Monument Valley and the “Forrest Gump” Point

Here’s what you should know and the different ways to experience it:

Location:
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located on the Arizona-Utah border, within the Navajo Nation Reservation.

Park Entrance & Fees:
The park has an entrance fee of $8 per person payable only by credit card.

Guided Tours:
Many of the most iconic viewpoints and formations are accessible via guided tours—these are highly recommended to learn about Navajo culture and geology.

Accessibility:
Some viewpoints are accessible by car, but others require guided tours or off-road vehicles.
The unpaved Valley Drive (17 miles) is a rough, scenic dirt road that requires a 4WD vehicle.

Ways to Experience Monument Valley:

📷View from Visitor Center:
If you don’t have a lot of time, or don’t have a 4WD vehicle, you can enjoy the stunning view from the overlook next to the visitor’s center. The view is best in the afternoon.

But if you want to more fully explore this Navajo park, here are some options:

🛻Self-Drive Tour:
Drive the Valley Drive (requires a 4WD vehicle).
It’s a relatively easy way to see many viewpoints at your own pace, but access to some formations is restricted without a guide. Stop by the famous John Ford point for an iconic photo.

And don’t forget to get a photo or video at the film location of the epic Forrest Gump movie scene where he is running across the US and decides to turn back. It is technically in Mexican Hat, Utah, 15 miles north of the entrance to Monument Valley. Keep an eye out for traffic so you don’t get run over, though!