Near Mexican Hat

Near Mexican Hat

Near Mexican Hat: This small community consists of several trading posts (a place of exchange for Navajo wool and Navajo rugs as well as modern grocery stores) and all visitor services. The name Mexican Hat was derived from the inverted stone sombrero adjacent to the town. Located 22 miles north of the Utah/Arizona border and Monument Valley, Mexican Hat is separated from the Navajo Indian Reservation by the San Juan River.

Goosenecks State Park - An incredible series of tight switchbacks of the San Juan River gives the area its name. It offers the visitor a close-up view of an entrenched river meander, one of the most striking and impressive examples on the North American continent. The 1,500 for deep chasm meanders 6 miles while advancing only 1.5 miles. No water available. 9 miles NW of Mexican Hat off US 163 or U-261 to U-316.

Valley of the Gods - A seventeen mile scenic loop though monuments that resemble a miniature Monument Valley. Considered a photographer's paradise. Check locally for road condition. 8 miles NW of Mexican Hat off US 163. Native surface road.

Moki Dugway/Muley Point - Three miles of graded road carved in the face of a sandstone cliff twists and turns up 1,200 feet to the Mesa above. Overlook at the top gives a breathtaking view of the Valley of the Gods, San Juan River and the distant buttes of Monument Valley. From here go 4 miles to Muley Point for a view comparable to the overlooks at Grand Canyon. 11 miles NW of Mexican Hat. Muley Point road is native surface.