Selfie at Forrest Gump Point

It's fair to theorize that something intrinsic to this vast, iconic and sacred place, enabled Forrest Gump to finally come to terms with his past and find a way forward. It is a land that invites quiet introspection.

Two people riding motorcycles on a long, straight desert road."

U.S. Scenic Highway 163 | Michael Kunde

Forrest Gump — the protagonist of the 1994 Oscar-winning movie of the same name starring Tom Hanks — had run for three years, two months, 14 days, and 16 hours when he reached the hill that looks toward Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. After crossing the country several times, Forrest figured out why he was running so much, and that it was something that his mama had told him, “Put the past behind you before you move on.”

Realization struck around mile marker 13 on U.S. 163, and Forrest proclaimed to his followers that he was done running. Now known as “Forrest Gump Point,” this spot offers a most spectacular view, and is visited by gobs of movie fans and tourists on their own trek to the iconic Mittens formations — those conspicuous 1,000-foot buttes — and tours within Monument Valley.

For fans of the movie who are driving this road, realization will sneak in that you're in a familiar place. It's fair to theorize that something intrinsic to this vast, iconic and sacred place, enabled Forrest Gump to finally come to terms with his past and find a way forward. It is a land that invites quiet introspection.

Pull over and take a selfie on Forrest Gump Point. Even if you’re not a movie buff, taking in the landscape here is worth every second of your time. It’s fairly easy to find the point, because there will likely be a dozen cars parked at the pullout by the sign. People will surely be standing in the middle of the road taking photos, so drive slow and watch out. (Read: "The 5 Rules for Selfies")

If you’re thinking about timing for the best light for your photo, the sunrise will illuminate the massive rock formations in the distance, and the sunset will be behind them. So put on your best face, and start snapping shots.

In “Forrest Gump,” when Gump stops, he says, “I’m pretty tired. I think I’ll go home now.” Whether your adventure is just starting or at its tail end, you can walk away from Forrest Gump Point with a photo that will keep you smiling as big as you are in your selfie, for years to come.

Please be aware this iconic photo-op is located along a highly-trafficked road. Due to the road’s traffic leading to past injuries and fatalities, we urge you to take your safety seriously and refrain from taking photos from the middle of the road. Visitors are welcome to pull off safely on the side of the road and take photos from the shoulder only.

GPS Coordinates: 37.101445, -109.990812

Looking for more? Discover more movies filmed in Utah and film itineraries.