Mexican Hat
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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
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Mexican Hat Rock
address: Mexican Hat Rock RoadThis rock formation is northeast of the town of Mexican Hat, and this rock formation looks like a hat. Goosenecks State ParkFeatures red rock canyons formed by the flowing of rivers over millennia.
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phone: +1 435-587-1500A park featuring almost Martian landscapes of red sandstone formations
Do
See the gorgeous landscapes nearby. They're worth staying in a town with almost nothing else.
Buy
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Valle's Trading Post
address: 120 US-163
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
Hat Rock InnIt 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.
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phone: +1 435-683-2222address: 100 Main Hwy 163Home of the Swingin' Steak & Beer Garden. Go there for the steaks, and ignore the other food.
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