Though this precarious formation is easily visible from local resorts, it is rather difficult to get to. This hike is a climb of the steep and loose slope up, followed by a descent of the other side to Devil's Bridge.
1 BALANCED ROCK Our objective is already in view from the trailhead
2 First we cross FR 152 and climb the spur ahead. Devil's Bridge is on the other side of it.
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5 Starting up...
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8 It quickly gets steep
9 Looking across to Cockscomb
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14 This spire is not visiblefom the trailhead. Balanced Rock is to the left of the picture.
15 The steepest part is still ahead
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18 From here, it seems to be imminenntly ready to fall
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25 A look at where the unpaved and rough FR 152 starts at Dry Creek Rd
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27 In the saddle at the base of the spire holding Blanced Rock
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30 From here we sidle along this narrow ledge...
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35 And up the passable side of the spire
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37 ....To the Rock
38 That is where we stop for a break
39 It still looks precarious even from here....
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42 ...but climbers have left fixed bolts in it
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47 Continuation of FR 152 toward the Secret Canyon trailhead
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52 Back down, at first on the same side of the saddle
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59 ...where we work our way around to this notch below where we ate
60 Going through to descend the other side
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64 This steep descent leads to Devil's Bridge
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67 From the Bridge, this crack can be jumped if you dare...
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70 Tourists love the Bridge
71 ...but most people walk over the Bridge from the right
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78 Away from the bridge, we find a lunch spot
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81 from here we drop into the streambed to go back
82 Hedgehog in bloom
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87 A cypress thicket
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90 Once in the open, we come around the spur on a level to return
