Cities and Towns in San Juan County, Utah

Founded in February 17, 1880, San Juan County is one of 29 counties in the state of Utah. Historically, San Juan County was formed from parts of Kane, Iron, and Piute counties. The city of Monticello is the county seat. With FIPS code of 37, San Juan County has a population of 14,489 and area of 7,820 square miles (20,254 km²).

List of all cities in San Juan County, UT alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Aneth, UT	84510	435
Blanding, UT	84511	435
Bluff, UT	84512	435
Bullfrog, UT	84533	435
Fry Canyon, UT	84533	435
Halls Crossing, UT	84533	435
Hite, UT	84533	435
Irish Green, UT	84533	435
La Sal, UT	84530	435
Lake Powell, UT	84533	435
Mexican Hat, UT	84531	435
Montezuma Creek, UT	84534	435
Monticello, UT	84535	435
Monument Valley, UT	84536	435
Natural Bridges, UT	84533	435
Ticaboo, UT	84533	435
White Mesa, UT	84511	435

Major Cities and Towns in San Juan County, Utah

San Juan County, located in the southeastern corner of Utah, is known for its stunning red rock landscapes, rich Native American history, and rugged outdoor terrain. The county is home to several small towns and rural communities that have developed around agriculture, tourism, and historic landmarks. San Juan County is part of the Navajo Nation, and its history is intertwined with the Native American culture, as well as the Mormon pioneer settlement. The county is a gateway to outdoor adventures, with close proximity to national parks and monuments, including the iconic Monument Valley. Below are some of the major cities and towns in San Juan County.

Monticello

Area

• 3.1 square miles

Population

• Approximately 2,000

Zip Codes

• 84535

Latitude and Longitude

• Latitude: 37.8810° N
• Longitude: 109.3555° W

City Location and History

Monticello is located in the southeastern part of San Juan County, Utah, nestled at the foot of the Abajo Mountains. It was founded in 1887 by Mormon settlers and named after Thomas Jefferson’s home in Virginia. Monticello served as a center of agriculture in the region, with early settlers focusing on farming and ranching. Over time, the town became known for its proximity to outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and camping in the nearby Manti-La Sal National Forest. Monticello is also located near several important archaeological sites and national parks, including the natural wonders of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Today, the town serves as a hub for visitors heading to these attractions and remains a small, rural community focused on agriculture and tourism.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Monticello is served by the San Juan School District, with Monticello High School, Monticello Middle School, and several elementary schools providing education for the local community. The town is known for its beautiful setting, with views of the surrounding mountains and the iconic “Blue Mountains.” Notable landmarks include the San Juan County Historical Museum, which showcases the area’s pioneer and Native American history, and the nearby Slickrock Trail, popular among off-road enthusiasts. Monticello is also located near the entrance to the Bear’s Ears National Monument, which is renowned for its sacred Native American sites and scenic beauty. The town serves as a gateway for visitors exploring the natural beauty and history of southeastern Utah.

Blanding

Area

• 3.0 square miles

Population

• Approximately 3,400

Zip Codes

• 84511

Latitude and Longitude

• Latitude: 37.2963° N
• Longitude: 109.4753° W

City Location and History

Blanding is situated in the southeastern part of San Juan County, surrounded by the rugged landscapes of southern Utah. The town was founded in 1888 and named after the military officer and explorer, Captain Blanding. The town originally grew as a supply center for nearby mining and agricultural operations. Over time, Blanding became known as a regional hub for government services and transportation in San Juan County. Today, the town is known for its proximity to several national parks, including Monument Valley, and its location near Native American lands. Blanding also serves as the center for many historic and archaeological sites, including ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. Its history is deeply intertwined with the cultural significance of the Navajo Nation and other Native American tribes in the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Blanding is served by the San Juan School District, with Blanding Elementary School, Albert R. Lyman Middle School, and San Juan High School offering education to the area. The town is also home to the Utah State University Southeast campus, which provides higher education opportunities to the local community. Blanding’s landmarks include the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, which features an impressive collection of ancient Native American artifacts, and the nearby Natural Bridges National Monument, famous for its breathtaking rock formations. The town is located near the Blue Mountains, a popular destination for hiking, camping, and outdoor exploration. Blanding serves as a gateway to the vast and varied landscapes of the American Southwest.

Bluff

Area

• 1.6 square miles

Population

• Approximately 300

Zip Codes

• 84512

Latitude and Longitude

• Latitude: 37.3864° N
• Longitude: 109.5409° W

City Location and History

Bluff is a small town located along the San Juan River in the southeastern part of San Juan County. It was established in 1880 by Mormon settlers, who originally founded it as a strategic trading post along the river. The town was named after the towering cliffs that surround the area, creating a dramatic and picturesque setting. Historically, Bluff was a crucial supply stop for travelers heading to the Utah Territory and the surrounding regions. Over the years, it has evolved from a remote trading post into a popular destination for tourists exploring the region’s rich Native American heritage, scenic landscapes, and archaeological sites. Today, Bluff retains much of its pioneer charm and serves as a gateway to Monument Valley, as well as the surrounding national parks.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bluff is served by the San Juan School District, with Bluff Elementary School being the primary educational institution in the town. The town is also near the Navajo Mountain School, which serves the surrounding communities. Bluff is known for its historical landmarks, including the Bluff Fort Historic Site, which preserves the original Mormon pioneer settlement. Other notable landmarks include the nearby Comb Ridge, a geological feature famous for its prehistoric petroglyphs and ancient ruins, and the nearby Muley Point, which offers panoramic views of Monument Valley and the surrounding desert landscape. Bluff’s location along the San Juan River makes it a popular base for outdoor activities such as rafting, hiking, and photography, particularly in the nearby Bears Ears National Monument.

Mexican Hat

Area

• 1.4 square miles

Population

• Approximately 100

Zip Codes

• 84531

Latitude and Longitude

• Latitude: 37.0651° N
• Longitude: 109.9814° W

City Location and History

Mexican Hat is a tiny, unincorporated community located just north of Monument Valley, near the Utah-Arizona border. It is named after the distinctive rock formation, Mexican Hat Rock, which resembles a sombrero and stands as the town’s most famous landmark. The town was originally established in the early 20th century as a small trading post and stopover for travelers and ranchers. Over time, Mexican Hat grew as a small community centered around tourism and outdoor recreation, particularly with its proximity to Monument Valley and other iconic southwestern landmarks. Today, Mexican Hat remains a small and peaceful town that serves as a starting point for visitors exploring the natural wonders of southeastern Utah.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mexican Hat is part of the San Juan School District, with students attending schools in nearby Blanding. As a small town, it does not have its own school facilities but is home to several accommodations and restaurants catering to tourists. The town’s most iconic landmark is Mexican Hat Rock, a unique geological formation that draws photographers and visitors from around the world. Additionally, the town is located near the famous Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which features some of the most recognizable rock formations in the American Southwest. Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and photography are popular among visitors, and the area is known for its stunning desert landscapes and proximity to several Native American cultural sites.