Mexican Hat Utah Vacations, Hotels, Lodging

Mexican Hat, Utah is a small community in a large landscape. Located just north of Monument Valley, on the San Juan River, the natural world holds great presence in this place. Even the town's unique name was inspired by the landscape. Just north of town stands a rock formation reminiscent of an overturned sombrero. This rock is one of many points of interest near Mexican Hat.

Discover Mexican Hat… Places to explore within 20 miles of town

Goosenecks State Park

Goosenecks State Park offers a great view of the San Juan River as it winds through a series of serpentine curves one thousand feet below. Admission to this state park is free and camping is allowed.

To get to Goosenecks State Park from Mexican Hat drive north on highway 163 approximately 4 miles. Turn left onto route 261 for 1 mile. Turn left again onto route 316, the park is 4 miles down this road.

Mulley Point Overlook

Located along the spine of Cedar Mesa and at the rim of the San Juan River, Mulley Point Overlook grants visitors sweeping views of southern Utah and northern Arizona. From this spectacular location watch the San Juan River as it flows more than one thousand feet below you. Cast your gaze upon the red rock towers and mesas of Monument Valley further in the distance. Take in the quiet peace of this remote site. Camping is allowed.

From Mexican Hat drive north on highway 163 approximately 4 miles, turn left onto route 261. Follow route 261 for approximately 9 miles, the road will become quite steep. After a series of switch backs turn left onto Mulley Point Road. The lookout is 5 miles down this road.

Float the San Juan River

Kayak or raft the San Juan River on your own or hire a guide. Access the river at the Lower San Juan BLM boat ramp in Mexican Hat. The nearest take out is 57 miles downstream at Clay Hills Crossing. This stretch of river can be floated in as little as two days though most people choose a more leisurely pace taking three to five days. This particular stretch of river is rated for intermediate paddlers and has up to class 3 rapids. The best time of year for this float is late spring through early summer. A BLM permit is required.

Mexican Hat and Beyond…

Natural Bridges National Monument

Some of the West's most astounding land bridges have been preserved at Natural Bridges NationalMonument, approximately forty miles north of Mexican Hat.

Monument Valley

This picturesque desert, scattered with red sandstone towers and mesas, has become an icon of the American Southwest.

Valley of the Gods

Just north of Mexican Hat lies Valley of the Gods. Reminiscent of a miniature Monument Valley, this is a place not to miss. A rough dirt road winds through the landscape, offering adventure and beauty to travelers that choose to go this way.

Driving Directions to Mexican Hat from Moab, UT

Drive south on highway 191 to Bluff, UT. Once in Bluff, follow Main Street through downtown, it will become highway 163. Stay on route 163 until you reach Mexican Hat. Approximate driving distance 125 miles. Approximate driving time just over 2 hours, though there are several spectacular points of interest along the way, so you may want to allocate more time.