Mexican Hat, United States Guide
Mexican Hat is a small, unincorporated community in San Juan County, Utah, United States. It's named after a distinctive, sombrero-shaped rock formation located just northeast of the town. The area is characterized by its stunning desert landscapes, including mesas, buttes, and canyons, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. Despite its small size, Mexican Hat serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, scenic drives, and river rafting on the San Juan River. The town offers a few lodging options, restaurants, and basic services to cater to tourists drawn to the unique geological formations and the vast, open spaces of the American Southwest.
Food & Cuisine
Dining options in Mexican Hat are limited but offer a taste of classic American fare with a Southwestern twist. Expect to find hearty meals like burgers, steaks, and sandwiches, often accompanied by sides like fries and coleslaw. The Swinging Steak restaurant is a local favorite, known for its unique cooking method where steaks are swung over an open flame. While there aren't any large markets in town, the local trading post offers basic groceries and supplies. For a wider variety of dining choices, visitors may need to travel to nearby towns like Bluff or Monument Valley.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Mexican Hat is very limited, reflecting the town's small size and focus on outdoor activities. Entertainment primarily revolves around enjoying the stunning desert sunsets and stargazing in the clear night skies. The few restaurants and bars in town may offer a relaxed atmosphere for an evening drink, but don't expect a vibrant or bustling nightlife scene. The emphasis is on tranquility and appreciating the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mexican Hat is during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). These months offer pleasant temperatures, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Summer (June-August) can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), making outdoor activities challenging. Winter (November-March) can be cold, with occasional snowfall, but the scenery can be particularly beautiful with a dusting of snow on the red rocks.
Transportation
Due to its remote location, Mexican Hat does not have public transportation options like buses, trams, or subways. The primary mode of transportation is by personal vehicle. Rental cars are highly recommended for exploring the surrounding area and accessing nearby attractions. Some tour operators may offer transportation as part of their packages.
Airport
The closest major airport to Mexican Hat is the Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) in Durango, Colorado, approximately 2.5 hours (150 miles) away. Another option is the Four Corners Regional Airport (FMN) in Farmington, New Mexico, about 3 hours (180 miles) away. Rental cars are the most convenient way to travel from either airport to Mexican Hat, as there are no public transportation options available.
Attractions
Goosenecks State Park
Goosenecks State Park is known for its deep canyons carved by the San Juan River, offering breathtaking views of the winding river below. Visitors can enjoy hiking along the rim of the canyons, camping under the starry sky, and capturing stunning photographs of the unique geological formations. The park is a popular spot for stargazing and experiencing the beauty of the natural landscape.
Muley Point Overlook
Muley Point Overlook offers panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and rock formations, including the winding San Juan River below. Visitors can hike to the overlook and enjoy a bird's eye view of the rugged landscape, perfect for photography and sightseeing. Muley Point is a hidden gem in the area, providing a peaceful and secluded spot to appreciate the natural beauty of the desert wilderness.
Mexican Hat Rock
Mexican Hat Rock is a unique geological formation resembling a sombrero, perched precariously on the edge of a cliff overlooking the San Juan River. The rock is a popular landmark for visitors exploring the area and offers a picturesque backdrop for photographs. The surrounding landscape of red rock formations and desert scenery adds to the charm of this iconic rock formation.
Valley of the Gods
Valley of the Gods is a scenic drive located near Goosenecks State Park, offering stunning views of red rock formations and towering mesas. Visitors can explore the valley by car or on foot, taking in the unique geological features and vibrant desert landscape. The area is popular for photography, with the changing light creating dramatic shadows and colors on the rock formations. Valley of the Gods provides a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience for nature enthusiasts.
Sand Island Petroglyphs
The Sand Island Petroglyphs are ancient rock carvings created by the Ancestral Puebloan people, depicting symbols, animals, and human figures. Visitors can hike to the petroglyphs and marvel at the intricate designs etched into the sandstone cliffs. The site offers a glimpse into the cultural history of the region and provides a unique opportunity to connect with the past through these ancient artworks.
Lime Ridge Petroglyphs
The Lime Ridge Petroglyphs are ancient rock carvings created by the Ancestral Puebloan people, depicting symbols, animals, and geometric designs. Visitors can hike to the petroglyphs and explore the site to discover the intricate artwork left behind by the ancient inhabitants of the region. The petroglyphs offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the area and provide a unique opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to connect with the past.
Mexican Hat Trading Post
The Mexican Hat Trading Post is a historic landmark dating back to the early 20th century, offering a glimpse into the past of the American Southwest. Visitors can explore the trading post and browse a selection of Native American crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. The trading post is a popular stop for travelers passing through the area, providing a unique shopping experience and a chance to support local artisans.
Mexican Hat Museum
The Mexican Hat Museum showcases the history and culture of the region, featuring exhibits on the geology, archaeology, and Native American heritage of the area. Visitors can learn about the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the region, as well as the natural wonders that make Goosenecks State Park a unique destination. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the rich history of the American Southwest.
San Juan River
The San Juan River flows through Goosenecks State Park, creating the impressive meanders that give the park its name. Visitors can enjoy activities such as rafting, kayaking, and fishing along the river, surrounded by the stunning canyon walls. The river is also a great spot for birdwatching, with various species of birds found along its banks. The San Juan River offers a peaceful and scenic escape for nature lovers.
Muley Point
Muley Point is a scenic overlook near Goosenecks State Park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and the winding San Juan River below. Visitors can hike to the edge of the overlook and marvel at the vast expanse of red rock formations and desert landscape stretching out before them. Muley Point is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset photography, with the changing light creating stunning colors and shadows on the rugged terrain.
Day Trips
Immerse yourself in the iconic landscapes of Monument Valley, a place that has captured the imagination of filmmakers and travelers for generations. This Navajo Tribal Park offers a chance to witness towering sandstone buttes, explore scenic drives like the Valley Drive, and learn about Navajo culture through guided tours. The sheer scale and beauty of the valley are truly breathtaking.
30-45 minutes by car Witness the dramatic power of the San Juan River as it carves its way through the desert landscape at Goosenecks State Park. This park offers stunning panoramic views of the river's entrenched meanders, creating a unique and unforgettable vista. It's a perfect spot for photography and contemplation.
5-10 minutes by car Relive the iconic movie scene at Forrest Gump Hill, the spot where Forrest Gump stopped running. This scenic overlook offers stunning views of the highway stretching into the distance, with Monument Valley as a backdrop. It's a popular spot for photos and a must-see for movie buffs.
20 minutes by car Venture to Muley Point Overlook for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the San Juan River, Monument Valley, and the Valley of the Gods. The drive to the overlook is an adventure in itself, requiring a high-clearance vehicle and offering stunning vistas along the way.
1 hour 30 minutes by car (high-clearance vehicle recommended) Discover the awe-inspiring natural bridges carved by water over millennia at Natural Bridges National Monument. Hike to overlooks to marvel at Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo Bridges, each a testament to the power of nature. The park also offers excellent stargazing opportunities due to its dark skies.
1 hour 45 minutes by car Explore the Valley of the Gods, a hidden gem that rivals Monument Valley in its beauty and serenity. This scenic backcountry area features towering rock formations, mesas, and buttes, offering a more secluded and intimate experience than its more famous neighbor. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for navigating the unpaved roads.
30-45 minutes by car Discover the awe-inspiring power of water at Natural Bridges National Monument. This park boasts three magnificent natural bridges – Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo – carved from sandstone over millennia. Hike to viewpoints overlooking the bridges, learn about their geological formation, and enjoy the dark night skies, perfect for stargazing.
1 hour 30 minutes by car Often called a miniature Monument Valley, the Valley of the Gods offers a more secluded and intimate desert experience. This scenic backcountry area features stunning rock formations, mesas, and buttes, all accessible via a 17-mile dirt road. It's perfect for those seeking solitude and a chance to connect with the raw beauty of the American Southwest. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
30 minutes by car Prepare to be amazed by the power of the San Juan River at Goosenecks State Park. Over millions of years, the river has carved a series of dramatic, winding canyons into the landscape, creating a stunning geological spectacle. The overlook provides panoramic views of the "goosenecks," offering incredible photo opportunities. It's a quick and easy trip for a dose of natural wonder.
10 minutes by car For a truly breathtaking panoramic view, head to Muley Point Overlook. Perched high above the Goosenecks of the San Juan River and Monument Valley in the distance, this spot offers unparalleled vistas of the surrounding landscape. The drive to Muley Point is an adventure in itself, involving a steep and winding dirt road (high-clearance vehicle strongly recommended). The reward is well worth the effort.
1 hour by car (high-clearance vehicle recommended) Relive a classic movie moment at Forrest Gump Hill, the iconic spot where Forrest Gump ended his cross-country run in the movie Forrest Gump. Located along US Highway 163, this scenic viewpoint offers a stunning vista of Monument Valley in the background. It's a popular spot for photos and a fun stop for movie buffs.
20 minutes by car Step into a postcard! Monument Valley, a Navajo Tribal Park, is the quintessential American West landscape. Towering sandstone buttes rise majestically from the desert floor, creating a scene that has graced countless movies and photographs. Explore the valley on a guided tour, learn about Navajo culture, and witness a sunset that will leave you breathless.
30 minutes by car Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
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Goosenecks State Park
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Forrest Gump Hill
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Muley Point Overlook
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Natural Bridges National Monument
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Valley of the Gods
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Natural Bridges National Monument
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Valley of the Gods
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Goosenecks State Park
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Muley Point Overlook
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Forrest Gump Hill
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Monument Valley
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