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    Vic C.

    Mexican Hat Rock is outside Monument Valley and nearby Goosenecks State Park, along US 163 that overlooks the San Juan River. In the tiny town of Mexican Hat is this unique, naturally occurring, rock formation that resembles a sombrero with a wide brim right above a narrow head (see my photos). You can hike to the Mexican Hat, however the trail is not well defined (you will walk down a dirt road). There are beautiful views and scenery of the land and you can also see Monument Valley from here. My husband, our little girl dog and I came by here on a Tuesday afternoon, around 3:30 pm and then again a little before 6 pm since we decided to get a photo of our girl wearing a hat with this rock formation in the background (our little girl is pretty easy going and will do things for treats, lol) after visiting Forrest Gump Point that isn't too far from this location. If you are already driving to Monument Valley (or from if you are coming from the other way), it wouldn't hurt to add this to your list of sight seeing.

    Apple S.

    I loved coming to this because it was FREE and I just bought a Jeep so perfect to do some terrain 4x4 driving. It's very hot out there. People camp here it seems as there was barbecue spots. I did not climb up unlike others.

    M B.

    Perplexing and gorgeous . Go see it!! Be prepared to have no cell service. The people in the little town are nice. We stayed in a yurt in Mexican Hat, UT. We could see Mexican Hat Rock from our window when we woke up in the morning. Very cool!

    Sarah C.

    On our way to Monument Valley, we made a photo stop at Mexican Hat Rock in Southeast Utah. It would be good idea to stop here if you are doing the same thing. It's located a few miles north of the small village of Mexican Hat (named after the sombrero-looking formation) and about 25 miles (40 km) north of the Utah/Arizona border. Mexican Hat's 60-foot (18.3 m) diameter cap rock is known to be the oldest being over 300 million years old! Make a stop here. It is very hot, no shade. Take water. There was no trail, I didn't see any. You can take the pic easily. There is no restroom or anything else, so just a roadside attraction with amazing history. This can be seen from quite far away but there is a dirt road that goes from the highway and runs around the formation. It is worth driving up to see it.

    Renee N.

    As we were on our way to Monument Valley, we drove right by this rock formation. It definitely looks like what it's title describes. It is on a census designated place on the San Juan River and borders the Navajo Nation within the San Juan River county. We pulled over and shot a quick picture and then we were on our way. The rock itself takes up about 8.5 miles. It is close to Valley of the Gods park as well as Gooseneck Park is nearby. Not too much more to say except the question remains as to how this structure was created. I suppose lots of wind and erosion over time. This is a fun spot to stop and have a bite, take a pic and move on. I suppose some chips and salsa would be delicious right here!

    Matt T.

    This is a fun-shaped rock that you can easily drive passed and miss if you're not looking for it! I wouldn't go here as the top destination, but if you're near Monument Valley and are looking to enjoy a scenic drive this rock is a fun, silly, almost UFO-like saucer shape that'll make you smile. When you're driving here, be sure to check out Goosenecks State Park right around the corner, a short drive a way.

    Mexican Hat Rock ¡Órale!
    John D.

    (sung to the tune of La Cucaracha) Mexican Hat Rock, Mexican Hat Rock This a review about a Boulder Yes a Boulder, a giant Boulder That was carved out of Bedrock! ¡Olé! This is either the highlight of my Yelp career, or my all-time low―you decide! But, yes, I'm actually reviewing a rock. Not just any rock, mind you, but a giant 60' wide × 12' thick sandstone outcropping that curiously resembles a giant Sombrero! Was it (A) Dropped and left there thousands of years ago by a drunken Rock Monster (B) Aliens trying to communicate with us, or (C) Just a bizarre anomaly of wind and erosion over thousands of years?? Science would have us believe it's (C), but you know how them fancy, know-it-all types are! You and I, we know the truth... We. Know. The. Truth!!! 0_o *Ahem* I digress from the truth ―for the moment― and give you some "facts." Mexican Hat Rock is so (*Trump Voice*) Huuuuuge that there is an 8.5 square mile town surrounding it, and named after it. Well, technically, it's not a town, per se, but a "census-designated place" that has a whole 31(!!) people living there; as of the 2010 census. There are also several hotels/lodges, a Mexican joint, a Steak House―and is noted on the list of "Unusual Place Names" (https://goo.gl/ERjYrI)! How many other rocks can claim that?! Huh?? Suck it, Gibraltar! Located 20 miles from Monument Valley; 13 miles south of Valley of the Gods; 9 miles from Goosenecks State Park and only 6 miles from Alhambra Rock! If any of those places are on your to-do list I highly recommend taking the short drive to Mexican Hat. It's neat, fun and you don't even have to get out of your car! Just beware that the Rock Monster might come back to look for his Sombrero. After all, it is a fine piece of haberdashery, if I do say so myself.

    The rock
    April A.

    A really cool tourist attraction to see while driving through Utah. This rock is shaped like a sombrero, hence the name Mexican Hat Rock. Just one of the many wonders in this great nation of ours...and yes, when we stopped, I took a cheesy selfie with the hat rock in the background. It was a good place to stop, stretch, and take a breather from driving while on the way to Colorado. It really is a neat sight to see.

    Keo N.

    I can't say it was visually impressive. Geologically speaking this is a marvel of nature and a billion to one chance of it happening any where else. I came here in the middle of a warm Spring day and it was not that exciting compared to Monument Valley or Zion. We had a fake 4 wheel drive which enabled us to take on the dirt road so we got closer to this rock without having to hike in the heat. But we almost got stuck not being able to turn around on the dirt road.

    Mexican Hat rock in the distance.
    PatrickJ T.

    I've heard of Mexican Hat because it is an interesting name for a town. On our drive to Monument Valley, I saw what the town was named after. Mexican Hat is actually a 60 foot wide rock which sits on top of a smaller rock. Apparently, many folks thinks it resembles a Mexican Sombrero. Personally, I think it looks more like a mushroom. There is a dirt road off Hwy 163 which leads to the Mexican Hat Rock. Unfortunately, we did not have the time to get closer. Would have been nice to climb that rock (if allowed), and take some pics of the beautiful scenery all around. Oh well, maybe next time. For now, I will have to settle for some pics of the rock from the highway. If you find yourself in this part of the country, you may want to check it out.

    Wearing my Mexican hat

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    4 years ago

    My husband and I were on our way to the Grand Canyon and drove past this rock. My photos at sunset were perfect.

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    Review Highlights - Mexican Hat Rock

    There are beautiful views and scenery of the land and you can also see Monument Valley from here.

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    Mexican Hat Rock - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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