Balanced Boulder
Lees Ferry
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Arizona
March 2024

Thousands of years ago a huge rock boulder broke from the cliff above and tumbled to a stop here. The hard conglomerate boulder compressed the softer dirt directly beneath, making it resistant to erosion. The boulder also acted as a massive umbrella, protecting the stone beneath from years of wind and rain. Over time, at least 6 feet of the surrounding loose ground was carried away, leaving an ever-growing pedestal with a balanced rock perched on top. You can see this process taking place under many rocks in the area. At some point, the sheltering boulder may become too much weight for its pedestal, toppling and taking another fateful tumble. (NPS)