rock Inn. Both feature spacious and clean rooms, a beach along the San Juan River, as well as salt water pools.
The Mexican Hat Lodge and one of its king rooms (above). The San Juan Inn's Yurt Park (below).
Camping
Dispersed camping is widely available in the region, including around the Hat Rock, in Valley of the Gods, up at Muley Point, and all over Bears Ears. If a proper bathroom is more your thing though, find developed campgrounds in Monument Valley, Goosenecks State Park, and Natural Bridges National Monument, all ranging from $10.00 to $20.00 per night.
Mexican Hat Video Guide
Follow me to the tiny town of Mexican Hat, Utah, and learn how to visit all the amazing sights around it! From the beauty of Monument Valley, the breathtaking views of Valley of the Gods, Natural Bridges National Monument, Bears Ears, and more, this hidden gem of a town has a lot to offer the adventure-seeker!
Forrest Gump Point
Time: 15 minutes.
Distance: N/A.
This spot has become more and more popular over the years too, but chances are you'll be passing right through it, so why not stop? Featured in more than just the movie it's unofficially named after, Forrest Gump Point is where the title character of the 1994 movie decided to end his cross country run; chances are you'll see people in the road trying to re-enact the scene. Find it on Highway 163, near mile marker 13--there will be plenty of pull offs for you to stop. For more on Forrest Gump Point, click here.
Forrest Gump Point.
Goosenecks State Park
Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour.
Distance: N/A.
While a desert town, Mexican Hat has no shortage of water, thanks to the San Juan River running literally right through the town. One of the best views you can get of the river at work is at Goosenecks State Park, about 12 minutes up the road from Mexican Hat. A five dollar entrance fee gets you a view of some spectacular horseshoe bends carved out by the river below. If you’re looking to camp here, eight sites line the canyon rim and cost ten dollars per night. Take route 163 heading north out of Mexican Hat, then turn left onto 261, followed shortly by another left turn onto 316 which will take you right to the park. For more on Goosenecks State Park, click here.
Natural Bridges National Monument
Time: Half a day.
Distance: Varies.
A little over an hour from Mexican Hat, taking route 261 up the Moki Dugway puts you at Natural Bridges National Monument. Three, gigantic natural bridges are the main attraction here, and each is unique and spectacular in its own way. Two trails in the park take you down into the canyon and below, allowing you to go beneath them, as well as near some pueblo ruins. A small campground lets visitors stay overnight--Natural Bridges is the first ever International Dark Sky Park, so it's not a bad idea to stick around for some star gazing. For more on Natural Bridges National Monument, click here.
Owachomo Bridge in Natural Bridges National Monument.