Balanced Rock Arches National Park
A gravity-defying sandstone giant perched precariously on a slender pedestal, offering awe-inspiring views and easy access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, not too hot.
Balanced Rock Arches National Park
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, not too hot.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A gravity-defying sandstone giant perched precariously on a slender pedestal, offering awe-inspiring views and easy access.
"It looks like it shouldn’t be possible — a massive boulder delicately perched on a narrow pedestal, defying gravity."
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your Arches National Park entry reservation online in advance, especially during peak season.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated! Bring more water than you think you'll need; there are no services past the visitor center.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Balanced Rock
Main park road
A massive boulder perched precariously on a narrow pedestal, defying gravity. An iconic and easily accessible natural wonder.
Windows Loop Trail
North of Balanced Rock
Explore the North and South Window arches and Turret Arch on this easy, family-friendly loop. A must-see for quick visits.
Delicate Arch Viewpoints
Along the main park road
Catch breathtaking views of Utah's most famous arch from various viewpoints, suitable for different fitness levels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timed Entry is Key
Pack Smart for the Desert
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your Arches National Park entry reservation online in advance, especially during peak season.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated! Bring more water than you think you'll need; there are no services past the visitor center.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit Balanced Rock at sunrise or sunset for stunning, glowing photos.
✨ Stargazing Gem
Arches is an International Dark Sky Park. Stay after dark for incredible night sky views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your Arches National Park entry reservation online in advance, especially during peak season.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated! Bring more water than you think you'll need; there are no services past the visitor center.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit Balanced Rock at sunrise or sunset for stunning, glowing photos.
✨ Stargazing Gem
Arches is an International Dark Sky Park. Stay after dark for incredible night sky views.
🚶♀️ Easy Loop Trail
The 0.3-mile loop around Balanced Rock is flat and accessible for all ages and abilities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Balanced Rock for its iconic status and incredible accessibility, making it a must-see stop for all Arches National Park visitors. The short, flat loop trail is perfect for families, and the formation's unique appearance is a photographer's dream, especially during sunrise and sunset. Some visitors note that while impressive, other balanced rock formations elsewhere might offer a similar experience.
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Iconic and Easy to Access – A Must-See Stop!
Balanced Rock is one of the most recognizable and awe-inspiring formations in Arches National Park. It looks like it shouldn’t be possible — a massive boulder delicately perched on a narrow pedestal, defying gravity and logic.
What makes this stop great is how easy it is to access. It’s located just off the main road inside the park, with a short, flat loop trail (about 0.3 miles) that lets you walk all the way around the formation for different views and photo ops.
It’s especially beautiful around sunrise or sunset, when the red rock glows against the sky. Whether you’re doing a full day of hiking or just passing through, Balanced Rock is definitely worth a quick stop.
📸 Perfect for photos
🚶♂️ Easy, family-friendly trail
🅿️ Plenty of parking nearby
Don’t miss it — it’s one of the park’s most iconic sights!"
Ramin Homyak
"The end of April is the best time to go because it’s not too hot. You need to buy tickets for a specific entrance time in advance to enter Arches National Park. I would recommend showing up around 30 minutes early for your designated time because the line to enter the park is long and you will be sitting there for approx. 30 minutes. The park is big and beautiful so bring lots of water, food/snacks if you intend to stay a while (there’s nowhere to get food and water past the visitor center at the entrance) and a source of shade or ice packs to cool you down. Bathrooms are available at some of the sights. Most importantly, enjoy your visit!! :)"
Sapphire
"It is something which is visible from the road while driving and if you wamt to get closer to it, it is a very short qalk from parking lot. To be honest, I have seen a better balanced rock at Garden of the gods at Colorado and hence I was not very amazed by it."
Mohit Gupta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arches National Park is located near Moab, Utah. The main entrance is off Highway 191. From Moab, head north on Highway 191 for about 5 miles, then turn right onto Arches Scenic Drive.
Yes, there is a dedicated parking lot at Balanced Rock, which is conveniently located right off the main park road. It can fill up quickly during busy times.
Yes, the park features a scenic drive that allows you to access many of its famous formations, including Balanced Rock.
For a quick overview, the Windows Loop and Balanced Rock are easily accessible. For more iconic views, consider the Delicate Arch Viewpoints or longer hikes like Devils Garden. +1
Currently, Arches National Park does not operate a shuttle system. Visitors must use their own vehicles to navigate the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Arches National Park requires a timed entry reservation to enter the park during peak season. Book this online in advance.
The entrance fee for Arches National Park is typically $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Check the official NPS website for current pricing.
Arches National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, timed entry reservations are required during specific hours and seasons.
It is highly recommended to purchase your timed entry permit online in advance. Limited same-day permits may be available, but they sell out quickly.
If you miss your timed entry slot, you may not be able to enter the park during your reserved time. It's best to arrive about 30 minutes before your reservation.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 0.3-mile loop trail around Balanced Rock is very short and accessible. The Windows Loop Trail is also a popular, easy option.
Absolutely! The short, flat loop trail around Balanced Rock is perfect for children to explore and marvel at the formation.
Balanced Rock is fantastic for photos, especially during golden hour. The Windows Loop and Delicate Arch Viewpoints are also highly recommended. +1
You can walk the 0.3-mile loop trail around the base of Balanced Rock for different perspectives. It's not a strenuous hike, but a pleasant walk.
Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Layers are recommended as desert temperatures can fluctuate. Don't forget sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants or food services inside Arches National Park. You must bring your own food and snacks.
Moab, the nearest town, offers a variety of restaurants, grocery stores, and cafes. Plan to stock up before entering the park.
Yes, picnicking is allowed in designated areas within Arches National Park. Pack out all your trash to keep the park clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photographing Balanced Rock, making the sandstone glow.
Yes, Arches is an International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent location for astrophotography. The lack of light pollution provides stunning views of the night sky.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes and arches. A tripod is essential for low-light photography, especially for astrophotography.
No, drone use is prohibited in all national parks, including Arches National Park, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience.
Beyond Balanced Rock, consider the Windows Section, Delicate Arch (from viewpoints or the hike), and Landscape Arch for iconic shots. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no food services inside the park. Sun protection is also crucial. Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day or during the shoulder seasons to make the experience more comfortable for everyone.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Focus on the accessible, free-to-explore trails like Balanced Rock and the Windows Loop. These offer iconic views without requiring expensive guided tours. Visiting during the off-peak season or weekdays can also help avoid the crowds and potentially reduce the need for extensive planning around timed entry.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For those interested in night photography, Arches' designation as an International Dark Sky Park is a major draw. Bring a tripod and experiment with long exposures to capture the Milky Way over the iconic formations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Balanced Rock Up Close
Visitors can experience Balanced Rock via a short, flat, 0.3-mile loop trail that circles the base of the formation. This easy walk allows for multiple vantage points, perfect for photography and appreciating the sheer scale and improbable nature of the rock. The trail is paved and accessible, making it a great stop for families and those with limited mobility.
Many visitors find Balanced Rock particularly stunning during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The low-angled light casts a warm glow on the red rock, creating a truly magical scene. For photographers, this is an ideal time to capture the formation's unique beauty.
Navigating Arches National Park
Due to its popularity, Arches National Park implements a timed entry reservation system during peak seasons. Visitors must secure a reservation online in advance to enter the park during designated hours. It's crucial to book these slots early, as they can sell out quickly. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your reservation time to account for potential lines at the entrance station.
While there are no shuttle buses within Arches, the park is designed for self-guided exploration. Many of the most famous formations, like Balanced Rock and the Windows, are accessible via short, easy trails directly from parking areas. For those seeking longer hikes, trails like Devils Garden offer more immersive experiences.
The Magic of Arches' Dark Skies
During the day, the park's dramatic sandstone formations are the main attraction. However, as night falls, a different kind of wonder emerges. Visitors can witness the Milky Way stretching across the sky, see countless stars, and even spot planets. Popular spots for stargazing include pull-offs along the scenic drive and areas away from any artificial light.
For photographers, the dark skies present a unique challenge and reward. Capturing the Milky Way over iconic arches requires a tripod, a camera with good low-light performance, and knowledge of long-exposure techniques. Balanced Rock itself can be a stunning foreground element for night sky photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit