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Balanced Rock:
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 Balanced Rock.
Throughout the park, you can see other balanced rocks, spires, and pinnacles that form as different rock layers erode at different rates.
The size of Balanced Rock can be deceiving. Take a short lop trail (0.2 miles; 0.3 kilometers) for a closer look. |