Balanced Rock

Is this real???

Balanced Rock can be a nice daytrip or a short side trip from the interstate (I-84). Be sure to bring your camera so you can take a picture of this almost unbelievable rock formation! It is an easy hike from the parking area to the area near the base of the rock. You need to see this rock in person because the pictures you see here don't show how truly amazing this huge rock is, balancing on a very small point. Over 48 feet and 40 tons of this incredible rock balances on a base that is only 3 feet wide! (The base has been reinforced to prevent damage from vandals.)

You will find this unique site south of Buhl, near Castleford, in the Salmon Falls Creek Canyon. The rock is made of rhyolite but is often mistaken to be made of basalt. Rhyolite is much older than basalt and geologists believe that Balanced Rock was made over several millions of years of freezing and thawing cycles, and not shaped solely by wind. The rock was first created after volcanic eruptions that also formed parts of the Bruneau Canyon.

Balanced Rock Park

Nearby is Balanced Rock Park which is a great place for a picnic or to throw a line in the water and try to catch some fish. There are picnic tables and trees to give you shade in the summer. The park is maintained by Twin Falls County and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Driving through Salmon Falls Canyon is also enjoyable with great views of the canyon.

From Balanced Rock, you are also close to Thousand Springs - another great daytrip adventure!

Getting There

From Boise, it takes less than two hours to get to Balanced Rock and the Balanced Rock Park that is just down the road. Follow the signs from Buhl to Castleford, then drive six miles northwest through farmland to Balanced Rock.

STARTING POINT: Boise

DISTANCE FROM STARTING POINT: One way from Boise is approximately 125 miles

TIME TO REACH: Less than 2 hours

ROAD SURFACE: Paved road

WHEN ACCESSIBLE: All year

FEES: None

RECOMMENDED VEHICLES: Any

PET FRIENDLY: On leash recommended

WHEN WE WENT: Fall

I'm Here - Now What?

• Photography

  • Bring your camera or smart phone - the pictures you take will be amazing!

• Bring your kids!

• Bring your dog

• Hiking

• Geocaching

  • To learn more about geocaching and the app, go to www.geocaching.co

At The Park:

• Fishing

• Picnic (tables)

• One picnic pavilion available to rent.

  • Fritz Bybee Pavilion: $50 for the day, seats 40, offers power and water.

• Campsites are available and free but there are no reservations available.

  • Tent Camping- *SPRINKLERS RUN MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT. NO EXCEPTIONS*

  • NO RV hookups- RV sites are first come first served.