Balanced Rock Colorado National Monument

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.

Balanced Rock Colorado National Monument
Balanced Rock at sunrise
Balanced Rock Colorado
Balanced Rock and Rim Rock Drive

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:

View Colorado National Monument in a larger map
Photos

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These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.
Nearby Trails
Colorado National Monument TrailsAlcove 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.
Colorado National Monument TrailsCanyon Rim Trail
This one-mile round trip hike begins at Saddlehorn Visitor Center and travels along the cliffs edge overlooking Monument Canyon.
Colorado National Monument TrailsCoke Ovens Trail
This one-mile hike visits a line of sandstone domes decorating the rim of Monument Canyon.
Colorado National Monument TrailsDevils Kitchen Trail
This 1.2 mile hike crosses the bottom of No Thoroughfare canyon to a rock grotto surrounded by tall boulders.
Colorado National Monument TrailsMonument Canyon Trail
This 7-mile hike travels down into Monument Canyon to visit the tallest freestanding rock formation in the park.
Colorado National Monument TrailsOtto’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.
Colorado National Monument TrailsWindow 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.
Similar Trail
Arches National ParkBalanced Rock
This short loop circles a perilous block of sandstone balancing near the center of Arches National Park.
Balancing Rock TrailBalancing 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.
Camping
Colorado National Park campingSaddlehorn Campground
This 80-site campground is the only designated camping area in Colorado National Park, conveniently located near Saddlehorn Visitor Center.
Tagged with · Fruita · Grand Junction

2 Comments on Balanced Rock in Colorado National Monument

  1. 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!

  2. […] 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 […]

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