Mexican Hat, Utah Virtual Travel

Mexican Hat

Begin your virtual tour of Mexican Hat, Utah by clicking on any of the above entry points, and follow roads or trails through a network of linked images.

The community of Mexican Hat derives its name from a balanced rock atop a pinnacle next to the town which resembles a Mexican Sombrero. The city lies on the banks of the San Juan River as it passes through the rugged terrain of southeastern Utah. Cliffs drop nearly into the river along much of its passage by Mexican Hat, with the exception of one spot on a bend in the river next to the town. Part of the town occupies this broader area, while part of it is packed into a narrow space between the river and a cliff.

U.S. Highway 163 passes east-west through Mexican Hat, crossing the river here. The population as of 2000 was 88, a marked drop from 259 in 1990. The elevation is 4,130 feet. The Navajo Indian Reservation lies on the other side of the river, and a major portion of Mexican Hat's population is native American. Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods are nearby scenic attractions. The oil field in the area has no doubt been a factor in the town's development.