Balanced Rock: A Geological Balancing Act

Marvel at the gravity-defying Balanced Rock in Colorado Springs' Garden of the Gods, a testament to nature's enduring power and artistry.

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Balanced Rock, a 35-foot-tall, 1.4-million-pound sandstone formation in Colorado Springs' Garden of the Gods, stands as a testament to the power of natural erosion. This precariously perched rock has become an iconic symbol of the park, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its seemingly impossible equilibrium.

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, as parking near Balanced Rock is limited and fills up quickly.
Bring your camera and capture the classic photo of yourself 'holding up' or 'pushing' Balanced Rock.
Stay on marked paths to protect the environment and avoid injury, as the terrain around the rock can be uneven and slippery.
Combine your visit to Balanced Rock with other nearby attractions in Garden of the Gods, such as the Kissing Camels and Siamese Twins.

Getting There

Driving

If driving from downtown Colorado Springs, head west on Colorado Avenue, which turns into Garden of the Gods Road. Follow the road for approximately 4 miles to the entrance of Garden of the Gods Park. Once inside the park, follow the signs to Balanced Rock, located on Garden Drive. Parking is free, but limited. Expect full lots during peak hours. Consider entering Garden of the Gods from the south via Garden Drive. After turning left from El Paso Boulevard onto Garden Drive, Balanced Rock will be on your left about 0.5 miles ahead.
Public Transport

To reach Balanced Rock via public transportation, take Mountain Metro Transit bus route 3 from downtown Colorado Springs towards Garden of the Gods. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes. From the Garden of the Gods stop, walk approximately 1 mile to Balanced Rock, following the trails marked on the park map. Check the bus schedule in advance. Single fare is $1.75.

Discover more about Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock, located in the southern section of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, is a breathtaking example 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 uplift of the Rocky Mountains and subsequent erosion, Balanced Rock is composed of hematite, coarse sand, silica, and gravel, giving it a distinctive reddish hue. For a time, a local family charged 25 cents to view the rock, until the City of Colorado Springs purchased the land in 1932 and made it free to the public. The site has since become a favorite spot for photographers, with the classic pose being visitors pretending to hold up or push the rock. While Balanced Rock may appear fragile, geologists believe it is quite stable and would likely only be dislodged by a major natural event like a strong earthquake.

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Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum

Governor's House

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Williams Canyon

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Shoshone Spring

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Rainbow Falls

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Explore the breathtaking beauty of Rainbow Falls in Colorado – a stunning natural attraction perfect for hiking and photography.

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

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Iron Spring

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Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center

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City Hall of Old Colorado City

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Pike's Peak, Colorado

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The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

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Explore the breathtaking vistas of Pikes Peak aboard the historic Cog Railway, where adventure meets stunning natural beauty in Colorado.

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Pikes Peak By Rail

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Glen Eyrie Castle

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The Michael Garman Museum & Gallery

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Colorado Garden of the Gods

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Garden of the Gods Trading Post

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Discover Colorado's oldest and largest gift shop and art gallery at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post. A unique shopping and dining experience since 1929.

Horse Parking Garden of the Gods

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Schryver Park

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Siamese Twins

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Garden of the Gods

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Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Garden of the Gods, a stunning natural park in Colorado Springs, featuring iconic red rock formations and scenic trails.

Historic Manitou Springs Sign

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Pikes peak

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Manitou Cliff Dwellings

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High Point Overlook

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The Cliff House at Pikes Peak

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

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Red Mountain Bar and Grill

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Royal Tavern

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Townhouse Sports Grill

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Kinfolks

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Trails End Taproom and Eatery

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The Rocks Lounge & Dining Room

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Nova West

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The Fifty-Niner

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OCC Brewing and Restaurant

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Balanced Rock: A Geological Balancing Act

A brief summary to Balanced Rock

Local tips

Getting There

Driving

Public Transport

Unlock the Best of Balanced Rock

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Balanced Rock

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum

Governor's House

Williams Canyon

Shoshone Spring

Rainbow Falls

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

Iron Spring

Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center

City Hall of Old Colorado City

Pike's Peak, Colorado

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Pikes Peak By Rail

Glen Eyrie Castle

The Michael Garman Museum & Gallery

Magic Town at the Michael Garman Museum & Gallery

Unmissable attractions to see

Steamboat Rock

Colorado Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods Trading Post

Horse Parking Garden of the Gods

Schryver Park

Siamese Twins

Garden of the Gods

Historic Manitou Springs Sign

Pikes peak

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Seven Minute Spring

Memorial Park, Manitou Springs, CO

Manitou Springs

High Point Overlook

The Cliff House at Pikes Peak

Essential places to dine

Adam’s Mountain Cafe

Amanda's Cantina and Fonda

The Keg Lounge

Swirl Restaurant and Wine Bar

Manitou Brewing Company

Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant

Cliff House Dining Room

Border Burger Bar

Armadillo Ranch Bar, Restaurant, Live Music Venue

The Loop

Grand View

Paravicini's Italian Bistro

Ristorante Di Sopra

Alchemy

Jake and Telly’s Greek Taverna

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Piramide-Dragonfly of Colorado

Kill Your Culture

Legrande Accents Boutique

Mountain High Gallery and Gifts

La Henna Boheme

Manitou Outpost

Ten Spot

Mountain West Trading USA

La Tienda

Sante Fe Springs

Leprechaun Shoppe

Eagle Dancer

Osburn Gift Shop

The Hemp Store

The Castle Gift Shop

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Heroes Hollow

Red Mountain Bar and Grill

Royal Tavern

Townhouse Sports Grill