Balanced Rock hike
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Balanced Rock hike
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This quick jaunt from the parking lot brings you around the world famous Balanced Rock tower. Visible from miles away (even visible from our Portal Overlook hike), this amazing rock formation is an obvious roadside attraction.
Getting there
From Moab drive north along the 191, crossing the Colorado River until you reach the signposted turn towards Arches National Park. Pay your dues at the park entrance, then drive along the Arches Scenic Drive for 8.8mi. On the right will be a well signposted turnoff for Balanced Rock. There is a relatively small parking lot, however it clears quickly. No toilets are found at the trailhead.
About
| When to do | Year Round |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Toilets | No |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Circuit |
Balanced Rock
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Balanced Rock
This lollipop-loop hike leads out from the parking lot, then circles around Balanced Rock before returning back along the original approach. This is a very short hike, however, sections are quite rocky and may not be suitable for sandals or infants. Young children, however, should have a blast on this hike!
The rock ‘balanced’ on top is essentially the size of three school busses, and the entire tower totals at 128ft! From a distance, balanced rock and the towers surrounding it take the form of a hand. You will get very intimate views of the rocky tower, as well as magnificent panoramas of the towers and cliffs that are scattered throughout the plateau.
If you want to find other great hikes around Moab and Arches National Park, check out the Delicate Arch Hike, Double Arch Hike or the Dead Horse Point Hike.
Insider Hints
If you are doing several hikes in Arches National Park in a single day, consider doing this one last as its parking lot is the least busy.
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Barbara Clarkson 4 years ago
Viewing this rock formation was really amazing. The rock erosion and details were worth the trip. Stunning!
Frank M. 4 years ago
This was a great early morning hike! Nice trail, fairly well marked. A few spots where we had to scramble up and over some rocks but manageable. The view at the top was amazing!!
Meander L. 5 years ago
Family-friendly hike. Cool rock formations. A nice stretch for your legs.
Lucky P. 5 years ago
Balanced Rock is awesome. Overall a good experience.
Omni P. 5 years ago
Easy hike. Outstanding rock formations for photography sessions.
Annie Smith 6 years ago
Quick little walk to Balanced Rock, but a good way to stretch the legs while driving.
Giedre 6 years ago
I must admit, I didn't go there as you can easily see this rock from your car but it's amazing nonetheless
Bao X 6 years ago
Very nice. Really interesting park
MaggieRoy 6 years ago
Mother Nature is mindblowing
Burokai 6 years ago
Easy to visit - just jump out of the car and go see it. Lots of people