Balanced Rock is a featured stop when driving in Arches National Park, and one of the few formations easily seen from the main park road. We are still quite a distance away, but come on along. You’ll be amazed as we get closer!
Wow, how a short distance can change the perspective. Why it’s a good idea to slow down and look around 😉 .
Rocks that appear balanced atop other rock formations are all over Utah and many western states. New York State, Kansas, and many countries worldwide are home to balanced rocks as well. We have a balancing rock wonder in Garden of the Gods too–Balanced Rock.
From the parking area we can see the formation’s massive size, standing 128 feet tall. The family at picture’s bottom gives perspective. Although appearing to defy gravity, the Entrada Sandstone boulder is firmly attached to the eroding, lighter colored Dewey Bridge mudstone pedestal. It is not a true balancing act thankfully. That would be very scary.
The huge boulder on top is bigger than we can image. Its estimated weight is 3,577 tons. According to the Park Service, it is “the weight of an icebreaker ship or approximately 27 blue whales”.
There was a time when another balancing rock formation was here, shown in this picture taken in the 1960s. Notice the pillar to the far right called “Chip Off The Old Block”. It fell during the winter of 1975-76. Also, if you compare closely, you may see the erosion that has taken place on the all-important pedestal over the last 50 or so years.
Looking closer at the far end of the formation today, those may be pieces of “Chip”.
It is inevitable that one day erosion of the pedestal will cause the massive boulder to fall, but today Balanced Rock is a wonder to enjoy!
Until next time my friend, find those special wonders near your home.
Truly a wonder…wonder if anyone will be around to witness when it topples to the ground. Great blog Joy!
I remember it well from when I lived there 60+ years ago!
Didn’t know you lived there Patty. I bet it hasn’t changed that much 😉 The beauty of big rocks.