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Mexican Hat is a tiny village in southeast Utah on the border of Navajo Nation.
Introduction to Mexican Hat, Utah
There’s nothing to see in the town itself, but it makes a great base for visiting places like Monument Valley, Goosenecks State Park, the San Juan River, Valley of the Gods, and other natural places. They’re all within a short drive. The small village, which has a total area of 8.5 square miles (22 square kilometers), has seen a sharp decline in population over the last few decades.
Mexican Hat Rock
The village is named for the interesting sombrero-shaped rock formation on the edge of town. It’s 60 feet (18 meters) wide and 12 feet (3.7 meters) high. If you drive north on US-163, there’s a turn down a gravel road that takes you to a good spot to view the rock. There are a couple rock climbing routes to the top if you’re interested.
Where to Stay in Mexican Hat
We spent one night in town.
San Juan Inn
We stayed the night at the San Juan Inn after visiting Monument Valley. The hotel has spacious rooms and a friendly staff. The hotel is connected to a general store and a decent restaurant. The price is a bit high for what you get, but it serves its purpose as a comfortable place to stay the night, especially since there aren’t many other choices around.
Where to Eat in Mexican Hat
We grabbed a couple meals at the hotel restaurant.
Olde Bridge Grille
Our dinner and breakfast were at the Olde Bridge Grille. This is the restaurant next to the hotel. They serve American as well as local Navajo dishes. I had a delicious Navajo taco for dinner.
