Within the first few miles of the Arches entrance road, the park delivers two of its most photographed non-arch sights. Park Avenue is a viewpoint over a straight canyon lined with tall sandstone fins and spires that resemble a city street of skyscrapers, with the Courthouse Towers rising at the far end. A trail descends into the canyon floor for those who want to walk it, returning the same way or continuing to a second trailhead. A few miles farther along, Balanced Rock is a massive boulder perched on a slender pedestal, a hundred and twenty-odd feet high in total, and a short loop trail circles the base so you can see the geology from every angle. Both stops are quick, easy and close to the road, ideal for a first impression or a relaxed evening drive.
Treat these stops as the opening and the closing of a day in Arches. They are early on the scenic drive, so many visitors pass them on the way in and skip them on the way out, but the light is often better late in the afternoon when the long shadows pick out the fins at Park Avenue. Balanced Rock is also a favorite for sunset and, thanks to the dark skies, for night photography when the Milky Way rises behind the formation.
In recent years Arches has used a timed-entry reservation system for daytime arrivals during the peak season, roughly spring through autumn, and has not required it outside those months or in every year, so check the park's site for the current rule before you travel. The Park Avenue lot is small and can fill, so be patient or return at a quieter hour. The trail into the canyon is gentle going down and a steady climb back up, so budget more time than the sign suggests and carry water.
Think of Balanced Rock as a lesson in erosion: the harder cap rock protects the softer layer beneath, and over time the pedestal narrows until the rock eventually falls. A paved path loops the base and a short side trail brings you close without allowing you to climb. Bring a camera, avoid walking on soil crust and follow park rules about staying on trails. A guided morning tour covers these stops with commentary on the geology, which is useful if you would like a deeper understanding than the signs provide.
What to expect
The experience
Short roadside stops with an optional trail into Park Avenue and a paved loop around Balanced Rock.
Best time
Late afternoon for long shadows; after dark for night photography at Balanced Rock.
How long
One to two hours for both stops.
Tips
Carry water for the climb back out of Park Avenue canyon, stay on trails and be patient with the small parking lot.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want an easy introduction to Arches scenery.
- Families
- Both stops are short and simple, so children usually enjoy them.
- Couples
- A golden-hour stop at Balanced Rock makes a pleasant end to the day.
- Pair with
- The Windows, Devils Garden and Delicate Arch Viewpoint.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
How long do these stops take?+
About an hour to two hours for both, depending on whether you walk the Park Avenue trail.
Do I need a timed-entry reservation?+
In recent years Arches has used a timed-entry reservation system for daytime arrivals during the peak season, roughly spring through autumn, and has not required it outside those months or in every year, so check the park's site for the current rule before you travel.
How tall is Balanced Rock?+
Roughly a hundred and twenty-odd feet in total, with a huge boulder resting on a slender pedestal.
Can I hike Park Avenue?+
Yes. The trail goes down into the canyon and returns the same way, with a steady climb back up.
Is it good for night photos?+
Yes. The park is a dark-sky area, and Balanced Rock is a popular foreground for Milky Way photographs.
