Visa

No visa is required for U.S. citizens or residents. Check the link for foreign travelers.

COVID

Fully open. The last remaining vaccine requirements for foreign travelers ended in May 2023.

Not as grand, but still a circle, with the most stunning parks of Utah and Arizona.

Small Circle

Embark on the ultimate road trip with all the parks and regions of the Grand Circle.

Full Grand Circle

Grand Circle

This is the best time to visit all the parks. March might be a bit unpredictable with snow still covering some trails, but April and May feature perfect weather with some green fields to contrast with the outworldly landscapes. And there are no summer crowds yet.

Spring

Summers feature warm sunny days, but it comes with hoards of people and brief but heavy rainstorms in some regions. Aim to hit the trails in Grand Canyon and Zion at 9 am latest if you plan to enjoy them.

Summer

Fall is another sweet spot for this trip with lesser crowds and cooler days for strenuous hikes. But some roads and hotels start closing with the first snowfall in November, so plan accordingly. Also, make sure all-season or winter tires are installed on your rental car.

Fall

Winter snow usually affects Grand Canyon and Bryce regions, but the rest of the parks are fully open. Some high-elevation trails can be closed or difficult to navigate. We only recommend this season to advanced travelers with winter gear.

Winter

The Grand Circle

America’s Road Trip

The Grand Circle – America’s Road Trip

Balanced Rock is a large sandstone boulder that sits precariously on a narrower pedestal, giving the appearance of being balanced. The total height of the formation is approximately 39 feet, with the boulder itself measuring about 55 feet in length. The pedestal is only about 3 feet in diameter and stands at a height of about 17 feet. Balanced Rock is a popular attraction in the park and can be seen from the road or from a nearby parking area. You can also take a short hike to get a closer look at the formation.

The formation is believed to have been created by natural erosion processes over millions of years. The harder sandstone rock at the top of the boulder is more resistant to erosion than the softer sandstone rock at the base. As the softer rock was gradually eroded away, the harder rock at the top was left balancing on the pedestal.

Balanced Rock

The adventure capital, where the red-rock landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks await. Whether you're mountain biking, river rafting, or hiking, Moab provides an adrenaline rush alongside stunning scenery.