Forrest Gump Point Utah: Exact Location, Directions & Photo Tips
February 2025, Updated September 2026
If you’ve ever watched Forrest Gump, you probably remember the scene where Forrest suddenly stops running after crossing the country for more than three years. That famous scene was filmed along Highway 163 near Monument Valley—and you can visit the exact location known as Forrest Gump Point.
We stopped here during our campervan road trip through Utah, and the view of Monument Valley from the highway is even more impressive in person. Forrest Gump Point is free to visit and makes an easy roadside stop, but there are a few things you should know before you go—especially when it comes to taking that famous photo safely.
Below I’ll share the exact location, where to park, what to expect, photo tips, and other things to do near Forrest Gump Point and Monument Valley.
Where Is Forrest Gump Point?
Location: Mile Marker 13 on Highway 163, south of Mexican Hat. GPS coordinates: 37.101445, -109.990812.
Cost: Free
Parking: Roadside pull-offs
Time needed: 15–30 minutes
Best for: Photography, movie fans, Monument Valley views
Closest community: Mexican Hat, Utah
pic: capegazette.com. This image presents that scene in the movie where Forrest Gump stopped running.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The reviews of the items in this article are based on my own opinions, and I only recommend products, tours, or accommodations that I have personally used or would use during my own travels. Disclosure policy
Planning a Trip to Forrest Gump Point & Monument Valley?
Find a Place to Stay Near Monument Valley → Booking.com
Explore Monument Valley Tours →
Things to Do in Moab → 4×4 UTV Moab Hell’s Revenge Tour
Our Month-Long U.S. Road Trip → U.S. Road trip itinerary
How to Take the Famous Forrest Gump Point Photo Safely
Forrest Gump Point is located in the beautiful Monument Valley. There are pull offs on each side of the highway for you to park. You will know you are there when you see the multiple cars pulled off the side of the road. WARNING: I would encourage you to exercise caution as there are fast-moving cars on the highway. It is not recommended that you stand in the middle of the road for pictures as vehicles speed back and forth, it becomes imperative to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. The breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and rock formations make this spot enchanting, but safety should remain your top priority. When we were there, a car was driving faster toward us as we stood in the road, we felt he was trying to hit us or was mad we were in the highway. Luckily everyone there was kind and watching out for others, so we got out of the way quick enough.
Visit Utah recommends taking photos from the shoulder rather than standing in the highway. You can still get an incredible Monument Valley backdrop from the roadside pull-off. The photo below was taken from the parking area and shows how beautiful the view is without standing in traffic.
Learn from our mistake: bring a tripod and take the photo from the pull-off.
Driving Highway 163 to Forrest Gump Point
Keep your eyes on the scenery as you drive Highway 163 toward Forrest Gump Point. During our drive, we even spotted this dust devil along the highway!
Where to Stay Near Forrest Gump Point
There are a few hotel options in the Monument Valley area for you to consider for accommodations. I have provided a few options below or you can use my booking.com or VRBO links to search for options that work for you. Prefer to camp in Utah? Check out our favorite places to camp in Utah.
Looking for a place to stay nearby? This lodge is close to Monument Valley.
With a restaurant, terrace, and indoor swimming pool, you are sure to spend a relaxing evening watching the sunset at this lodge.
This highly popular resort is only 40-minutes from Monument Valley. Enjoy beautiful mountain views and an indoor swimming pool with amazing views. Some cottages provide a full kitchen as well
Visiting Monument Valley After Forrest Gump Point
Forrest Gump Point offers an incredible view toward Monument Valley, but it is located outside Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. During our road trip, we stopped at Forrest Gump Point for the iconic view and photos before continuing on, so we did not enter the tribal park on this trip.
If you have more time than we did, you can continue to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park to explore the landscape up close. One of the most popular ways to see the park is along the 17-mile Valley Drive, a dirt-road loop that winds past some of Monument Valley's famous sandstone formations. The road can be rough and sandy, so be sure to check current road conditions and vehicle restrictions before your visit.
Because we were traveling in our campervan, this is something I would pay particular attention to when planning a return trip. Navajo Nation Parks currently prohibits RVs, camper vans and motorcycles on the Valley Drive, so travelers with these vehicles will need to make other arrangements to explore beyond the main visitor areas. I like to carry my traction boards with me as we travel for situations where there is a possibility of getting stuck in sand.
Another option is to book a guided Monument Valley tour. Authorized tour operators offer guided experiences into areas of Monument Valley that aren't accessible to visitors traveling independently, making this a great option if you want to see more of the landscape or can't take your vehicle on Valley Drive.
Be captivated by the sunrise or sunset against the Lower Monument Valley landscape in this 3-hour guided tour while stopping at some must-see points.
What to Bring to Forrest Gump Point
Road Atlas - for those areas where you have no cell signal
Nalgene water bottle - always stay hydrated
Tripod or selfie stick - perfect for photo opportunities especially if you are traveling solo
Forrest Gump Movie - watch it again or for the first time before you go
Hat - for sun protection
Frequently Asked Questions About Forrest Gump Point
Where is Forrest Gump Point?
Forrest Gump Point is located along U.S. Highway 163 in southeastern Utah, near Mexican Hat and just north of Monument Valley. The famous viewpoint is around Mile Marker 13 and looks toward the iconic rock formations of Monument Valley.
What are the GPS coordinates for Forrest Gump Point?
The GPS coordinates for Forrest Gump Point are 37.101445, -109.990812. Save these coordinates before your road trip since cell service can be limited in this remote area of Utah.
Is Forrest Gump Point free to visit?
Yes! There is no admission fee to visit Forrest Gump Point. It is a roadside viewpoint along Highway 163, so it makes an easy and budget-friendly stop on a Utah road trip.
Can you park at Forrest Gump Point?
There are roadside pull-off areas near Forrest Gump Point where visitors can safely pull completely off the highway. Be careful entering and leaving the area because Highway 163 is an active road with fast-moving traffic.
Is it safe to take photos at Forrest Gump Point?
You can safely photograph the famous Monument Valley view, but it is recommended that you do not stand in the middle of Highway 163 for photos. This is a heavily traveled highway, and accidents, including fatalities, have occurred in this area. Visit Utah recommends parking safely and taking photos from the shoulder of the road instead. You can still capture a beautiful view of Monument Valley without standing in traffic.
How far is Forrest Gump Point from Monument Valley?
Forrest Gump Point is north of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park along Highway 163. It makes an easy stop when traveling to or from Monument Valley, but remember that Forrest Gump Point itself is outside the tribal park.
How long do you need at Forrest Gump Point?
For most travelers, 15–30 minutes is plenty of time to enjoy the view and take photos at Forrest Gump Point. You may want to stay longer if you're visiting around sunrise or sunset or simply want more time to enjoy the incredible Monument Valley scenery.
What movie scene was filmed at Forrest Gump Point?
Forrest Gump Point is famous for the scene in the 1994 movie Forrest Gump where Forrest suddenly stops his cross-country run and decides it is time to go home. The scene was filmed along Highway 163 with Monument Valley creating the unforgettable backdrop. Visiting more Forrest Gump filming locations? See where Forrest sat on the bench in Savannah.
Map of Forrest Gump Point location
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Forrest Gump’s final journey
This picturesque location, with its vast desert landscape and striking rock formations, serves as a reminder of Forrest Gump’s epic journey and his spirit of resilience. I hope this post gives you an idea of another enjoyable stop while in Utah. Utah is so full of fun and adventure you have to add this state to your bucket list.
Enjoy your journey,
Meet the Author: Jennifer
I’m just a girl who loves to travel. My favorite travels have been traveling across the US in a campervan, visiting all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, marking National Parks off my list, & many smaller trips. I love to share my adventures to inspire others to travel more. If you can dream it, you can do it! Want the whole story?
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