trips / utah/ cedar mesa

Hype

Beautiful, unique, unforgettable. Mexican Hat, easily visible from the highway, is a great aid climbing adventure. A short approach, easy climbing, and impressive summit make for a fun outing.

Trailhead

From Mexican Hat, Utah, head out of town on the highway towardBluff. Mexican Hat is clearly visible about 2 miles from town. A dirt road leads from the highway to it's base.

Route

Scramble up the the base. There are several different paths, but the easiest is class 4. Once under the looming hat, find the obvious bolt ladder heading out and up.

Note: In 2003, the bolts were in rather poor condition. Bring a light rack of cams to create a belay at the base.

Head out the bolts. The first bolt requires either a stick clip, or shoulder stand to clip. Hanging under the hat is an exposed and airy position! 7 or 8 clips later will find you on the unique summit. It is large and flat, a great place to hangout and enjoy the views.

Due to it's extreme overhanging nature, your second is much better off just re-climbing it, rather than trying to jug and clean it.

Photos (click on photo for more detail)

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