Balanced Rock is a natural attractions in Colorado National Monument, similar to Balanced Rock in Arches National Park. The defiant sandstone statue stands at the edge of a bluff and is easy to see from a turnout along Rim Rock Drive. Those entering the park through the west entrance near the city of Fruita, should make Balanced Rock View their first stop. The formation is also visible from above at Saddlehorn Campground. At sunrise, when light first meets Balanced Rock, the top of the bluffs at the west end of the campground provide an excellent view.
To get to Balanced Rock: From the west entrance of Colorado National Monument, drive 1.6 south to Balanced Rock View (or 2.7 miles north from Saddlehorn Visitor Center).
Balanced Rock address: Rimrock Drive, Colorado National Monument, Fruita, CO 81521
Balanced Rock coordinates: 39.108181, -108.736154 (39° 06′ 29.45″N 108° 44′ 10.15″W)
Use the map below to view Balanced Rock and get directions:
 | Alcove Nature Trail This one-mile round trip hike is less scenic than others in the park, but offers information about area plants, animals, and geology. |
 | Canyon Rim Trail This one-mile round trip hike begins at Saddlehorn Visitor Center and travels along the cliffs edge overlooking Monument Canyon. |
 | Coke Ovens Trail This one-mile hike visits a line of sandstone domes decorating the rim of Monument Canyon. |
 | Devils Kitchen Trail This 1.2 mile hike crosses the bottom of No Thoroughfare canyon to a rock grotto surrounded by tall boulders. |
 | Monument Canyon Trail This 7-mile hike travels down into Monument Canyon to visit the tallest freestanding rock formation in the park. |
 | Otto’s Trail This 0.75-mile round trip hike visits an overlook near the Pipe Organs with an excellent view of Independence Monument and Monument Canyon. |
 | Window Rock Trail This 1/3-mile round trip hike ends at a distinct point on the wall of Monument Canyon where a natural window appears just below the top of the cliff. |
 | Balanced Rock This short loop circles a perilous block of sandstone balancing near the center of Arches National Park. |
 | Balancing Rock This short hike in Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada approaches a rock formation that appears to stand with a bit of magic. |
 | Saddlehorn Campground This 80-site campground is the only designated camping area in Colorado National Park, conveniently located near Saddlehorn Visitor Center. |
Balanced Rock in Colorado is really a neat thing to see, a lot of people don’t appreciate the simple things in life. Rock formations are really amazing things!
[…] And if you think Colorado Springs’ landmark ought to have a more imaginative name, see also: Balanced Rock in Grand Junction, Balanced Rock in Rocky Mountain National Park, and Balanced Rock at the Rampart […]