Balanced Rock Trail

Balanced Rock Trail

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Arches National Park is filled with dozens of natural formations that will make you say "oh…" or maybe you prefer "ah…?" Either way, one of the formations in the park is called Balancing Rock and it will certainly provoke one or the other, depending on your personality type.

As you can see in the pictures, there is nothing misleading about the name of the rock formation. The rock formation truly looks like a huge boulder balancing, rather precariously, on a pedestal.

A trail is available that circles the base of the rock. Easy to access, the trail is located 9.1 miles from the Park Entrance fee area.

Two quick facts need to be known about this trail before packing the car and heading to the trailhead. The trail is hiking only and it is only .36 miles in length. This means you will need to pack the family into the car instead of your biking gear.

Truly, if you have a young member of your family, this is a great trail to use as an introduction to the great outdoors! Don't worry, the older members of the family will not go away disappointed either. The views from the trails are spectacular, ranging from arches within the park to the La Sals mountain range in the distance.

I had the great fortune of hiking this trail in the off-season, which meant my family was the only one on the trail. If you are traveling to the rock during the high tourist season I can only assume you will have plenty of company. I make this assumption because of the overflow parking that is available at the trailhead as well as the many signs along the road that warn of heavy road congestion.

No matter the time of the year, I think you will enjoy this trail. It will give you great family time, awesome views, and fresh air. Sounds like a great combination to me!

Enjoy!