Forrest Gump Point

🏜️ Forrest Gump Point The Iconic Scenic Stop on US-163 If you’ve ever dreamed of standing where Forrest Gump stopped running this is it. The exact movie spot from the 1994 film lies on a stretch of US-163 just north of Monument Valley, offering one of the most cinematic desert views in the Southwest. The road stretches endlessly toward towering red mesas, creating that perfect shot you’ve seen in countless travel magazines and movie scenes. It’s easy to find look for the blue highway sign “Forrest Gump Hill Scenic View Area Next 1 Mile.” There’s plenty of space to pull over safely on the shoulder and wait for a car-free moment to capture your photo or re-create the famous running scene. The lighting is best at sunrise or late afternoon, when the mesas glow in deep red tones and the road reflects the desert light beautifully. Tip: there are several viewpoints along this one-mile stretch worth stopping at start from the top of the hill when coming from the north, then move downhill for wider Monument Valley backdrops. ⚠️ A small word of caution occasionally locals may approach asking for money or donations. It’s best to stay alert and keep valuables inside the vehicle. Still, this place remains a must-see peaceful, cinematic and truly unforgettable. 📸🏜️🇺🇸

Visited at sunrise on a Monday in December and it was still busy. If its busy now, I can only imagine what its like in the summer. I arrived about 30 minutes before official sunrise to find a good spot to photograph from, and people pulled in right behind me and constantly walked in front of me even though I was off the side of the road in the bushes. Expect lots of people, cars flying by over the speed limit, and a lot of inconsiderate people. BUT the view is absolutely gorgeous when the sun starts to rise, monument valley lights up and comes to life making for excellent photos. Get creative, find a spot off to the side, and enjoy the views.

​A Must-Stop: The Magic of Forrest Gump Point! ​If you are driving along Highway 163, stopping here is an absolute must. It’s not just a spot on the map; it’s an incredible visual experience that makes you feel like you’re right inside the movie. ​Why this place is so special: ​Cinematic Views: The perspective of the road stretching toward Monument Valley is breathtaking. Photos don’t do justice to the sheer scale of the landscape. ​Best Lighting: For the best shots, try to arrive at sunrise. The morning sun illuminates the rock formations perfectly from behind you. At sunset, the monuments will be backlit (in shadow), which is also beautiful but offers a different vibe. ​Photography Tip: Use a telephoto lens if you have one to "compress" the road and make the buttes look even more massive in your photos! ​Safety Note: This is an active highway (Mile Marker 13). Please be careful and use the gravel pullouts on the side of the road. No photo is worth a risk, so stay alert for oncoming traffic! ​Quick Tips for your visit: ​GPS Coordinates: 37.101445, -109.990812 ​Best Time: Early morning (less traffic and better light). ​Fee: It’s free! It is located outside the official Tribal Park boundaries.