Balanced Rock Big Bend: An Easy Hike To A Nature Wonder!

Hiking to Balanced Rock in Big Bend National Park is a must-do! It’s easy and you will be rewarded with beautiful earth art!

Balance Rock is a unique rock formation at the end of Grapevine Hills Trail, one of the desert hikes in Big Bend National Park.

For millions of years, erosion exposed a mushroom-shaped igneous rock. It has since become one of Big Bend’s most picturesque rock formations. It entices visitors to come and enjoy this natural marvel.

Many people hiked the Grapevine Hills Trail to Balanced Rock because it also makes a beautiful backdrop for Instagram photos. Visitors can stand beneath the boulder and enjoy the view from the opening!

Let’s go on a hike to Balanced Rock Big Bend National Park together.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, and Two Worlds Treasures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Read my Privacy Policy for more info.

Balanced Rock Big Bend Map

To get to the Balanced Rock in Big Bend, enter your starting point in the directions below.

Balanced Rock Big Bend Directions

From Panther Junction Visitor Center, turn left onto Gano Springs and drive towards the west for about 3.5 miles. Then turn right onto Grapevine Springs, and continue for 6 miles until you reach the Grapevine Hills Trailhead on the right.

If you’re coming from the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, drive for 6.4 miles to Basin Jct. Turn left onto Gano Springs and continue for 0.3 mile. Then proceed for about 6 miles to Grapevine Springs. The Grapevine Hills Trailhead is on your right.

If you’re coming from Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive or Santa Elena Canyon, head north toward Oak Spring Rd. Turn right onto Gano Springs and continue for 9.2 miles. Then take left onto Grapevine Springs.

Hiking To Balanced Rock In Big Bend National Park

DRIVING THE GRAPEVINE SPRINGS

As previously stated, you will begin by driving 6 miles on Grapevine Springs to the Grapevine Hills Trailhead.

Grapevine Springs is an improved dirt road, which means it is extremely rough and requires sturdy high-clearance vehicles. You should not try to reach this trail in a passenger car, minivan, or RV. That is what the Big Bend National Park Service meant by improved dirt roads.

However, we used a minivan when we went to Balanced Rock over Spring Break 2020. I don’t remember reading an advisory like the one above on the park website. Nevertheless, the trip was difficult, and I wished we had a truck. 

Driving there, I noticed that our minivan’s bottom repeatedly touched the ground. It was a hitch, according to my husband. He volunteered to drive us back, so I assume he was trying to make me feel better.

My guess is that the road condition has deteriorated over the last two years. That’s why the park posted the notice. It’s also a good idea to check with the ranger about the condition of Grapevine Springs before you go.

The worst part of our drive through Grapevine Springs was after we passed the primitive campsites.

When you arrive at the trailhead, there will be parking on both the left and right sides. Not enough space for such a popular location.

From our experience, I suggest you rent a truck, SUV, or any other high-clearance vehicle for your convenience. Check Discover Cars. They have choices of cars and the best prices for rentals.

GRAPEVINE HILLS TRAIL BASIC INFO

Difficulty: easy to moderate

Distance: 2.2 miles out and back

Time: 1-2 hours

This hike will be longer when more people hike there on your visit. Everyone will take turns taking pictures under the Balanced Rock. However, in our case, things are different.

We hiked to Balanced Rock in the late afternoon. A summer storm was brewing in the distance, and it appeared to be heading our way. We moved quickly, and sometimes I had to run to keep up with my son.

When we arrived at the Balanced Rock, there was a couple there. But the man was constantly coughing. It was the start of the pandemic, and information was scarce. I didn’t want us to get sick, so we didn’t stay long.

Therefore, we finished the hike in a little over an hour.

HIKING TO BALANCED ROCK BIG BEND

The trail is flat, as shown in the photo. For the most part, you’ll be walking on a gravel wash.

Only about a quarter mile into the boulders does the trail turns to a steep climb. There was one section that had me perplexed. Just make sure you look for poles with an arrow and a hiker sign pointing to the Balanced Rock.

Aside from that, it’s an enjoyable climb. When we arrived, I noticed a family with small children who came down. It’s like an adventure playground, in my opinion.

However, another mother chose to stay at the bottom while the rest of the family climbed to the Balanced Rock.

Stay on the trail and watch where you’re going, especially on the way back down.

There are no trees on the trail. It is a desert trail, after all. Make your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Because this is a desert trail, keep an eye out for snakes!

Dogs are not allowed on the trail or any other hiking trails in Big Bend National Park. If you can’t leave your dog at home, read our Big Bend National Park guide for dog visitors.

Another thing is that there is no park ranger on duty, at least for the duration of our visit. But that doesn’t mean you can bring your dog along the Balanced Rock Trail like the family we saw that day.

My husband stayed in the car with our dog Snoopy when we visited Big Bend in March. I went hiking with our son to Balanced Rock.

That’s all. The Big Bend Balanced Rock Trail, in my opinion, is a simple hike with a unique twist. You will enjoy this trail as much as we did.

What To Prepare For A Balanced Rock Trail

– Plenty of water. It’s a desert trail.

– Snacks.

– Sunscreen.

– Rain jacket (depending on the season.)

– Hats & sunglasses.

– Hiking poles (optional.)

– Fully charge cell phone (for taking pictures, because there’s no cell connection there.)

– Camera.

– First-Aid kit.

– A plastic bag to pick up trash (in case you see any.)

– A full tank high clearance vehicle.

Other articles on Big Bend National Park and surrounding areas that might interest you:

– Things to do in Terlingua

– Fort Worth to Big Bend National Park: Long Weekend Trip Idea

– Driving from Alpine to Marfa  

Here’s an article about the neighboring Big Bend Ranch State Park. You must make a trip here:

– Visiting Big Bend Ranch State Park with Dogs

Where else can you see Balanced Rock in the U.S.?

– Arches National Park in Utah

– Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs