Discover everything you need to know about Forrest Gump Point in Monument Valley, from its major Hollywood connection to how to get there, when to go and where to stay nearby.
When you think of Utah, you probably imagine vast stretches of arid landscape dotted with remarkable rock formations. And you’re not far off, to be quite honest.
With this picture in mind, Forrest Gump Point, on US Highway 163, is a postcard-perfect place to visit in Utah: a long, straight stretch of road with epic views of the buttes of Monument Valley rising ahead of you.
I stopped here on my way to Monument Valley, and it’s well worth pulling over for. Planning a visit? Grab your camera; here’s everything you need to know about one of Utah’s most famous viewpoints.
Why visit Forrest Gump Point, Monument Valley?
To be frank with you, Forrest Gump Point gives you one of the most spectacular views of Monument Valley.
The road runs dead straight towards the red rock formations, which stand tall on the horizon, proudly showing off the USA’s western beauty.
If you’re a film buff, you’ll recognise this spot from the film it’s named after. Forrest Gump stops running on this stretch of US-163, near mile marker 13, and the scene has made it one of the most photographed roads in the country.
Whether you’re a keen photographer or a film fanatic, you should have Forrest Gump Point, Monument Valley, on your USA bucket list. Let’s dive into what you need to know before you go.
Background and information
The first question on many travellers’ minds is, “was the viewpoint named after the film?”
Yes.
Forrest Gump Point marks the spot where, after running for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days and 16 hours, the character Forrest Gump (played by Tom Hanks) finally stops, turns to the crowd following him and says, “I’m pretty tired… I think I’ll go home now.”
Just before he stops, his voiceover reflects on his mother’s advice: “My momma always said, you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on. And I think that’s what my running was all about.”
Don’t worry, though: you don’t need to run across the country to enjoy Forrest Gump Point. Here’s how you can visit.
Planning your visit
Here is some information and a few handy tips to help you plan your trip to Forrest Gump Point.
Location
Forrest Gump Point is on US-163 at around mile marker 13, north of Monument Valley. It’s about 12 to 13 miles (around 15 minutes) south of the small town of Mexican Hat, and about 12 miles (around 20 minutes) north of the Monument Valley Tribal Park visitor centre.
That means you’ll drive past it if you’re coming to Monument Valley from Moab, Bluff or Mexican Hat. If you’re coming from Kayenta or Page in Arizona, you’ll need to drive on past the turning for the tribal park and double back, but it’s a short detour and well worth it.
Search for “Forrest Gump Point” or “Forrest Gump Hill” on Google Maps and it will guide you there. If you prefer coordinates, they’re roughly 37.1015, -109.9908.
Opening times
Since this is simply a stretch of highway in (seemingly) the middle of nowhere, there are no opening or closing times, and it’s free.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend driving this road at night. There are no street lights, and wildlife and livestock can wander onto the road. Besides, who would want to miss out on the view?
Staying safe
This is a working highway with fast traffic, and people have been hurt and killed here while standing in the road for photos. Park only in the pullouts at the side of the road (the Utah Department of Transportation built improved pullouts here in 2016) and obey any no stopping signs.
If you want the classic shot in the middle of the road, keep a lookout on both sides, be quick, and get off the road well before any vehicle approaches. Early morning is usually quietest.
Driving there yourself
The nearest major cities to Forrest Gump Point are Albuquerque and Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital.
Driving yourself is the best way to see this part of the Southwest, as it gives you the freedom to explore and stop wherever the scenery takes your fancy. You’ll need to hire a car.
The drive from Albuquerque takes around five hours and 15 minutes, heading north-west on US-550. From Salt Lake City, it’s about six hours south-east via US-6 and US-191, and from Moab it’s around two and a half hours. From Page in Arizona, allow about two hours and 20 minutes.
On a tour
Because of its location, there aren’t many tours that stop at Forrest Gump Point, so driving yourself is by far the easiest way to see it.
Once you’re in Monument Valley, though, a tour with a Navajo guide is the best way to see more of the valley than the self-drive road allows. This backcountry jeep tour with a Navajo guide takes you into areas you can’t visit alone, and this sunset tour catches the buttes in the best light of the day.
Where to stay
Finding accommodation around Forrest Gump Point is tricky since it’s in the middle of nowhere. But nearby Monument Valley has some wonderful places to stay with unbeatable views.
Goulding’s Lodge
Goulding’s Lodge ticks all the right boxes for accommodation near Forrest Gump Point. It’s about 15 minutes’ drive from the film-famous spot on US-163, just across the road from the tribal park.
The rooms at Goulding’s are spacious, with a TV, private bathroom and a balcony looking out over the valley, and larger rooms and cabins have kitchenettes. It also runs its own Navajo-guided tours of Monument Valley, so you can book everything in one place.
The View Hotel
Inside the tribal park itself, The View Hotel is the only hotel in Monument Valley, and every room has a balcony facing the Mittens and Merrick Butte. It’s perfect for sunrise.
Alternatively, check all accommodation in Monument Valley on Booking.com
Map
Read next
- The best hikes in Monument Valley
- Beautiful places in the US you have to see
- The best things to do in Utah
- The ultimate Arizona road trip itinerary
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