U.S. Route 163 is the famous “Forest Glamp” road. It was along this isolated highway, commonly known as “Forrest Gump Point,” that he suddenly decided to stop running. U.S. Route 163 has become one of the most iconic and stunning roads in the United States, or at least the Southwest. This is a National Scenic Byway that runs straight through the heart of Monument Valley (world famous for its mesas and buttes rising from the valley). Few, if any, roads in the United States are featured in as many movies and commercials as US 163.
There are more road trips in the Southwest than driving down iconic Route 66. While exploring the Navajo, also explore the breathtaking Antelope Canyon and the iconic Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River.
Legendary scene of the cowboys of Monument Valley
U.S. Route 163: One of America’s Most Iconic Scenic Routes
U.S. Route 163 is part of the Trails of the Ancients, a collection of scenic byways that explore the archeology and cultural history of the Native American peoples of the Southwest. It is famous for the movie “Forest Glamp” and the running scene of Easy Rider.
U.S. Route 163 (also known among road travelers as Highway 163 Scenic Drive) was first designated in 1970 as part of the reorganization of American highways in the Four Corners area . It connects Navajo County, Arizona and San Juan County, Utah. According to American naming conventions, it is an unusual name using the number “163” and should spur US 63. However, it has never been connected to US Route 63.
Eighteen miles (29 kilometers) of Arizona highways are designated scenic routes. In Utah, the route joins the Monument Valley Visitor Center (a must-see for anyone exploring the area). Part of the Utah section between Bluff and Monument Valley is a scenic byway and part of the trail of the Ancient National Scenic Byway.
Sunrise in Monument Valley, Arizona
What You Need to Know About Driving on U.S. Route 163
The road is fully paved and perfect for Instagram photos. US 163 stretches for just over 64 miles (or 103 kilometers) between US 160 and US 191. It connects Utah and Arizona and passes through the Navajo Nation, the largest Indian reservation in the United States.
- Length of Route 163: 65.8 miles or 105.8 kilometers
- Altitude: 1,740 meters or 5,711 feet above sea level at highest point
Plan to take about 3 hours to drive Scenic Byway 163, with time to stop and take photos along the way. Don’t rush the drive and explore the stunning red rocks and desert of Monumental Valley. Visitors should keep their eyes on the road as it is a popular place to take pictures and there are people walking and posing in the middle of the road.
It may be better to avoid midsummer as the temperature is high. Temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The route is usually shown on traffic-free postcards, but visitors can usually expect some traffic and Instagram-posing tourists.
Monument Valley with U.S. Route 163
What You Need to Know About Visiting the Monument Valley Tribal Park of the Navajo
Remember that Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Nation and is under tribal jurisdiction, so different rules apply. Climbing the Buttes and other monuments in Monument Valley is prohibited by tribal law. Many of the areas are off-limits or accessible only to visitors on guided tours.
Monument Valley is Monument Valley Tribal Park (Navajo equivalent of a national park). Access to Monument Valley is free, and there are Native American ruins to explore. Monument Valley has 17 miles of ring roads to explore. Due to the dirt road and the rough terrain and deep sand dunes, the loop drive is not permitted for motorbikes. See some of the world’s most photographed landmarks, including America’s most famous mesas and buttes. The colors change with the sunset and sunrise, and it is very beautiful.
Girl posing on U.S. Route 163, Monument Valley
Visitors can also consider staying see campsite monument valley and Trading Post HotelThe Trading Post is one of the region’s finest trading posts, with a selection of contemporary and traditional American Indian art, souvenirs from Hollywood movies shot in Monument Valley, memorabilia, handcrafted art and traditions. We offer unique Navajo jewelry and more. It also has one of the largest rug collections in the Four Corners region.
