Balanced Rock Road

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4.3/5 (52 reviews)
Monument, Colorado (ElPaso County)
Last Updated: 07/05/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

This is a fun off-road trail that's close to Colorado Springs and easily accessible to those in Denver and other points along the front range. Trails within the Rampart Range can provide a challenge to vehicles that are a little more than stock yet still offers some fun routes for more built rigs. The Mount Herman Road (FS 320) drive up to the trail gives you great views of Monument and Black Forest. The southern section of the Rampart Range is notable for unique rock formations consisting of large boulder piles and valleys filled with rock outcroppings, dense forests and fine gravel soil. Open during all seasons (except rare closures for excessive precipitation), the Rampart Range portion of Pike National Forest offers year-round 4x4 adventure!

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.3/5 (52)
Open
Visited: 09/24/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Ran this trail yesterday with two buddies. The Forest Service has recently graded the trail all the way to the reservoir including smoothing over the deep ruts described at waypoint 10. No more fun off camber or suspension stretching ruts for the time being. At best the trail is now a 2 in difficulty. On the positive side, we did find a great side trail that took us up to a hero shot overlook! Link to position of overlook: https://maps.app.goo.gl/78YTE6nhsPscvpai7
Trail Review: Balanced Rock Road - Cory Kwasny
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 08/24/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Took this to the balanced rock formation. Narrow, between the trees most of the way. Sandy road, just be careful of the whoop-de-doos. Incredibly quiet and peaceful, not well traveled.
Trail Review: Balanced Rock Road - Paul Williams
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 07/13/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Fun trail we ran today. A lot of wildflowers still blooming. The washouts closer to the lake were OK for us, I could see where they may be issues for smaller vehicles. Encountered one bicyclist, and that was it. Very pretty, will look good when the aspen change.
Trail Review: Balanced Rock Road - Doug MacDougall
Trail Review: Balanced Rock Road - Doug MacDougall
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 06/18/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Easy enough trail for the most part. As you get closer to Palmer lake, the trail becomes more rutted and washed out. I suspect our recent rains have made things worse. There is one heavily rutted spot just before Palmer lake that might cause you flex out and lift tires.
Trail Review: Balanced Rock Road - Alex Roberts
Trail Review: Balanced Rock Road - Alex Roberts
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Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 06/08/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Fun and moderately easy drive. There are lot of ruts, puddles, and holes that make the trail quite enjoyable. We had a moose run along on the road, reminding us to always beware of wildlife when out on the trails in Colorado.
Trail Review: Balanced Rock Road - Dominik Vereno
Trail Review: Balanced Rock Road - Dominik Vereno

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