Balanced Rock
![Balanced Rock hike in Arches National Park, Moab](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-UT-Moab-Balanced-Rock-Original-1920x480.jpg)
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
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 WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![The Tunnel](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
The Tunnel
Moab and Arches National Park
![Sand Dune Arch to Broken Arch Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Sand Dune Arch to Broken Arch Loop
Moab and Arches National Park
![Ring Arch Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Ring Arch Trail
Moab and Arches National Park
![The Cove of Caves via Parade of Elephants Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
The Cove of Caves via Parade of Elephants Trail
Moab and Arches National Park
![Eye of the Whale Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Eye of the Whale Trail
Moab and Arches National Park
![Delicate Arch Viewpoint](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Delicate Arch Viewpoint
Moab and Arches National Park
![Windows Loop to Turret Arch](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Windows Loop to Turret Arch
Moab and Arches National Park
![Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail
Moab and Arches National Park
![Windows Loop Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Windows Loop Trail
Moab and Arches National Park
![Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch
Moab and Arches National Park
![Delicate Arch](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-UT-Moab-Delicate-Arch-Original-1920x480.jpg)
Delicate Arch
Moab and Arches National Park
![Double Arch](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-UT-Moab-Double-Arch-Originals-1920x480.jpg)
Double Arch
Moab and Arches National Park