Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Balanced Rock

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.4 (50)
  1. Areas
  2. TX
  3. …West Texas
  4. Big Bend National Park
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A moderate climb accessing some of the most incredible rock formations in Big Bend! ”

Hunter R
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.1

KM

Out and Back

3,470' 1,058 m

High

3,234' 986 m

Low

236' 72 m

Up

235' 72 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly Kids will absolutely love to wander through the large amphitheaters of boulders situated along the trail.

Overview

Be prepared to let loose your inner child before setting out on the Grapevine Hills Trail, as you'll find yourself completely amazed by the geologic wonders you experience along the way.

Description

Starting at the Grapevine Hills Trail Parking Area, follow the trail southeast as it curves alongside a small, sandy wash. Follow the wash, climbing ever so slightly until the trail leaves the wash behind and enters the geologic wonder all visitors come to see: the Grapevine Hills.

Formed as the result of rising magma within the earth becoming entrapped by overlying sedimentary rock layers, the Grapevine Hills display fantastically rounded granite-like boulders of all shapes and sizes. In certain circumstances, such as one near the end of the trail, these boulders have oriented themselves such that they are balanced precariously on top of other rocks. Needless to say, they are truly a sight to see!

Near the end of the trail, expect the terrain to become more rocky underfoot, as well as appreciably more strenuous as you climb into the rock outcropping. Be sure to watch out for snakes in this area, as they love to hide in the shady areas between the rocks.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Big Bend National Park

Shared By:

Hunter R
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 50 votes

#2

in Big Bend National Park

#240

Overall
  4.4 from 50 votes
5 Star
52%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Big Bend National Park

#7

in Texas

#240

Overall
24 Views Last Month
4,328 Since Sep 29, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
4%
9%
61%
15%
11%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Balanced Rock is one of the top sunrise hikes! With views to the east the mountains of Sierra del Carmen light up a spectacular purple. Contrasted with the light, bouldered desert landscape it is a sight to behold.
Feb 17, 2018 near Big Ben…, TX
Big Bend's famous Balanced Rock.
Jul 14, 2016 near Big Ben…, TX
Big Bend - Grapevine Hills Trail.
Sep 29, 2015 near Big Ben…, TX
keeping the rock in balance
Mar 9, 2018 near Big Ben…, TX
Midway along the trail. View to the north.
Dec 1, 2016 near Big Ben…, TX
looking back on the trail from the higher elevation
Mar 31, 2018 near Big Ben…, TX

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Feb 18, 2024
Joyce Le
8h 00m
Nov 21, 2023
Lily Adams
Oct 9, 2023
Jenene Rinschler
May 19, 2023
Haleigh Straube
2.2mi — 1h 06m
Nov 11, 2022
Leah McCarty
Sep 19, 2022
Sarah Guertin
Apr 9, 2022
John Hobbs
A very slow 6 mile drive to get to trail which was extremely quick
Dec 2, 2021
Tracy Mellison

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started