Balanced Rock Trail
Balanced Rock Trail
4.5
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4.5
734 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
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Average
41
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1
Tennessee50plus
Springfield, TN8,011 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
We arrived at arches National Park just before sunrise to avoid the traffic that shows up by 9 o'clock. The park is usually closed by 10:00 a.m. because of excessive traffic. We happened to be at balanced rock at sunrise which was a great experience since the Sun rises behind it. It has a nice parking lot and even if you don't walk the trail you can easily see the formation from the parking lot.
Written 8 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN5,970 contributions
Aug 2020
I headed here as my first stop when arriving at Arches in the evening to experience sunset and it was very cool. The colors on the rock formation are amazing at this time of the day. Easily accessible off the main scenic road through the park and easy to walk the short trail around the formation. Also a great place to come for stargazing at night.
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BruinDan
Fullerton, CA3,197 contributions
Oct 2020
Balanced Rock, a huge sandstone block that appears to balance precariously on a thin rock column, is one of the most popular attractions within Arches National Park. It is located next to the park’s main road, a little over 9 miles/14.5 km from the park entrance. It has the distinction of being one of only a few of the park’s best-known features to be clearly visible from the road.
Both the parking lot and trailhead for Balanced Rock are located along the main road, on the east side of the junction with the Willow Springs Trail. NOTE that the parking lot is relatively small and can fill up quickly. From the trailhead it is an easy 0.3 mile/0.48 km round trip walk along a well-groomed trail with an elevation gain of less than 50 ft/15 m.
Balanced Rock is a natural wonder and curiosity, and it’s worth taking a few minutes to pull over, stretch your legs and get a closer look. NOTE that the best time to photograph Balanced Rock is during the afternoon.
Both the parking lot and trailhead for Balanced Rock are located along the main road, on the east side of the junction with the Willow Springs Trail. NOTE that the parking lot is relatively small and can fill up quickly. From the trailhead it is an easy 0.3 mile/0.48 km round trip walk along a well-groomed trail with an elevation gain of less than 50 ft/15 m.
Balanced Rock is a natural wonder and curiosity, and it’s worth taking a few minutes to pull over, stretch your legs and get a closer look. NOTE that the best time to photograph Balanced Rock is during the afternoon.
Written 16 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traderjoey
Chicago, IL784 contributions
Nov 2020
Easy hike for all, basically a flat short loop. Nice picture op. Parking was an issue, but circled back a 2nd time. In general, if you aren't in the park by about 10 AM, you might be sitting in line to get in.
Written 5 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve C
Sun City Center, FL97 contributions
Aug 2022
We walked around the rock on the short trail that goes around it. This was fantastic as the balanced rock looked different from every angle and light on it. It is very interested how it has not fallen YET. Must do
Written 26 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FYL003
Chicago, IL1,050 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Quite amazing that the rock looks different at different angle when walking around the base. One side is flat like a wall and then it looks like a football from another of side of the trail. This is a popular spot because the ease of accessibility to the base. This is very close to the entrance, suggestion is to stop by on the way out of the park.
Written 21 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,266 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
One of the attractions in Arches NP is Balanced Rock. It is a really cool formation to see but it kind of gets lost with all the arches. Still it is in the center of the park with its own parking area. You will pass it going to most of the big arch attractions in the park. We stopped to see it and take a group picture here as a rain storm moved across the park, kind of cool experience.
Written 7 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rhundt67
Milwaukee, WI386 contributions
Jun 2021
Nice, simple trail that gives you amazing views. Most areas are easily accessible for everyone, but there are more challenging ones for those that are a bit more daring. Bring water and hold onto your hat, follow the trail markers and take advantage of the cool photo opportunities. Parking was easy and Balance Rock is a must-see while visiting Arches National Park.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrailTrekker15
Tallahassee, FL5,461 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We hiked the Balanced Rock Trail as the sun rose over the La Sal Mountains to the east. The hike was low-intensity which was a good start to the day’s hiking. The scenery and views were amazing! The red rock formations were beautiful. A number of different desert plants were found along the trail as well. This was a great place to get introduced to Arches.
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DLP
New Jersey3,789 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
The Arches in Arches NP are amazing, but this stop is different and just as amazing. A natural geological rock formation that is quite the site. There is a short hike around the formation, but the the balancing rock can easily been seen from the parking lot area. Great photo opportunities and worth a visit to this location in the park.
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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