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Hikes/United States/Utah/Moab and Arches National Park
Balanced Rock hike in Arches National Park, Moab

Balanced Rock Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
11 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
0.7 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
0.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
9.8 (10 reviews)
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
Google Maps
Apple Maps
See Map
Measurement:

Table of contents

This quick jaunt from the parking lot brings you around the world famous Balanced Rock tower. Visible from miles away (even visible from our Portal Overlook hike), this amazing rock formation is an obvious roadside attraction.

Route Description for Balanced Rock

This lollipop-loop hike leads out from the parking lot, then circles around Balanced Rock before returning back along the original approach. This is a very short hike, however, sections are quite rocky and may not be suitable for sandals or infants. Young children, however, should have a blast on this hike!

The rock ‘balanced’ on top is essentially the size of three school busses, and the entire tower totals at 39 m! From a distance, balanced rock and the towers surrounding it take the form of a hand. You will get very intimate views of the rocky tower, as well as magnificent panoramas of the towers and cliffs that are scattered throughout the plateau.

If you want to find other great hikes around Moab and Arches National Park, check out the Delicate Arch Hike, Double Arch Hike or the Dead Horse Point Hike.

Insider Hints for Balanced Rock

  • If you are doing several hikes in Arches National Park in a single day, consider doing this one last as its parking lot is the least busy.

Getting to the Balanced Rock Trailhead

From Moab drive north along the 191, crossing the Colorado River until you reach the signposted turn towards Arches National Park. Pay your dues at the park entrance, then drive along the Arches Scenic Drive for 14.2 km. On the right will be a well signposted turnoff for Balanced Rock. There is a relatively small parking lot, however it clears quickly. No toilets are found at the trailhead.

Route Information for Balanced Rock

  • When to do:

    Year Round

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Toilets:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    High

  • Route Type:

    Circuit

Balanced Rock Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Balanced Rock

9.8
10 reviews
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Barbara ClarksonAugust 2020

Viewing this rock formation was really amazing. The rock erosion and details were worth the trip. Stunning!

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
00:30
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Frank M.July 2020

This was a great early morning hike! Nice trail, fairly well marked. A few spots where we had to scramble up and over some rocks but manageable. The view at the top was amazing!!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Meander L.September 2019

Family-friendly hike. Cool rock formations. A nice stretch for your legs.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Lucky P.August 2019

Balanced Rock is awesome. Overall a good experience.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Omni P.July 2019

Easy hike. Outstanding rock formations for photography sessions.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Annie SmithMay 2019

Quick little walk to Balanced Rock, but a good way to stretch the legs while driving.

Overall Rating
9
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
GiedreMay 2019

I must admit, I didn't go there as you can easily see this rock from your car but it's amazing nonetheless

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Bao XMay 2019

Very nice. Really interesting park

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
00:30
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
MaggieRoyMay 2019

Mother Nature is mindblowing

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
00:15
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
BurokaiApril 2019

Easy to visit - just jump out of the car and go see it. Lots of people

Overall Rating
9
Trip Length
00:30
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

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Last Updated: July 28, 2026

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