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Balanced Rock: A Gravity-Defying Wonder

Marvel at the gravity-defying Balanced Rock in Colorado Springs' Garden of the Gods, a natural wonder millions of years in the making.

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Balanced Rock, a 35-foot-tall, 1.4-million-pound sandstone boulder, is a striking natural attraction in Colorado Springs' Garden of the Gods. This seemingly precarious formation has been shaped by millions of years of erosion and offers a popular photo opportunity for visitors.

A brief summary to Balanced Rock

  • Garden Dr, Colorado Springs, West Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80904, US
  • Monday 5 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-11 pm
  • Friday 5 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially during summer and weekends, to secure parking and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  • Bring your camera to capture the iconic 'holding up the rock' photo.
  • Stay on marked trails to help preserve the natural environment.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Colorado Springs, head west on US-24. Turn onto El Paso Boulevard, then turn onto Garden Drive. Balanced Rock will be on your left, with parking areas nearby. Parking is free, but can be limited during peak hours.

  • Public Transport

    From the Colorado Springs Terminal, take the Mountain Metro Transit Line 3 bus towards Manitou Springs. Get off at the Manitou/Beckers stop and walk along El Paso Blvd, then turn onto Garden Drive. Balanced Rock will be on your left. A one-way bus fare is $2.

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Discover more about Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock, located in the southern part of Garden of the Gods, is a testament to the power of nature's artistry. This colossal sandstone boulder, estimated to weigh 1.4 million pounds and stand 35 feet tall, appears to defy gravity as it balances on a relatively small base. Formed over millions of years through the erosion of softer surrounding rock, Balanced Rock is composed of harder sandstone, its red hue derived from hematite, a form of iron oxide. In the late 19th century, Balanced Rock became a paid tourist attraction when the Goerke family bought the land and charged visitors 25 cents to see the formation. Curt Goerke, at the young age of 14, started taking photos of tourists with the rock. This practice continued until 1932 when the land was sold to the City of Colorado Springs, making it a free attraction. Since then, countless tourists have captured its image, often posing as if they are holding it up or pushing it over. Located near Steamboat Rock, Balanced Rock continues to captivate visitors with its unique beauty. The park is open from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, extending to 10:00 p.m. during the summer.

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