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Balanced Rock
4.8 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Running trail in Monument, Colorado · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Balanced Rock's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Balanced Rock
“It looks nice but there aren't that many picturesque spots until you get to the lake.”
Just wanted to share this pic in case anyone thought you could just drive your crossover SUV right on in there. Think if it as a moderate "jeep" trail. Definitely tight for a full size. Got plenty of scratches. Never needed 4x4, but I presume most would.
Balanced Rock Road is a mostly easy to moderate trail that leads to Palmer Lake 2. The drive has fairly thick pine and aspen forests on both sides. It looks nice but there aren't that many picturesque spots until you get to the lake.
I thought this was going to be a level 1-2 but with the amount of deep ruts, I changed my opinion to a level 3. There were some 17 degree role and 10 pitch and some that were greater in both. This is a one way trail and ends at Palmer Lake. You will need to go back the way you came in. You can get to the trail from Mt.
I’m not convinced that everyone’s pic of “Balanced Rock” is the balanced rock. Seems like this one would be a little more suited for that name. It’s further west in the trail though
Trail conditions & character
“It looks nice but there aren't that many picturesque spots until you get to the lake.”
“Towards the end is the most technical with some deep washouts.”
“I thought this was going to be a level 1-2 but with the amount of deep ruts, I changed my opinion to a level 3.”
Plan your run at Balanced Rock
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Monument
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Limbaugh Canyon Trail Head
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Santa Fe Trail
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Gravel trail for hiking and biking, plus fishing pavilions and a playground.
Mount Herman Trailhead
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Mountain area laced with easy to challenging trails, popular for hiking and biking.
Secondary Trail Head
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