Balanced Rock
BALANCED ROCK
Arches National Park, UT
Balanced Rock is found in the Arches National Park, just a few miles north or Moab, UT. This unique rock formation is one of the most popular features in the park and is located right next to the park's main road.
The total height of Balanced Rock is about 130ft., with the balancing rock 55ft. above the base. From a photographic standpoint, it is easy to make a great image. The shape and profile of the rock changes based on where you stand. The rock is made from red sandstone, which glows beautifully as the late sun touches it.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - EASY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 1 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The shot was taken just a few yards from the Balance Rock parking lot.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
5,039 ft Elevation
Google Earth
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the Balanced Rock parking lot.
Balanced Rock in located in the Arches National Park (just a few miles north of Moab, UT). The directions are from Moab: Drive northwest on US 191 from Moab for approximately 4.5 miles and turn right onto the Arches National Park on Arches Entrance Rd. Go past the visitors’ entrance and continue on Arches Scenic Dr. for 8.8 miles and The Balanced Rock parking lot will be on your right. The image above was taken from the right side of the parking lot.
Photography Tips
This shot is all about the brilliant red light on the red rocks that are Balanced Rock. As mentioned, a few moments before the sun sets in the horizon, the soft rays of the sun rays transform the red rocks/stones in the area to an unnatural glowing red.
This glow will only happen when there are no clouds blocking the sun and will only last for a few moments. Be ready!
This shot is a composite with the sky taken about 10 minutes after sunset.
Other Images From This Location
Best Time of Day to Shoot
You can shoot this location at either sunrise or sunset. Most photographers prefer this location at late afternoon around sunset, as the soft late sun accentuates the red sandstone. There is a very small window of time about 15-20 before sunset when the soft sun paints the red rocks a absolutely stunning red color. Be ready and set up about 20 min before the stated sunset and wait for that perfect time for the glow.
The shot above was taken @ 5:31pm on a day when the stated sunset was 5:48pm
Best Time of Year
This location is great any time of year. In Fall and Winter, the sun sets to the right which produces the nice red sidelight glow.
The above shot was taken on February 9th
Lens(es) Needed
You can use lenses from 16mm to 70mm to shoot The Balanced Rock.
The shot above was taken with a 40mm lens.
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 40mm
Exposure – 180th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Feb 9th
Time – 5:31pm
Birds-Eye View From Google Earth Pro
Permits
Once you have paid for the admission into Arches National Park, there are no permits required.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is mainly east @ 110°.
Equipment Needed
The above shot was taken with a polarizer to enhance the red glow.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
Arches National Park and Balanced Rock will have a ton of tourists each day. However, most of the visitors will be in and around the rocks. This shot is take just south of the parking area.
Weather
The Arches National Park is a high desert climate where temperatures can vary up to 30° to 40° a day. Spring and fall are nice, but summer can get into the high 90s. The monsoon season (in late summer) brings violent but brief thunderstorms, which can be great for photography.
Cell Service
I use Verizon, and there is limited cell service in the Arches National Park. There is cell service once you get back to the highway.
Overnight Camping Options
Balanced Rock is in the Arches National Park 5 miles northwest of Moab, UT. Moab is a nice town and has an abundance of lodging.
There are at least 10 campground sites in and around Arches National Park. Devils Garden campground is the only campsite in the park. Most campsites include potable water, picnic tables, grills, and flushing toilets. Some sites will accommodate RVs. An Arches National Park map, available at the park entrance, will provide information on the available campsites.
Nearby camping and lodging
Camping - click on the campground below for directions
Devils Garden campground (18 miles from the park entrance)
Goose Island Campground (north on UT 128 on the Colorado River)
Granstaff Campground (north on UT 128 on the Colorado River)
Lodging - click on the lodging below for a TripAdvisor review
Red Cliffs Lodge
(435) 259-2002
Mile Post 14 Hwy 128, Moab, UT
INCA Inn and Motel
(435) 259-7261
570 N Main St, Moab, UT
Gonzo Inn
(435) 259-2515
100 W 200 S, Moab, UT
Nearby Restaurants
There are no restaurants or lodges in the park. Moab, UT, is the nearest town (5 miles) and has a nice choice of restaurants. There are several good places to eat in Moab. Eklecticafe is a nice place for breakfast, and the Desert Bistro is a high-end place for dinner.
Nearby Restaurants - click on the restaurant below for yelp review
Desert Bistro
(435) 259-0756
36 S 100 W, Moab, UT
Twisted Sista's Cafe
(435) 355-0088
11 E 100 N, Moab, UT
Other Photography Opportunities Around
None