Beyond Balanced Rock

— The iconic view of Balanced Rock at Big Bend NP is one a lot of people have seen. If you do take the time to do the easy hike to the rock itself, you will get otherworldly views of the Chihuahuan Desert. The hike is only 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round trip via an easy trail where you’ll be surrounded by these large boulders. To get to the trail head, you’ll need to drive on a primitive road, so be sure to check road conditions before venturing that way. Once at Balanced Rock, take time to explore around the area, and watch out for cacti and snakes. This is one of our favorite hikes in the park, and we often make time to do it nearly in each visit.