First Time Guide To Visiting Monument Valley

Page 4 of 12

Take a photo at Forrest Gump Point

Forrest Gump Point was made famous in the movie as the point where Forrest Gump ends his cross country run with the line, “I think I’ll go home now”.

If you are visiting Monument Valley, be sure to make a stop here!

This scenic stretch of road is located about 20 minutes north of the Monument Valley visitor center and is a popular photo spot.

First Time Guide to Visiting Monument Valley | How to get to Forrest Gump Point #simplywander #monumentvalley #utah #arizona

It is quite easy to find Forrest Gump Point. As you drive along Hwy 163 around mile marker 13 you’ll see a sign and several places where you can pull over to take a photo.

The location will even pull up on Google maps.

First Time Guide to Visiting Monument Valley | How to get to Forrest Gump Point #simplywander #monumentvalley #utah #arizona

Just keep in mind that this is a public road and the cars have the right of way. If you do choose to take a photo, use extreme caution and keep an eye out for vehicles coming from both directions.

And if you’re looking for the best stops while driving to Monument Valley, check out our guide Arizona Road Trip: 8 Things to do from Flagstaff to Monument Valley!

Monument Valley FAQ:

  • Where is Monument Valley Located? Monument Valley Tribal Park is part of the Navajo Nation. It is located near the Four Corners area on the southern border of Utah and the northern border of Arizona.
  • When is the best time to visit Monument Valley? The best time to visit Monument Valley is during the shoulder season in spring and fall. The temperatures and crowds can be quite high in the summer, and it can be surprisingly cold in the winter months.
  • Do you have to pay to drive through Monument Valley? Yes, the entrance fee to Monument Valley is $20 per vehicle for up to 4 people and $6 per additional person.
  • How long is the Monument Valley scenic drive? The scenic loop through Monument Valley is 17 miles long. Plan for about 2-4 hours to complete the one-way loop, depending on how many stops you make along the way.
  • Do you need 4WD to drive through Monument Valley? A 4WD high clearance vehicle is highly recommended when driving the Monument Valley scenic loop, although many people still attempt it in a car. Much of the road is passable by sedan, but there are some parts that are particularly steep and bumpy that would be better equipped for a high clearance vehicle.
  • How many movies were filmed in Monument Valley? Monument Valley has served as the filming location for over two dozen major motion pictures, as well as several commercials and music videos. The first movie to be filmed in Monument Valley was Stagecoach, directed by John Ford. Other popular movies include Mission Impossible 2, Back to the Future Part III, National Lampoons Vacation, and Forrest Gump.
  • Is Monument Valley on daylight savings time? Monument Valley crosses the border of Utah and Arizona. Utah utilizes daylight savings time while Arizona does not, so it is easy to get confused with the time. However, Monument Valley and the Navajo Nation adhere to daylight savings time, so set your clocks to Utah time.
  • How do you get to John Ford’s Point? John Ford’s Point is located about 3.7 miles (15 minutes) from the beginning of the Monument Valley scenic loop. You’ll find a fork in the road near the Three Sisters and Camel Butte, take a right at the fork to reach John Ford’s Point.

I hope this guide has helped you discover the best things to do while visiting Monument Valley, it truly is a remarkable place!

Related Posts

The Righteous Brothers: The Bitter Rivalry Behind Soul’s Greatest Sound

They were never blood relatives, and if you believe the whispers from the smoke-filled recording booths of the early 1960s, they barely even liked each other. The…

The Dark Reality Behind The Mamas and the Papas 1967 Hit

In the summer of 1967, the world was humming along to the bright, sun-drenched harmonies of The Mamas and the Papas. Their sound was the golden standard…

The Heartbreaking Silence Behind The Righteous Brothers Legendary Harmony

In the golden age of the mid-sixties, when the airwaves were dominated by the British Invasion and the crackle of AM radio, two voices rose above the…

The Righteous Brothers and the Unchained Melody Resurrection

It is the haunting opening sequence that defined a generation. A potter’s wheel spins, hands entwine, and the ethereal, soaring notes of a forgotten masterpiece fill the…

The Hidden Scandal Behind Rick James and His 1981 Masterpiece

In the gilded, cocaine-dusted hallways of the early 1980s music industry, few figures burned as brightly or as recklessly as Rick James. By 1981, the funk superstar…

The Dark Secret Behind The Kinks Waterloo Sunset Revealed

When the soft, shimmering melody of Waterloo Sunset first graced the airwaves in 1967, the world heard a melancholic love letter to London. Millions of fans, mesmerized…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *