Overview
Mexican Hat is a village in Utah.
3 sights · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Mexican Hat
Mexican Hat Rock
This rock formation is northeast of the town of Mexican Hat, and this rock formation looks like a hat.
Goosenecks State Park
Features red rock canyons formed by the flowing of rivers over millennia.
Valley of the Gods
A park featuring almost Martian landscapes of red sandstone formations
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 24°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Sep. (climate data from nearby Monument Valley)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CEZ Cortez Municipal Airport, Cortez — 69 mi away. Directions
- PGA Page Municipal Airport, Page — 89 mi away. Directions
- ABQ Albuquerque International Sunport, Albuquerque — 233 mi away (major hub). Directions
There's only one road through the village: US-163.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Mexican Hat Rock, Valley of the Gods
- Afternoon Goosenecks State Park
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There are restaurants in the Hat Rock Inn, Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast, and Mexican Hat Lodge. See the "Sleep" section for details. The closest actual supermarkets and other restaurants are probably in the larger towns like Blanding 40+ miles away.
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Mexican Hat is a very small town in San Juan County, Utah about 20 miles from Monument Valley. The town's name comes from a nearby rock formation that looks like a sombrero. There are less than three dozen inhabitants and only the very basic components of a village, including a few inns and restaurants, a gift shop, and a gas station. Nevertheless, it's a useful stop for travelers searching for a place to stay while touring the unearthly beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
Get in
There's only one road through the village: US-163.
Get around
The town is small enough that you can get everywhere on foot.
See
See Mexican Hat Rock
This rock formation is northeast of the town of Mexican Hat, and this rock formation looks like a hat.
See Goosenecks State Park
Features red rock canyons formed by the flowing of rivers over millennia.
Do
See the gorgeous landscapes nearby. They're worth staying in a town with almost nothing else.
Drive the road 261 through the scenic Moki Dugway - literally a road carved into mountain side.
Buy
Shop Valle's Trading Post
Eat
There are restaurants in the Hat Rock Inn, Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast, and Mexican Hat Lodge. See the "Sleep" section for details. The closest actual supermarkets and other restaurants are probably in the larger towns like Blanding 40+ miles away.
Drink
Mexican Hat is not on the nearby Navajo reservation, so it's possible to buy alcohol at the very few restaurants here.
Sleep
Stay Hat Rock Inn
It overlooks the San Juan River. Amenities include a swimming pool, in-room coffee, wifi, micro-fridges, free breakfast, restaurant. Mexican Hat is not on the reservation so beer & alcohol is available along with the freedom to hike the many trails & enjoy the refreshing San Juan River.
There are chain hotels in the larger towns nearby, but they don't have the splendid view you get in Mexican Hat.
Go next
- Monument Valley - Navajo tribal park with a dramatic landscape that was used in many Western films.
- Goosenecks State Park
Nearby
Goosenecks State Park
Park · 4 mi away
Monument Valley
Park · 57 listings · 17 mi away
Natural Bridges National Monument
Park · 6 listings · 32 mi away
Kayenta
City / town · 7 listings · 36 mi away
Blanding
City / town · 4 listings · 39 mi away
Four Corners
Park · 2 listings · 46 mi away
Hovenweep National Monument
Park · 2 listings · 46 mi away
Monticello
City / town · 6 listings · 57 mi away
My experience
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