Mexican Hat
a balancing-rock town on the San Juan River
Mexican Hat is one of the places Roamward flags on the Monument Valley (US-163) because it gives the drive its texture: a balancing-rock town on the San Juan River. Use it as a planned pull-over instead of letting the route become a blur between towns.
How it fits the drive
The Monument Valley runs Mexican Hat, UT → Kayenta, AZ. The most iconic straightaway in the West.
Nearby route stops
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park — the 17-mile valley drive among the buttes (Monument Valley)
- Goosenecks State Park — a nearby spur to entrenched river meanders (Monument Valley)
Conditions, access, parking, fees, weather, and seasonal closures can change quickly on scenic routes. Check the managing agency or local visitor information before committing to a side stop.
Build a trip around Monument Valley stops like this.
Roamward turns spots like this into a real road trip on your phone — the scenic drive, the stops, and the detours, planned around the vibe you’re after. Get early access: