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    Hikes/United States/Utah/Moab and Arches National Park

    Balanced Rock

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Easy
    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
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    0.7 km
    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
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.8
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
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    Balanced Rock hike in Arches National Park, Moab

    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.

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    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 Weather

    Balanced Rock Reviews

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