Balanced Rock is one of the icons that make up Big Bend National Park. Breathtaking views of the Chihuahuan Desert, massive rock boulders, and unique plants make this one of the best trails to explore when visiting Big Bend National Park. 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 have to visit Balanced Rock!
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TRAIL STATS
Distance: 2.0 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 246 ft | Time: 1 Hr
GETTING TO BALANCED ROCK
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
Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love adding LMNT’s Electrolyte Packets to our Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottles to have ice cold water for the whole day.
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. If hiking this trail toward the end of the day, this part is all shaded.
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 to Balanced Rock. Take your time and be cautious. The climbing is moderate so most people should be able to do it just fine. As you make your way up the rock boulders there a signs to guide you toward Balanced Rock so you won’t get lost.
Once you turn a corner you’ll know Balanced Rock when you see it. You can stand right under the rock and peer out to the other side for stunning views of the Big Bend landscape. We stayed here for a while just taking in the views from every corner.
Let us know if you’ve ever been to Balanced Rock in Big Bend National Park in the comments below!
