We planned ahead this time for a better experience than when we passed through here three years ago. Back then, we weren’t sure what to look for or where to stop and before we knew it, we had passed it. This time, before we even started driving Highway 163, we stopped in Kayenta and did a quick search on Google Maps so we’d know right where to stop.
We wanted to try and capture a similar image as this scene from the movie Forrest Gump (minus all the people, of course):
And wow – how things have changed in three short years! Not only does Google Maps show the location of the scene above with the label: “Highway from Forrest Gump Movie”, but there are now numerous changes on the road itself. There is a 45 MPH speed zone with signs warning about the “congested area” ahead and there are numerous paved pullouts throughout a stretch of several miles.
It is difficult to get the exact photo you want because of so many tourists going after that same photo as well. The picture at the top of this page is the best one we got, although it is not from the exact movie location. For that – you need to battle the crowds and unless you’re really patient you may end up with something like this:
because of crowds like this:
so bring lots of patience with you.
But it is a very beautiful drive if you have the time – about 40 minutes longer than simply bypassing it by staying on Highway 160, and maybe a bit longer if you stop to get some photos. As always, we’re guessing that if you go early in the morning you may avoid some crowds and get a clearer shot if that’s what you’re after. Plus you will have better light because in the afternoon, the sun will be behind the rock formations and the view from the “Forrest Gump” side will be in shadow.