Balanced Rock

Arches

Overview

( Rated 5.0 / 4 Ratings )

6 Todo Lists / 6 Ticks

RATING: Roadside Attraction / Short Hike

LENGTH: Less than 1 hour (0.3 mile)

MAPS: THE WINDOWS SECTION, UT;

Thu

48 | 25

Fri

50 | 26

Sat

53 | 28

Sun

54 | 35

Mon

49 | 32

View Full Weather Details

SEASON: Any

WATER: None.

Thu

48 | 25

Fri

50 | 26

Sat

53 | 28

Sun

54 | 35

Mon

49 | 32

View Full Weather Details

roadside

hike

family friendly

beginner

access: paved

Balanced Rock informational sign.

Balanced Rock is one of the iconic symbols of Arches National Park. It sits right next to the park road and is impossible not to visit if you are driving through the park.

The iconic tower sits 128 ft tall and is composed of Entrada Sandstone top sitting on a Dewey Bridge Formation pedestal. The different erosion rates of the two types of sandstone are what created Balanced Rock and what will ultimately be its demise. As the base continues to weather, the rock will ultimately tumble.

It is interesting to note that until the winter of 1975/76, there was an additional small tower to the south of Balanced Rock called “Chip-Off-the-Old-Block”. The freeze/melt cycles caused the demise of Balanced Rocks smaller neighbor that winter. Will Balanced Rock stay balanced for a year? A hundred years? A thousand years? Time will tell.

Evening light is astounding on the rock, and the best time to visit. It makes a great way to end a day visiting the park.

The iconic Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock from a different side.

Getting There

From the visitors center, follow the main park road 8.9 miles. Balanced Rock and the pullout are on the right.

Balanced Rock in the winter.

Route

Many simply visit the parking area, take a few pictures, and move on. I would recommend taking the few minutes to hike the short (0.3 mile) trail that circles Balanced Rock to see it from all angles.

Note: There is a picnic area just across the road from the Balanced Rock turn out down the gravel road about 0.1 miles. It contains several picnic tables, a shade cover, and a vault toilet and makes a great lunch spot with nice views of Balanced Rock.