Mexican Hat, Utah, United States Guide
If your travel compass is pointing towards the dramatic landscapes of the American Southwest, Mexican Hat is likely to appear on your map, often as a captivating pit stop or a strategic launchpad. This tiny Utah community is named after its iconic sombrero-shaped rock formation, a geological marvel that truly lives up to its moniker. Beyond the namesake, Mexican Hat serves as an unofficial gateway to some of the region's most breathtaking vistas, including the legendary Monument Valley just to the south, and the equally stunning, though less trafficked, Valley of the Gods right on its doorstep. It's a place where the red rock truly speaks, inviting you to slow down and absorb the vastness. For those eager to explore, scenic drives like the Moki Dugway, with its unpaved switchbacks carved into the cliff face, offer unforgettable perspectives, while the nearby Goosenecks State Park provides a dizzying view of the San Juan River's entrenched meanders. The area is steeped in the rich cultural heritage of the Navajo Nation, whose lands border Mexican Hat, offering a profound sense of place that resonates through the landscape. However, it's important to set expectations: Mexican Hat is a very small settlement, more of a hamlet than a bustling town. Amenities are sparse, limited to a few motels and eateries, and gas stations. Think of it as a place to rest and refuel, not a destination brimming with shops or nightlife. Planning ahead for supplies, especially food and water, is highly recommended, as true isolation and a deep connection to nature are the real attractions here.
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
Muley Point Overlook
Muley Point Overlook offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding canyons, including Monument Valley and the San Juan River. It is a popular spot for photography, hiking, and stargazing. The overlook is a great place to witness the beauty of the Utah landscape and is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Moki Dugway
Moki Dugway is a steep, unpaved switchback road that descends 1,200 feet in just three miles, offering thrilling views of the surrounding valley and rock formations. Visitors can drive or bike down the winding road to experience the dramatic landscape from a unique vantage point. The road is not recommended for large vehicles or those with a fear of heights, but it provides an exhilarating adventure for those seeking a scenic drive in the desert.
Muley Point Overlook
Muley Point Overlook offers panoramic views of the San Juan River, Monument Valley, and the Valley of the Gods from a high vantage point on Cedar Mesa. Visitors can drive to the overlook and enjoy stunning sunrise and sunset views of the surrounding red rock landscape. The overlook is a popular spot for photography and birdwatching in this remote and scenic area.
Valley of the Gods
Valley of the Gods is a scenic drive through a stunning red rock landscape with towering sandstone formations. Visitors can explore the area by car or on foot, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons and buttes. The valley offers a peaceful and remote setting for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers to enjoy.
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.
Moki Dugway
Moki Dugway is a steep, unpaved switchback road that descends 1,200 feet in just three miles down the face of Cedar Mesa. The road offers breathtaking views of the Valley of the Gods, Monument Valley, and the surrounding red rock landscape. Visitors can drive or bike this thrilling road for an unforgettable adventure and stunning panoramic vistas.
Goosenecks State Park
Goosenecks State Park overlooks a deep meander of the San Juan River, where the river has carved a series of tight loops or goosenecks into the landscape. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the river from the overlooks, hike along the rim, and camp in this remote and rugged desert park. The park offers unparalleled views of the river's winding path through the canyon.
Valley of the Gods Scenic Drive
The Valley of the Gods Scenic Drive offers breathtaking views of red rock formations, towering buttes, and stunning desert landscapes. Visitors can drive through the valley and stop at various viewpoints to take in the natural beauty of the area. This drive is perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Valley of the Gods
Valley of the Gods is a scenic sandstone valley with towering rock formations that resemble castles and cathedrals. Visitors can drive or hike through the valley to admire the stunning red rock scenery and unique geological formations. The area offers opportunities for photography, camping, and stargazing, providing a peaceful and remote escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Goosenecks State Park
Goosenecks State Park is known for its spectacular views of the deep meanders of the San Juan River as it winds through the desert landscape. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the river below and the surrounding cliffs from the overlooks in the park. This natural wonder is a great spot for photography and picnicking.
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.
Valley of the Gods
Valley of the Gods is a scenic sandstone valley with towering red rock formations that resemble castles, cathedrals, and other unique shapes. Visitors can drive the 17-mile loop road through the valley to admire the stunning rock formations and enjoy hiking, photography, and camping in this remote and beautiful desert landscape.
Mexican Hat Rock
Mexican Hat Rock is a distinctive sandstone formation resembling a sombrero perched precariously on a narrow base. Visitors can view this unique rock formation from various viewpoints along the highway or take a short hike to get a closer look. The rock is a popular spot for photography and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
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.
Mexican Hat Rock
Mexican Hat Rock is a unique sandstone formation resembling a sombrero perched precariously on the edge of a cliff. This iconic landmark is a popular photo spot and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Visitors can marvel at the natural wonder of Mexican Hat Rock and explore the area's geological features.
Moki Dugway
The Moki Dugway is a thrilling and scenic drive that descends 1,100 feet down a steep gravel road with hairpin turns and breathtaking views of the Valley of the Gods below. This adventurous route offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape and is a must-visit for adrenaline junkies and photography enthusiasts.
Day Trips
Step back in time at Bluff Fort Historic Site, a living history museum that tells the story of the Hole-in-the-Rock Expedition. Learn about the Mormon pioneers who braved treacherous terrain to settle this remote corner of Utah. Explore reconstructed buildings, interact with costumed interpreters, and gain a deeper understanding of the region's history.
1 hour drive Discover the hidden gem of Valley of the Gods, a secluded landscape of sandstone buttes and mesas that rivals Monument Valley in its beauty. Explore the valley on a scenic drive along a dirt road, encountering unique rock formations and enjoying the solitude of the desert. This is a great alternative to Monument Valley if you want to avoid the crowds.
20-minute drive Venture to Muley Point Overlook for panoramic views of the San Juan River canyonlands, including Monument Valley in the distance. This remote viewpoint offers a breathtaking perspective on the vastness of the desert landscape. The drive to Muley Point is on a graded dirt road, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
1 hour drive Stand in four states at once at the Four Corners Monument, the only place in the United States where four state corners meet: Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. Take a photo straddling the state lines, and browse the Native American crafts and souvenirs available at the monument.
1 hour 30-minute drive Witness the dramatic power of the San Juan River as it carves its way through the desert landscape at Goosenecks State Park. Marvel at the deeply entrenched meanders of the river, creating a stunning panorama of geological formations. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the canyon, or capture the sunset as it paints the rocks in vibrant hues.
5-minute drive Explore the stunning natural bridges carved by water over millennia at Natural Bridges National Monument. Hike to overlooks of Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo Bridges, each offering a unique perspective on these geological wonders. Learn about the ancestral Puebloan people who once inhabited this area, and enjoy the dark night skies perfect for stargazing.
1 hour 30-minute drive Immerse yourself in the iconic landscapes of Monument Valley, a region of towering sandstone buttes that have been featured in countless Western films. Explore the park on a guided tour led by Navajo guides, learning about the history, culture, and geology of this sacred land. Capture breathtaking photographs of the Mittens, Merrick Butte, and other famous formations.
30-minute drive Bluff Fort Historic Site
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Valley of the Gods
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Muley Point Overlook
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Four Corners Monument
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Goosenecks State Park
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Natural Bridges National Monument
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Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
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