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Balanced Rock Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy Easy
 4.0 (74)
  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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0.3

Miles

0.5

KM

Lollipop

5,060' 1,542 m

High

5,028' 1,533 m

Low

43' 13 m

Up

42' 13 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

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 74 votes

#3

in The Windows Section

#166

Overall
  4.0 from 74 votes
5 Star
35%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in The Windows Section

#20

in Utah

#166

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,406 Since Mar 5, 2015
Easy Easy
77%
16%
8%
0%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

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
Pic just after sunset.
Mar 4, 2023 near Moab, UT
Pic just after sunset.
Mar 4, 2023 near Moab, UT
Balanced Rock
Feb 2, 2020 near Moab, UT

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 30 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 10, 2026
Colleen Gebauer
Mar 18, 2026
Pranao Hardas
Mar 10, 2026
Gordon Eaton
0.5mi
Jul 18, 2025
Anonymous
Jun 9, 2025
Ruth Vang
Aug 29, 2024
Victoriah Meyer
0.2mi — 0h 15m
Jun 8, 2024
Michele ONeill
Jun 8, 2024
Lee Anne Batal

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