The forces of erosion are sculpting more than just arches. Balanced Rock clearly shows the various layers responsible for this amazing defiance of gravity.

The caprock of the hard Slick Rock Member of the Entrada Sandstone is perched upon a pedestal of mudstone. This softer Dewey Bridge Member of the Carmel Formation weathers more quickly than the resistant rock above. Eventually, the faster-eroding Dewey Bridge will cause the collapse of the Balanced Rock.Throughout the park you can see other balanced rocks, spires, and pinnacles that form as different rock layers erode at different rates.

Entrada Sandstone

Total Height: 128 feet (39 meters)

Boulder Height: 55 feet (17 meters)

Boulder Weight: 3,500 tons (over 3 million kilograms)

Chip-Off-the-Old-Block was a steady companion to Balanced Rock until it toppled during the winter of 1975-76.

Marker is on Arches Entrance Road, on the right when traveling north.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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