the balanced rock

IJ_Sammamish

Another great, and easy, hike in Big Bend National Park. The view, especially at sunrise, is very scenic.

X-NYr

This is a short hike in terms of distance and the first 3/4 mile is flat and fascinating, surrounded by boulders and the hills from which they fell. Then you climb 1/4 mile up to see the Balanced Rock. It is not easy up or down but definitely worth doing. I am sure for many folks it is a breeze and for others less fit or unaccustomed to climbing, it is too hard. Give it a try, because there's something here for everyone at the end of a bumpy, dusty 7 mile dirt road.

cajrt

The hike is well worth the effort (the Grapevine Hills road is dirt with some rough spots) as it requires a drive of 6 miles to get to the trail head and the last .25 miles of the hike is an uphill climb over rocks. You are well rewarded once you get there as the Window provides a great view of the desert landscape. Watch your step on the last part of the trail and be aware that there is no shade on the hike.

temperatezone

It's not the Garden of the Gods but it is a fine balanced rock. The whole riverside road is a wonderful experience.

MaryH631

YOu drive down a gravel road for 6 miles. It can be rough at times so don't take a vehicle with low clearance. Then you have a one mile hike to the Rock. The first 3/4 mile is very easy and mostly flat. The last 1/4 mile is climbing up rocks. Some parts of the trail are challenging but doable. Once at the top, you will see this huge rock that is balanced between two rock pillars. Take your camera and you can get a photo of distant mountains framed by the balanced rock. Stunning. But be aware the climb is not easy. Glad I did it and saw this geological formation but not sure I would do it again.

joedvet

The Rock is at the end of the Grapevine Hills hike, Easy hike until the end and then a bit of climbing. Very unique and worth the trip

jbk51691

The dirt road wasn't too bad till about the last mile. The hike is flat and you are surrounded by lots of rocks, cliffs. You hike to the end of the canyon and then go up the rocks to get to the balanced rock.

Playaman47

This is a four-mile walk (to and from included) through a desert valley and up into a granite intrusion area that has some magnificent formations. One of these is the touching of three large stone masses in such a manner that one of the three appears to be balanced on the other two... A nice experience on a perfect fall day but not one that I liked so well that I want to do it again.

rahotz

This trail takes you to the Balanced Rock. Classified as an easy hike, this one was, and was quite enjoyable. Very picturesque! Saw a family with a stroller make it most of the way.

mrhackerott

The "Balanced Rock" is the reward at the end of the Grapevine Hills trail. However, the trail itself is very scenic with lots of interesting rock formations along the way. To get to the trail head drive about 6 miles north on Grapevine Hills Road which is an dirt road. It is well maintained for about the first 2 miles but less so afterwards. I would recommend a high clearance vehicle as there are some washes along the way. There is a small parking area at the trail head. The trail starts with a flat climb of about 1+ miles to the southeastern most point in the small canyon. The last 0.25 miles is a staircase climb up the granite and sandstone to the Balance Rock. Beautiful views in all directions at the top.

76melindag

Everyone else has pretty much covered this wonderful treat. As they say, not easy the last 1/4 mile, so be prepared with some good shoes and a hiking stick as you will need them. Have plenty water, gets hot fast. Otherwise, the hike is just sandy in parts, but not hard. Some people may drive here in a car, but I would suggest a high wheel vehicle. Bring a camera as you will want your picture under it!

kschwerin

The Balanced Rock is at the north end of the Grapevine Hills, which is accessed via a 6 mile dirt road, guaranteed to leave your car covered in dust. The road is easily driven but must be taken slowly. The trail begins at the north end of the hills, then follows along an arroyo which is sometimes sandy and sometimes rocky, but easy hiking until the final quarter mile. That part is steep, sometimes slippery, and must be negotiated carefully. Also there is no large vegetation, so this probably gets very hot from mid-day into the afternoon. I would recommend undertaking this as a morning excursion.

heatherleightravels

This is a very easy trail with only the last quarter of a mile requiring a climbing hike. The view is great and there are many rare plants along the trail.

Starinhon

The hike to Balanced Rock is pretty flat, not much incline and it's not very long. There is a lot of sand to hike through. The last 1/4 mile there is a steep hike up boulders and rocks, but nothing technical. I found the end to be a real treat! The view is spectacular, and you are surrounded by so many huge boulders. It's pretty neat! The only hard part is actually driving to the trail. It's 6 miles down a very bumpy gravel road and it would be pretty tough on a little car. Doable I think, but tough. We were the only ones on the trail though. No other cars in the parking lot. That was really great! I got to stand up in the back of the truck on the way back. Felt like a kid again! It's another really interesting thing to see at Big Bend.

amk58

We were able to see Balanced Rock from the Grapevine Hills Trail. The trail head was a 6 mile down a rocky path. The trail itself is quite short (1 mile one way), however the last 1/4 mile requires that you climb over huge boulders to get a view of Balanced Rock. It was a beautiful sight!