U.S. Route 163

U.S. Route 163 is a scenic north–south U.S. Highway that winds through some of the American Southwest’s most iconic desert landscapes. It spans approximately 64 miles, connecting U.S. Route 160 near Kayenta, Arizona, to U.S. Route 191 near Bluff, Utah. Though short in distance, this route is long on visual impact, offering travelers unforgettable views of Monument Valley — a sacred and cinematic stretch of land straddling the Arizona–Utah border.

One of the highlights of US 163 is its approach to Monument Valley from the north. This segment is among the most photographed stretches of highway in the United States, with the famous “Forrest Gump Hill” providing a panoramic backdrop of towering sandstone buttes and sweeping desert plains. While the road is not part of the National Highway System, it is a designated scenic byway in Utah and is maintained to support the significant tourism traffic it receives year-round.

US 163 is more than just a road; it’s a cultural and historical corridor. It traverses Navajo Nation lands, and signs in both English and Navajo mark the route. The highway provides access to tribal communities and serves as a vital link between attractions such as Monument Valley Tribal Park, Valley of the Gods, and Goosenecks State Park. For travelers seeking a quintessential Southwest road trip experience, U.S. Route 163 is not to be missed.