16 – Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock, a wind-carved rock formation in Southern Idaho, is a natural wonder located near Buhl in the Salmon Falls Creek Canyon, balancing precariously on a pedestal. [1, 2, 3]
Here’s a more detailed look: [1, 2]
- Location: South of Buhl, near the Salmon Falls Creek Canyon. [1, 2]
- Formation: Wind-carved, balancing precariously on a pedestal. [1, 2]
- Size: Over 48 feet tall and 40 tons. [1, 3]
- Pedestal: Only 3 feet by 17 inches. [1, 3]
- Trailhead: Located just west of the Balanced Rock Park, with a parking lot nearby. [1, 2]
- Climb: A quick, but fairly steep climb to the top. [1, 2]
- Best Times to Visit: Sunrise and sunset are stunning, and it’s a great spot for dark sky photography. [1, 2]
- Nearby: Balanced Rock Park, an excellent spot for a picnic or camping, and the beautiful Salmon Falls Creek and Canyon. [1, 2]
- Getting There: From Twin Falls, head west on Highway 30, then south, navigating through farmland and into more rugged country. [4]
- Geology: Part of a rhyolite lava formation created 15 million years ago by volcanic eruptions. [5]
- Other Attractions: Nearby attractions include the Snake River Canyon around Twin Falls, Hagerman State Fish Hatchery, Niagra Springs, and Malad Gorge State Park. [6]
Generative AI is experimental.
More Information
[1] https://visitsouthidaho.com/adventure/balanced-rock/
[2] https://visitsouthidaho.com/what-to-do-at-balanced-rock-park/
[3] https://livethatadventure.com/how-to-find-balanced-rock-in-idaho/
[4] https://idahosmammothcave.com/beautiful-places-to-visit-in-idaho-balanced-rock/
[5] https://visitsouthidaho.com/southern-idaho-icon-balanced-rock-is-a-sweet-springtime-destination/
[6] https://www.idahofallsmagazine.com/2021/11/a-scenic-beauty-in-the
Coordinates: 42.547249, -114.958291
Elevation: 3643 ft
Difficulty: 1
What to Expect: No info
[reblex id=’779′]
Check In
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17 Check-Ins
Managed to ride through the canyon in the morning, not too hot yet.
Unintentionally leave my 2025 bandana at home.
Stacy and I hit a couple of challenge points on our first day of our 20th anniversary vacation. We trailered to Bliss and took some back roads to Balanced rock.
Nice day for a ride. Made a loop from Bliss to Balance Rock and back.
I have lived in Idaho most of my life, but this was my first time here. We took the back way from the Bruneau overlook.
First time here. There are some cool rock formations around balanced rock and a 'hidden' park at the bottom of the hill 🙂
Cool spot. This was new for me. Looks like there are some OHV trails across the street.
Nice little ride through the country side to get to this one. All pavement so easy going
What an incredible canyon! Amazing views. Very interesting formations.
A beautiful ride down into a rocky and tight canyon. Well worth the effort.
Cool rock formation with a steep but short hike up from the paved road.
Left me asking questions…
The ride into the canyon is beautiful! Watch your speed down here.
Picked up this one on my way to Jackpot
Had not been here for a long time. A lot more pavement.
Managed to ride through the canyon in the morning, not too hot yet.
Unintentionally leave my 2025 bandana at home.
Stacy and I hit a couple of challenge points on our first day of our 20th anniversary vacation. We trailered to Bliss and took some back roads to Balanced rock.
Nice day for a ride. Made a loop from Bliss to Balance Rock and back.
I have lived in Idaho most of my life, but this was my first time here. We took the back way from the Bruneau overlook.
Oops here is the photo
I got this site on Alec’s 3 day 1300 mile ride, cool place to go.
First time here. There are some cool rock formations around balanced rock and a ‘hidden’ park at the bottom of the hill 🙂
Nice ride
Cool spot. This was new for me. Looks like there are some OHV trails across the street.
Nice little ride through the country side to get to this one. All pavement so easy going
What an incredible canyon! Amazing views. Very interesting formations.
A beautiful ride down into a rocky and tight canyon. Well worth the effort.
I’m curious as to why you are taking pictures of your bike with a Flying Pie t-shirt instead of the club bandana?
Hi chillyphilly! Nice to meet you! I went to Hagerman yesterday, and got a photo by the National Park. Then I headed to Balanced Rock, and I realized that I did not have my bandana. I went back to Hagerman to look for the bandana, and could not find it, so I headed home. Then I reached out to Alex, and he said it would be ok for me to keep going until I got another bandana, so I went back out there today and re-did the photo. I hope that is ok
Oh no, that is unfortunate! I was just curious, I wasn’t sure if there was a meaning behind it. Apparently there is, but not for a good reason!
This is when the wheels fell off my wagon. After I took the shot, I went and looked in the window, and the bandana must have blown away.
Yup! Sure is!
Where’s the pic with the rock balancing on your head??
Same place as that water crossing video you shot of me coming out of the Little City of Rocks! 🙂
Cool rock formation with a steep but short hike up from the paved road.
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