Mexican Hat Rock Utah
A unique, sombrero-shaped rock formation in Utah, offering a quick and iconic roadside photo opportunity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, stunning colors
Mexican Hat Rock Utah
Best Time
Magical light, stunning colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique, sombrero-shaped rock formation in Utah, offering a quick and iconic roadside photo opportunity.
"It is worth it! No fee for this attraction."
Binoculars for Detail
Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the rock's intricate details from the pull-over spots. :binoculars:
Golden Hour Magic
The rock formation is especially stunning during golden hour. Plan your visit accordingly! :sunrise: :sunset:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Sombrero
Northeast edge of Mexican Hat town
A unique, flattened sombrero-shaped rock balanced atop a narrow base. A true geological wonder!
Valley of the Gods
Near Mexican Hat, Utah
A stunning landscape of buttes and spires, often compared to a smaller Monument Valley.
Golden Hour Views
Mexican Hat Rock
Experience the rock formation bathed in magical light during sunrise or sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Stop, Big Impact
Beyond the Rock
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Binoculars for Detail
Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the rock's intricate details from the pull-over spots. :binoculars:
Golden Hour Magic
The rock formation is especially stunning during golden hour. Plan your visit accordingly! :sunrise: :sunset:
Valley of the Gods Drive
Consider a 4x4 for the 17-mile scenic dirt road through Valley of the Gods. :offroad:
Roadside Attraction
Easily visible from the highway with multiple pull-over spots for quick photos. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Binoculars for Detail
Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the rock's intricate details from the pull-over spots. :binoculars:
Golden Hour Magic
The rock formation is especially stunning during golden hour. Plan your visit accordingly! :sunrise: :sunset:
Valley of the Gods Drive
Consider a 4x4 for the 17-mile scenic dirt road through Valley of the Gods. :offroad:
Roadside Attraction
Easily visible from the highway with multiple pull-over spots for quick photos. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Mexican Hat Rock to be a unique and worthwhile roadside attraction, especially when visiting nearby areas like Monument Valley or Valley of the Gods. The rock's distinctive sombrero shape is a highlight, and many appreciate the easy accessibility and lack of an entrance fee. The surrounding landscapes, particularly during golden hour, are also frequently praised.
"If you’re in the area to visit Monument Valley or Valley Of The Gods, take the ride to this nearby attraction. It is worth it! No fee for this attraction."
G Newt
"Mexican Hat Rock it’s balanced rock formation, resembling a sombrero with wide brim jutting above a narrow head. The rock is about 60 feet wide and 12 feet tall. In this area there is also primitive camping for a fee that has to be payed on line (the sign for that is at the entrance)."
Maria Rominger (Threedogsandacatrv)
"Can see from the highway. Multiple pull-over spots. Bring binoculars to appreciate this balancing rock!"
Cheers To You Inc
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mexican Hat Rock is conveniently located right off U.S. Highway 163, just east of the town of Mexican Hat, Utah. There are multiple pull-over spots directly accessible from the highway, making it an easy stop for any road trip through the region.
While often visited in conjunction with Monument Valley, Mexican Hat Rock is a separate geological formation located near the town of Mexican Hat, Utah, a short drive from Monument Valley.
Yes, you can drive directly to Mexican Hat Rock. It's a roadside attraction with easy access from the highway.
The nearest major airports are typically in Phoenix, Arizona, or Salt Lake City, Utah, both of which require a significant drive to reach Mexican Hat.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no fee to view Mexican Hat Rock itself. It's a natural roadside attraction.
Mexican Hat Rock is accessible at any time, as it's an outdoor roadside attraction. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best viewing experience.
While there have been recorded rock climbing routes on the formation in the past, it's generally not recommended or permitted for casual visitors due to its delicate nature and safety concerns.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The light casts a warm glow on the rock, highlighting its unique shape and the surrounding landscape.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the rock in its environment and a telephoto lens or binoculars to zoom in on details.
Absolutely! The surrounding area, including Valley of the Gods, offers numerous breathtaking photo opportunities with buttes, spires, and vast desert landscapes. 
🎫 🏞️ Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the scenic Valley of the Gods, often called a 'mini Monument Valley,' Goosenecks State Park with its dramatic river bends, and the Moki Dugway, a scenic unpaved road.
Yes, Valley of the Gods is highly recommended for its stunning buttes and spires, offering a less crowded but equally impressive experience compared to Monument Valley.
Primitive camping is available in the area, but reservations and payment must be made online.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for more adventure, consider a drive through Valley of the Gods. While the 17-mile dirt road can be bumpy, it offers incredible scenery that can captivate younger travelers. Pack snacks and water, and be prepared for a more rugged experience if you venture onto the dirt roads.
🚗 Road Trippers
Combine your stop with a drive through the nearby Valley of the Gods for an extended scenic experience. This area is perfect for those who love dramatic landscapes and want to capture stunning photos without the crowds of more famous national parks. Don't forget to check out Goosenecks State Park for a different perspective on the San Juan River.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Mexican Hat Rock
+1The 'hat' itself is composed of sandstone and is approximately 60 feet wide and 12 feet tall. It sits atop a talus cone, a slope formed by accumulated rock debris. The contrast between the flat, wide caprock and the narrower base creates a visually striking and precarious-looking balance, making it a popular subject for photographers and a point of interest for geology enthusiasts.
+1Exploring Valley of the Gods
+1The primary way to explore Valley of the Gods is via a 17-mile graded dirt road. While suitable for passenger cars in dry conditions, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially after rain, to navigate the terrain comfortably and safely. The drive winds through the heart of the valley, providing continuous panoramic views of the unique geological formations.
+1This scenic drive is perfect for those seeking solitude and stunning desert vistas. It’s a fantastic opportunity for photography, hiking short trails to get closer to the formations, or simply enjoying the vastness of the Utah landscape. Many visitors combine a stop at Mexican Hat Rock with an exploration of Valley of the Gods for a comprehensive taste of the region's natural beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit