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Balanced Rock Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy
 4.0 (66) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southeastern Utah
  4. …Arches National Park
  5. The Windows Section
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“This is a family-friendly, easy loop trail around the base of picturesque rock formation ”

Megan W
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Map Key

0.3

Miles

0.5

KM

Loop

5,067' 1,544 m

High

5,040' 1,536 m

Low

27' 8 m

Up

27' 8 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly This is a family-friendly, easy loop trail around the base of picturesque rock formation

Overview

This easy loop delivers 5-star views of the magnificent balanced rock.

Description

The Balanced Rock Trail is nearly flat loop around a precariously balanced rock on a large pedestal. Marvel at the rock's improbable position! Partly paved, part on dirt, this popular trail circumnavigates the spire so you can see it from all sides. Supposedly, the top rock is as large as 3 school buses! Leaving directly from the parking lot and clocking in at less than a half mile in total, this is a trail almost anyone can do. Late afternoon is thought to be the best time to photograph Balanced Rock for the best color.

This rock formation was formed through a natural wind and water weathering process. Another interesting factoid is that Edward Abbey once lived near this rock when he served as an Arches Nat. Park ranger here in the 1950's. From this path you can also get good views of the Windows, the La Sal mountains and the Garden of Eden area. Note: no bikes are allowed on this trail.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Arches National Park

Shared By:

Megan W
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 66 votes

#3

in The Windows Section

#186

Overall
  4.0 from 66 votes
5 Star
32%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
23%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in The Windows Section

#21

in Utah

#186

Overall
7 Views Last Month
1,406 Since Mar 5, 2015
Easy
77%
14%
9%
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Photos

Balanced Rock doing its thing - balancing.
Jul 24, 2019 near Moab, UT
Balance Rock
Oct 18, 2017 near Moab, UT
Balanced Rock, Arches National Park
Mar 7, 2015 near Moab, UT
Balanced Rock
Feb 2, 2020 near Moab, UT
The sun gives Balanced Rock a halo
Feb 2, 2020 near Moab, UT
Moonrise behind Balanced Rock.
Jan 20, 2016 near Moab, UT

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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All Clear 26 days ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 28, 2022
Bob Plagens
Oct 26, 2022
Rick Rogstad
Done
Oct 15, 2022
Tracie Taylor Perez
Oct 13, 2022
amanda marie
0.3mi — 2h 00m
Sep 17, 2022
Tom Franks
Balanced Rock for sunset
Jun 28, 2022
Parker Antwine
0.3mi
Jun 2, 2022
Anna Greenbaum
May 31, 2022
Destini Bennett
0.6mi

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