Forrest Gump Point
4.8(1.9K)google
4.8(26)yelp
Scenic LookoutRoad TripPhoto SpotDesertFree
Overview
Gump & Co. (alternatively titled Forrest Gump and Co.) is a 1995 novel by Winston Groom. It is the sequel to his 1986 novel Forrest Gump.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration15-30 minutes
Best TimeThe definitive, untouchable hour for this world-famous cinematic road photography marker is sunrise from 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM year-round. Stand safely on the asphalt crown before dawn; the rising sun pierce horizontally straight through the desert, washing the colossal red rock mesas of Monument Valley in pure crimson waves.
Getting ThereLocated atop the ridge crest along highway US-163 at Milemarker 13 north of Mexican Hat. Driving a car is mandatory: cruise the scenic desert corridor US-163 N north across the AZ/UT state line. Enforce this strict safety notice: as this viewpoint occupies an active, high-speed 65mph federal highway lane, pull completely off the blacktop into the wide public unpaved red-dirt shoulders.
Travel Tips
- Strict Highway Hazard擺拍 Warning: Located on a live section of US Highway 163, freight semi-trucks hurtle through at 70+ MPH with limited braking distances. Do not stand, lie down, or set up tripods in the active lanes; traffic law enforcement regularly citations safety violators.
- Soft Sand Shoulder Traps: The dirt parking turnouts flanking Highway 163 consist of loose, uncompacted red desert sand. Keep your vehicle tires on the firm, graveled shoulders to prevent two-wheel-drive sedans from spinning out and getting stuck.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- Best Shot Direction & Sunrise Timing: To duplicate the iconic film frame, shoot facing southwest toward the valley columns. Sunrise offers flawless front-lighting and minimal highway traffic, whereas late afternoon puts the classic monuments into dark silhouettes.
Reviews
Positive
- The dead-straight Highway 163 cuts across the desert against the majestic buttes, mirroring the movie frame with total visual power; highly authentic.
- The photo spot sits fully on a public highway with zero ticket fees for peak value; includes multiple widened dirt turnouts for safe driving stops.
- Snapping wild West-style road photos here is exceptional fun; the complete lack of ugly commercial signs preserves a pristine, grand landscape vibe.
- Transit is highly intuitive via clear highway signs; off-season tourist density is low, allowing you to peacefully enjoy the boundless horizons.
Heads up
- Since this is an active federal highway, many tourists recklessly pose in the middle of the asphalt, lacking any safety barriers and risking traffic crashes.
- Tourist density spikes after 10 AM as massive tour buses pull up; roadsides pack with cars, and the chaos leaves photo framing filled with unwanted people.
- The location is strictly a stretch of highway; zero restrooms, zero bins, zero shade shelters, and zero multi-language signs offer terrible convenience.
- A few mobile vendors occasionally overcharge for fake native crafts here, posing typical roadside tourist trap spending risks without formal enforcement.
Filming Locations
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