-->

Arches Balanced Rock

Rating: 
Round Trip Distance: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 5017 - 5048 feet
Cellphone: 0-4 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: Balanced Rock
Fee: $10 individual, $25/vehicle, $50/annual pass
Attractions: geology, scenic views, partially wheelchair accessible




The Balanced Rock trail is located within the Arches National Park north of Moab, Utah. Just as there are many arches located throughout the desert southwest there are also many 'balanced rocks'. Like the arches sooner or later they will all fall down. Maybe that is all the more reason to see them while you can.


A kiosk at the beginning of the trail helps to understand the nature of the geology involved with the life of the balanced rock.


The first section of the trail is wheelchair accessible providing a view of at least 2 sides of the rock and an excellent viewpoint of the land to the south and east.


From the viewpoint at the end of the paved trail is a primitive trail that forms a loop around the backside of the rock.


This slideshow above shows the rock from various angles while hiking the loop. From some angles the rock looks completely different. The rock appears more precarious when viewed from some directions than it does from others.


The primitive section of the trail should be easily managed by most able bodied hikers that can handle a little uneven ground.



At times the parking area is completely full but given the short distance of the trail there are spots freeing up at regular intervals. There isn't a restroom at the Balanced Rock trailhead but there is one close by at the Windows Section.   If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.