SEPTEMBER 2003 – The Balanced Rock is one of the iconic rock formations of the Arches National Park in Utah. © Mark Zanzig/zanzig.com
The story behind the image
When you are staying in Moab, please consider planning at least half a day for Arches National Park, one of the really impressive parks in the region.
You will see Balanced Rock right from the Arches Scenic Drive, the main road through the national park. Already from the distance it appears to be an unusual rock formation with a way too heavy top, a bit like a giant signpost. The closer you get the more impressive the rock becomes. It is indeed very tall, but the lower portion has eroded over centuries, leaving the top “balancing” on its small neck and slim body. NPS has all the details and more photos, including a comparision between then and now.
Almost two decades have passed since I captured this photo. Looking at recent images of Balanced Rock, I am happy to see it mostly unchanged. A few pieces of rock have fallen off here and there, but in general it is still in good condition and as awesome as it was in 2003.
Having said that, it is clear that the top will collapse in the future – a symbol of our future?
The high resolution image
| Capture Date | 16-SEP-2003 |
| Location | Arches National Park, Utah |
| Camera | Canon AE-1 Program |
| Image Source | Fuji Slide Film |
| ISO | 100 ASA |
| Digital Image Source | Minolta Dimage Scan Elite II |
| Digital Image Source Format | TIFF, 48 bits/pixel, AdobeRGB |
| Edited Image Format | JPEG, 24 bits/pixel, sRGB |
| Edited Image Dimensions | 3827 x 2432 Pixels |
| Copyright | © by Mark Zanzig/zanzig.com |
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