Mexican Hat - Cedar Mesa
Overview:
Rating: C1 1-Pitch
Length: I
Gear: 50M Rope - Light rack of cams to backup the belay, Quickdraws (10 or so), aiders
Season: Any
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 toward Bluff. Mexican Hat is clearly visible about 2 miles from town. A dirt road leads from the highway to it's base.Route Description:
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.