Utah’s Balanced Rock Slowly Erodes, Eventually Facing Inevitable Collapse
Utah’s Balanced Rock Slowly Erodes, Eventually Facing Inevitable Collapse
US · Published Jan 14, 2026
Balanced Rock in Arches National Park is a massive, eroding boulder poised for eventual collapse.
Geologists warn that the softer base of Dewey Bridge Mudstone is eroding, threatening the stability of Balanced Rock.
Past collapses within the park, like Wall Arch, demonstrate the power of natural forces to reshape the landscape.
Balanced Rock: erosion's testament in Arches National Park
Balanced Rock in Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah, stands as a testament to the relentless power of erosion. This colossal 128-foot, 7.2-million-pound boulder, precariously balanced on a pedestal of Dewey Bridge Mudstone, is a captivating sight for visitors and a compelling study for geologists. Over millions of years, wind, rain, and other natural elements have sculpted the unique landscape of Arches National Park, creating its world-renowned arches and rock formations.
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