This spot is a well-known take-out point for white-water runners on the San Juan, a river that vacationing sleuths will recognize as the setting of many of Tony Hillerman's Jim Chee mystery novels. The motel's Southwestern-style, rustic rooms overlooking the river at Mexican Hat are clean and well maintained. Diners can watch the river flow by at the Old Bridge Grill ($-$$), which serves great grilled steaks and juicy hamburgers. Fresh trout and inexpensive Navajo dishes add variety to the menu. Pros: The location on a bluff overlooking the San Juan River. Cons: There's not much to do in Mexican Hat itself besides watching the river roll by.
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