Mexican Hat Rock lies north of the town and rises above the west bank of the San Juan River. Its shape resembles an upside-down sombrero. For travel planning, three themes can be considered: the distinctive rock formation, the history of Mexican Hat, and the river stretches. This lets you decide in advance which focus best suits your stay.

Oil History on the San Juan

In 1907, Emery Goodridge began drilling for oil on the San Juan. His successful wells sparked an oil boom that contributed to the founding of the town of Mexican Hat. The historical story therefore runs from the drilling to the boom and then the founding of the town—a different way to explore Mexican Hat than the river landscape.

Rock, Highway, and Historic Bridge

Mexican Hat Rock is located on US Highway 163. The US Highway 163 – Arizona Border to Bluff Scenic Byway leads to Mexican Hat; near Mexican Hat, the highway crosses the San Juan River over a historic bridge. Both the rock’s connection to the road and the historic river crossing are useful landmarks for getting your bearings. They relate to different aspects of the trip: the distinctive natural landmark and the Scenic Byway’s connection to the river.

Comparing the Upper and Lower San Juan

The Upper San Juan runs from Sand Island near Bluff to Mexican Hat. Most boaters cover the approximately 27-mile stretch in two to three days. The Lower San Juan begins near Mexican Hat and runs to Clay Hills Crossing; the approximately 57 miles are typically covered in four to five days. The Lower is therefore both longer and associated with a greater time commitment. Before your trip, check the conditions and permit requirements for the relevant stretch.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Mexican Hat, it helps to decide in advance whether the river will be a focus of your trip: the river trips take several days and should be factored into your stay accordingly.

Boat Ramp, Trail, and Climbing Routes

The Mexican Hat site includes a boat ramp and a day-use area. Check current conditions at the site before setting out. Mexican Hat Rock can be reached by a short trail; check local conditions before setting out on foot, too. In addition, two climbing routes lead up to the “Hat.” Check current local climbing conditions before attempting a climb. The trail and climbing routes offer a different way to approach the rock than the multiday river stretches.

Another Road Connection

Nearby, Valley of the Gods Road branches off Highway 163 about 7.5 miles north of Mexican Hat and then connects to Highway 261. Road conditions can vary. Take this into account when planning this route and check current conditions before driving. In addition to the Scenic Byway to Mexican Hat, the location and onward course of this road provide practical orientation.

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

Go to the broader travel overview: San Juan County.