U.S. Route 163
U.S. Route 163 runs directly through Monument Valley, known globally for that iconic Forrest Gump scene from the movie.
The 64-mile drive from Kayenta, Arizona to Bluff, Utah is fully paved and showcases sandstone towers towering between 400 to 1,000 feet.
Travelers approaching from Bluff can spot Monument Valley about 16 miles away, with its outlines becoming clearer as they drive southwest.
Here’s why you should drive three hours on this scenic byway.
Ancient Native Pathways Connect Modern Travelers
The highway serves as a key segment of the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway, a network that was once integral to the Navajo, Utes, and early Puebloans.
The full trail spans approximately 480 miles across the Colorado Plateau and received federal designation on September 22, 2005.
Throughout Monument Valley, ancient Pueblo ruins can be spotted, with nearby access to Hovenweep’s square, circular, and D-shaped towers.
Two States Share Sixty-Four Miles of Beauty
U.S. Route 163 stretches 64 miles (103 km) across two states, connecting US 160 near Kayenta, Arizona to US 191 in Bluff, Utah.
The highway crosses from Arizona into Utah within Monument Valley, with about 20 miles in Arizona and 44 miles in Utah.
Without stops, drivers need around two hours to travel the entire route, but most visitors take three hours or more to appreciate everything.
Fifty-Year Highway Status Since 1970
U.S. Route 163 became official in 1970, officially replacing Arizona State Route 464 and Utah State Route 47, plus a section of the old US 160 in Utah.
Route 163 breaks U.S. Highway numbering rules because it’s never connected to U.S. 63, which actually runs through the Midwest. In 1981, U.S. Route 191 took over the northern section of U.S. 163, leaving it with the 64-mile stretch we know today.
In 1981, U.S. Route 191 took over the northern section of U.S. 163, leaving it with the 64-mile stretch we know today.
The final major administrative change happened in 2008 under the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
Red Rocks Change Colors Throughout The Day
The drive along Route 163 showcases tall buttes and mesas composed mainly of Cedar Mesa sandstone from about 250 million years ago.
The reddish-brown color comes from iron oxide in the sedimentary rock layers exposed after millions of years of erosion.
The geology spans from the Permian-aged Organ Rock Formation (280 million years old) to the Jurassic-aged Navajo Sandstone.
Tribal Gateway Opens Monument Valley Exploration
After entering Utah from Arizona, U.S. Route 163 connects with the Monument Valley Visitor Center, creating a starting point for deeper exploration.
From the junction, visitors can drive the 17-mile loop through Monument Valley Tribal Park to see iconic formations hidden from the main highway.
The Visitor Center sells authentic Navajo crafts and artwork from local artisans, helping the tribal economy while giving travelers cultural souvenirs.
The nearby View Hotel, one of the few places to stay in this remote area, offers panoramic views and guided rock art tours in the valley.
Forrest Gump Changed Mile Marker 13 Forever
U.S. Route 163 gained worldwide fame as the “Forrest Gump Road” where the main character ended his cross-country running journey.
Located near mile marker 13 between Monument Valley and Mexican Hat, Utah, this spot is easily found by typing “Forrest Gump Point” into any GPS.
The spot marks where the character ended his fictional 15,248-mile run that lasted 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours.
For the best lighting conditions, visit between 8 to 9:30 AM when sunlight brightens the rocky monuments in the background.
Upside-Down Sombrero Gives Town Its Name
Check out Mexican Hat Rock, about 2 miles north of Mexican Hat, a 60-foot sandstone top sitting on a narrow base of red siltstone and shale.
This distinctive rock rises next to the San Juan River and can be easily reached via a marked turnoff from Highway 163.
The unusual formation is one of the most recognized natural features along Route 163 and marks roughly the middle point of the scenic byway.
Navajo Land Welcomes Travelers For Generations
About 44 miles (71 km) of U.S. Route 163 passes through the Navajo Nation, which covers more than 27,000 square miles across Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico.
Driving through this territory offers chances to experience contemporary Navajo culture at trading posts and artisan stands along the way.
Travelers can find Navajo artisans selling traditional crafts, jewelry, and art along Route 163, especially near the Monument Valley Visitor Center.
Bears Ears Safeguards Treasured Landscapes
North of the Navajo Nation, your route passes through Bears Ears, showcasing cliff dwellings and rock art, especially in canyons along Comb Ridge.
The monument’s management system includes five Native American tribes: Navajo, Hopi, Ute Mountain Ute, Ute Indian Tribe, and Pueblo of Zuni.
Route 163 provides access to over 100,000 archaeological sites spanning more than 13,000 years in this protected area.
Giant Comb Ridge Creates Natural Gateway
Route 163 nears its northern endpoint in Bluff, as it crosses a dramatic step-like fold in the rock layers, also known as Comb Ridge.
It stretches 80 miles from Utah’s Abajo Mountains to Kayenta, Arizona, resembling a rooster’s comb, forming the eastern edge of the Monument Upwarp.
After driving through this natural gateway and climbing out of the ravine, travelers get their first distant views of Monument Valley’s formations to the southwest.
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