U.S. Route 163 from Kayenta, Arizona to Bluff, Utah is one of the most visually stunning drives in the United States. Spanning approximately 64 miles, this route traverses the heart of Monument Valley, delivering sweeping desert vistas, iconic rock formations, and a deep sense of the American Southwest’s timeless grandeur. We begin our drive in Kayenta, a Navajo Nation community located in northeastern Arizona. From here, the road gently climbs and curves around small mesas and buttes, giving early hints of the geological drama that lies ahead.
As we leave Kayenta behind and continue northeast, the scenery quickly transforms into the legendary landscape of Monument Valley. Towering formations like Eagle Mesa, Brigham’s Tomb, and Stagecoach rise from the valley floor like ancient stone sentinels. The wide-open desert is framed by buttes and monoliths that have been the backdrop for countless Western films. The road itself is fairly straightforward, with long stretches of uninterrupted driving, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the cinematic scenery. Oljato-Monument Valley — a small, unincorporated community — marks the border crossing from Arizona into Utah, and it’s here that the views become even more dramatic.
In Utah, U.S. 163 continues its visual onslaught, leading us past Sentinel Mesa and the famed viewpoint now known as Forrest Gump Point — the very spot where Tom Hanks’ character ended his cross-country run in the 1994 film. It’s a popular photo stop, and with good reason: the view of the road stretching into the horizon, flanked by dramatic rock formations, is pure desert majesty. Not long after, we reach the tiny town of Mexican Hat, named for the sombrero-shaped rock formation that balances precariously on a column of stone just north of the San Juan River. This area also serves as a jumping-off point for Goosenecks State Park via nearby UT-261 — a worthwhile detour if you have the time, as it offers jaw-dropping views of the deeply entrenched meanders of the San Juan.
The final leg of our drive continues past more natural formations, such as Devil’s Window, before descending into the town of Bluff. This historic town is nestled along the banks of the San Juan River and marks the northern terminus of this stunning highway journey. Bluff is a quiet but culturally rich community, with several preserved pioneer-era structures and proximity to fascinating archaeological sites, including petroglyph panels and ancient Puebloan dwellings. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a drive filled with unforgettable scenery and spiritual solitude.
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