In your trip along the west coast of the United States, and specifically by Arizona and Utah enjoying the beautiful landscapes Of the national parks, it is important to have various reference places where you can look for accommodation, as it is not nearly as easy as if you travel along the coast.
This is the case, for example, of Kayenta, south of Monument Valley, Y de Kanab, north of the Grand Canyon, and a recommended place to stay if you are going to visit the northern edge of said park (North Rim).
There is also another strategic point that you should take into account when planning your route.
Is Mexican Hat, an enclave located just over half an hour away north of Monument Valley, on route 163.
Located next to the San Juan River, in southern Utah, this scenic enclave gets its name from Mexican Hat by the curious rock formation that is flattened, about 18 meters wide, which emulates a Mexican hat.
Another attraction of Mexican Hat is the possibility of seeing beautiful panoramic views of the Monument Valley on Route 163, between said Navajo Indian Park and the aforementioned enclave.
It is on this route where you can see the famous image of Monument Valley in the background of a long stretch of road.
Also, before reaching Mexican Hat south from Monument Valley you can visit the San Juan River Goosenecks, which is what the canyons and meanders that make up said river are called and allow you to enjoy spectacular landscapes.
I have not visited Mexican Hat, but my son on his trip to the west coast.
According to what my son Carlos tells me, don't expect to find a town, but rather a place with a gas station and three motels nearby.
Among them the most popular is the modest Mexican Hat Lodge, which more than a typical motel is a house with very few rooms.
Specifically, its fame comes from the possibility of dining on steaks with salad prepared on a barbecue.
In addition, dinner is accompanied by music. country performed by the owners of the motel themselves, members of a band of this typical western music.
To see the rocky promontory of Mexican Hat, you must continue a couple of kilometers along the route to the north and you will see it in the distance. To get closer you have to detour along a dirt path.
And if you just want to enjoy the typical panoramic views of Monument Valley, you don't have to get to Mexican Hat. Halfway along Route 163, you can look back and you will find those beautiful landscapes.
In sum, the attractiveness of get to Mexican Hat is to enjoy attractive desert landscapes where you will hardly even see the Navajo Indians, and in an environment that reminds you of scenes from the series Breaking Bad..
Mexican Hat Photos
Here you have more photos of Mexican Hat, southern Utah.
Next October, I am going to do this entire route, this comment and others have been wonderful for me, since I have taken a lot of information, such as motels, etc. Thank you for these forums that help us a lot. From Palma de Mallorca.
I'm glad you found it helpful, Emma, that's the point of the blog.