Mexican Hat: Rock, River and History

Mexican Hat combines an unusual rock formation with the San Juan River and a local history that began along the river. The town’s name also refers to the distinctive Mexican Hat Rock: its shape resembles an upside-down sombrero. Historical traces, the river and a road leading to the town give your trip several possible focuses. As you plan, consider whether you mainly want to explore the rocky landscape, learn more about how the town came to be, or set aside time for a river trip.

Rock Formation and Local History

Mexican Hat Rock lies north of town along US Highway 163 and rises above the western bank of the San Juan River in southeastern Utah. Its unusual silhouette resembles an upside-down sombrero, making the rock a distinctive feature of the landscape. Mexican Hat Rock is accessible by a short trail. Two climbing routes lead to the “Hat.” If you plan to hike or climb, check local conditions in advance.

Mexican Hat’s history is also connected to the San Juan. In 1907, Emery Goodridge began drilling for oil there. His successful drilling triggered an oil boom that contributed to the town’s founding. The landscape thus also offers a glimpse into a specific episode in local history: the person, year and economic boom all played a part in its development.

Two River Sections with Different Time Requirements

The Upper San Juan runs from Sand Island near Bluff to Mexican Hat. Most boaters cover the roughly 27-mile stretch in two to three days. The Lower San Juan begins near Mexican Hat and runs to Clay Hills Crossing. The roughly 57-mile stretch typically takes four to five days. The sections therefore differ not only in length, but also in the time usually required: the Lower San Juan generally means spending more days on the water.

These stretches give Mexican Hat different roles in trip planning: the Upper San Juan ends in town, while the Lower begins nearby. If you plan a river trip, first choose the section that fits your itinerary and plan the length of your stay accordingly. Check conditions and applicable permit information before setting out. The Mexican Hat Site includes a boat ramp and a day-use area; also check conditions at the site before departure.

Road and Directions

The US Highway 163 – Arizona Border to Bluff Scenic Byway leads to Mexican Hat. Near Mexican Hat, the route crosses the San Juan River on a historic bridge. The bridge links navigation along the byway with a distinctive river crossing. For another road option nearby, Valley of the Gods Road branches off Highway 163 about 7.5 miles north of Mexican Hat and then connects with Highway 261. Road conditions may vary.

Plan Your Stay to Suit Your Trip

Whether you choose the town as a destination for its rock formation and history or as part of a multi-day river trip changes the timing of your visit. When searching for a vacation rental in Mexican Hat, it helps to first decide which experiences you want to shape your stay and how much time to set aside for them. If the river stretch is your main focus, you can use the typical trip times for each section as a guide; if local history and the rock are your priorities, plan your stay around your other travel plans. This makes it possible to tailor the length of your stay to your personal itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Oljato-Monument Valley, La Sal, Spanish Valley, Monticello, Blanding.

Back to the regional travel overview: San Juan County.