The small town of Mexican Hat is named after a nearby rock formation that resembles a sombrero.
Mexican Hat is about 25 miles north of Monument Valley. We had toured Monument Valley a few months ago so we passed by this time, however our visit is detailed here.
Instead we chose to go to the less visited, but just as impressive Valley of the Gods, which is about 30 miles north of Monument Valley.
As with Monument Valley you travel throughout the area on a bumpy dirt and gravel road, only with far less traffic. Other than a few campers, we only saw a couple of other vehicles during our visit.
We arrived just after dawn, which provided great lighting.
If you want to get away from the crowds and still experience an amazing natural setting head on up to Valley of the Gods after your Monument Valley visit.
RDZ Photography 