Balanced Rock Trail
Arches National ParkArches National Park, Geological Wonders
Difficulty: Accessible
Length: 0.3 miles (full loop)
Elevation Gain: 45 ft
Approximate Hiking Time: 0.5-1 hr
Features: Geological Wonders
Nearest Town: Moab, Ut
How can a rock that size balance like that?
Standing about 128ft tall and weighing in around 3600 lbs, Balanced Rock is a great stop for families visiting Arches National Park. It’s an accessible hike to the viewing point and an easy hike around the base of Balanced Rock that’ll get you up cloase and personal with one of the many natural wonders in the park.
- Trail Condition 100%
- Usage 100%
- Trail Head Easy to Find 100%
- Kid Friendly 100%
Hike Highlights
1. Balanced Rock
It’s 3600lbs and yet appears to be delicately balanced on another rock. Crazy.
2. Accessibility
While getting to the view point does require some walking, the trail is accessible, stroller friendly, and you actually don’t have to go to the view point to still enjoy this natural wonder.
3. Family Friendly
Whether you choose to head to the view point or complete the entire loop, this hike is a great option for the whole family.
Hike Overview
Trailhead Directions
Enter Arches National Park, which is a fee area. Follow the main road through the park for about 9.2 miles to the parking area for the Balanced Rock Trail.
Hike Details
From the Balanced Rock trailhead take the paved path to the view point about 0.15 miles away. This part of the trail is accessible and a great hike for people of all skill levels (even for those who are non-hikers).
If you’re up for a longer walk you can opt to take the trail around Balanced Rock from here. The surface of the trail is packed dirt and will give you different angles to check out Balanced Rock.
Why is this trail accessible?
The path from the trailhead to the viewing area is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
More Hikes to Choose From
Check out this and other hikes in Arches National Park and Moab, Ut.
Devil’s Garden, Arches National Park, Ut
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 7.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1150 ft
An area made for hikers and thrill seekers, the Devil’s Garden is home to 8 amazing geological features and one of the best places to see a limestone fin.
Double O, Navajo, and Partition Arches, Arches National Park, Ut
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 680 ft
The trail takes you to Double O, Navajo, and Partition Arches. It’s one of the more challenging hikes in the park, but totally worth it.
Landscape Arch at Devil’s Garden, Arches National Park, Ut
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.9 miles- 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 259 ft
Landscape Arch is one of the must-see arches in Arches National Park. At 306 ft long, Landscape Arch is one of (if not) the longest arches in the world.