Hiking Big Bend: Balanced Rock Trail Guide
Climb to Big Bend's picturesque Balanced Rock with this complete trail guide. Featuring everything you need to know before you hike including when to go, what to bring, and all about the trail.
Balanced Rock is one of the several iconic monuments that make up Big Bend National Park. This short 2 mile out and back trail with 264 feet of elevation gain is easy and family friendly. We hiked to Balanced Rock toward the end of the day and the evening glow on the valley and rock boulders was absolutely amazing to experience.
If you’re making the visit to Big Bend National Park then you must make the stop at Balanced Rock. Amazing views, massive rock boulders, and unique plants make this one of the best stops when visiting Big Bend National Park.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
TRAIL STATS
Distance: 2.0 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 246 ft | Time: 1 Hr
GETTING THERE
WEST ENTRANCE
From the west entrance station of Big Bend National Park its 24 miles or about a 45 minute drive to the Balanced Rock Trailhead. Once you enter the park take Panther Junction Rd east for 19 miles. Make a left on Grapevine Springs Rd. Head north on Grapevine Springs Rd for 7 miles. The trailhead will be on your right.
NORTH ENTRANCE
From the north entrance station of Big Bend National Park its 37 miles or about a 45 minute drive to the Balanced Rock Trailhead. Once you enter the park take Main Park Rd south for 27 miles until you get to the Panther Junction Visitor Center on Gano Springs Rd. Make a right and head west for 3 miles until you get to Grapevine Springs Rd. Turn right on Grapevine Springs Rd and take the dirt road down for 7 miles. The trailhead will be on your right.
ENTRANCE FEE
$15 per person or $30 per vehicle which is valid for 7 days. You can also use the America the Beautiful National Park Pass to enter.
TIP | Grapevine Springs Rd is a dirt road. Take your time and be cautious when driving a 2 wheel drive vehicle. The parking lot is small so be sure get there early or toward the end of the day.
WHAT TO BRING
Big Bend National carries two qualities, it’s massive size ( over 800,000 acres ) and it’s dry and sunny climate. Big Bend is located in the Chihuahuan Desert so carrying all your necessary supplies is important. After hiking Big Bend during the winter, spring, and summer these are the items we recommend having.
Plenty of water
In a insulated bottle preferred, at least 32 oz per hour you plan on hiking. Big Bend can get VERY hot during late spring to early fall so you want to make sure you have an enough water with you on the trail. It is a dry heat which to us felt like an oven and sucked out any moisture our bodies had.
Hiking Shoes/Boots
Many trails in Big Bend are rocky, sandy, and steep. Having supportive hiking shoes has been so helpful in being able to enjoy the trails and avoid any injuries.
Hiking Sticks
These have been a LIFE SAVER. Hiking sticks are so helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
Sun Protectant
One of the best ways we’ve found to protect our skin is simply by covering it with hats and sun protectant clothing. To finish it off putting a sun screen on my face and any remaining exposed skin is what we find works for us.
First Aid Kit
It’s never a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit while hiking in Big Bend. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Energizing Snacks
Whatever your version of an energizing snack is, bring plenty. There’s not a lot of food options in the park and you don’t want to be left with chips and soda.
AMENITIES NEARBY
PANTHER JUNCTION
The nearest facility to the Balanced Rock trail is the Panther Junction Visitor Center located 11 miles away. Open all year and a great place to start your adventure in Big Bend. Load up on information, pick up a park map and get exploring.
You can also find a gas station, gift store, restrooms, U.S Post Office, and water filling station here. Backcountry and river permits can also be picked up here. There is some cell service and internet at the Panther Junction Visitor Center.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Distance: 2.0 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 246 ft | Time: 1 Hr
To get to Balanced Rock you’ll follow the 2 mile Grapevine Hills Trail. The first 0.75 miles of the trail starts off on a flat and gravel path where there are massive rock boulders everywhere and tons of desert plants to explore.
As you make your way on the trail don’t forget to stop and explore the beautiful desert plants and unique formations on the rocks.
The last 0.25 mile of the trail takes some skill as you climb on rock boulders to get on Balanced Rock. Take your time and be cautious. We didn’t find the climbing too challenging. As you make your way up there a signs to guide you toward Balanced Rock so you won’t get lost.
Let us know if you’ve ever been to Balanced Rock in Big Bend National Park in the comments below!
READY TO HIKE BALANCED ROCK?! SAVE THIS GUIDE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP TO BIG BEND!
LOOKING FOR MORE BIG BEND?
HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Take a tour through West Texas’ stunning scenery and hidden gems with this mini travel guide. Featuring 10 of West Texas must visit destinations.