A balancing stone is a natural geological formation where a large stone, sometimes of enormous size, rests on other stones, rocks, or glacial deposits. Some of these stones only appear to be balancing, but in fact, they are connected to the base of the rock by a pedestal or rod.
The most interesting "sculptures" have their own names, for example, "Balancing Rock" – this formation is located in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is easily accessible via a paved road and is a popular spot among tourists who love to climb on it for photos, although this is now prohibited.
In Utah, USA, near Arches National Park, there is one of the famous balancing giants. The total height of this natural wonder is 39 m, and the top, which overhangs the base, is 16.75 m!
Ergaki - a national natural park - in ancient times, this place was considered a major sacred territory for Tuvan shamans.
However, over time, simple tourists and young people with backpacks seeking adventure began to flock here.
One of the main attractions of the Ergaki mountain range is this famous multi-ton balancing fragment of granite-syenite rock, with a volume of over 30 m³ and a weight of at least 50 tons (some claim that the dimensions are much larger), which hangs over Lake Raduzhnoe.
High above Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is an amazing group of balancing stones.
The harder "cap rock" sits on softer sandstone pedestals, which have been eroded over time, leading to these balancing stones.
The softer sandstone eventually crumbles, leaving behind scattered rocks everywhere, sometimes creating otherworldly landscapes. The Glen Canyon National Park is located in the state of
Arizona, USA.
The balancing stone in St. Mary’s Bay on Long Island, Nova Scotia, seems to laugh at gravity, balancing on the edge of the cliff below. A 9-meter column stands at the very edge of the cliff, forming a gap that one can even peek into if desired!
The Brimham Rocks or "Idol Stone" are balancing stone formations in North Yorkshire, England.
Huge stones literally float in the air, resting on a tiny boulder (compared to their sizes). The stones rise to almost 30 meters in the Nidderdale National Park. It is incredible how this 200-ton boulder is held up by a small pyramidal stone.
Under the influence of water, low temperatures, and wind, these stones have taken on whimsical shapes resembling various animals – elephants, hippos, and bears.
Kjeragbolten is the most dangerous stone in the world. It is located at an altitude of 1084 m above the abyss. Its danger is compounded by the fact that nearly every tourist in Norway tries to get their adrenaline rush by climbing onto this stone block, which has a volume of about 5 m³. It is easily accessible even without special equipment, making it a great spot for thrill-seekers! It is a popular subject for tourist photographs!
A slight gust of wind could send such a daring person into the abyss. In good weather, this is unlikely to happen, but it is still not worth the risk.
The name Kjeragbolten means "Kjerag Boulder".
The Chaittiyo Pagoda (also known as the Golden Rock) is a huge granite boulder covered in gold leaf, balancing over a kilometer high above the abyss on Mount Chaittiyo in Burma. It is a well-known pilgrimage site for Buddhists in Myanmar. This small pagoda, 7.3 meters tall, is built on a granite boulder covered in gold leaf.
Pilgrims believe that the Golden Rock with the pagoda is held by a hair of Buddha! The rock seems to mock gravity, hanging over the edge of the hill.
It is the third most important site for Buddhists in Burma after the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Mahamuni Pagoda. It is said that just one glance at the Golden Rock is enough to convert a person to Buddhism.
The Golden Rock is situated at an elevation of 1100 m above sea level, at the top of the Kelasa hill.
Mahabalipuram, India – Krishna's Butterball. This is a huge natural boulder on a hill that seems to laugh at all the laws of physics.
It will save you from the heat with its shade, if, of course, you are not afraid to sit under it.
The balancing stone in the Northern Territory of Australia.
The Mushroom Rock in Timna National Park, Israel.
The Mother and Child Rocks in a National Park in Zimbabwe. (Photo by Susan E Adams; Source: Flickr)
Balancing rocks in Epworth, Zimbabwe. These boulders are even depicted on Zimbabwean currency – an interesting formation located 13 kilometers from the capital of this African country, Harare.
Chiremba Balancing Rocks are a typical example of nature's meticulous work that has continued for thousands of years. However, there are a couple of dozen similar "dancing" boulders in Zimbabwe, although the others are smaller in size.
The Australian aborigines who live here call The Devil's Marbles (Karlu Karlu). These huge round boulders of red granite are set against a beautiful landscape. The diameter of these boulders can range from 50 cm to 60 m in cross-section. Some are positioned quite whimsically, balancing on top of each other. The Devil's Marbles formed millions of years ago when molten magma was trapped beneath sandstone and cooled, forming granite.
Years and environmental factors have caused erosion, allowing us to observe these amazing natural phenomena today. For Australian aborigines, the Devil's Marbles hold special spiritual significance.
Balancing stones on the San Andreas Fault
in the San Bernardino Mountains, Southern California, USA
The balancing stone on Lake Omak, Washington, USA
The sacred balancing stone of Lake Omak. Located in the southern part, about a kilometer from the shore.
The Kummakivi stone in Valtola,
South Savonia province, Finland
The "Mexican Hat" balancing stone on the San Juan River, Utah, USA
The American state of Utah has a formation known as the "Sombrero" (or Mexican Hat):
This piece of rock indeed resembles a sombrero from a distance. It is over 18 meters wide and about 2 meters thick. This wonder of nature is also subject to gradual erosion, as the Hat is made of sandstone.
Balancing stones in Karelia, Russia
Balancing stones in Torcal National Park, province of Malaga, El Torcal de Antequera in Andalusia, Spain. The stunning pyramid of stones is very ancient and very stable.
The sun, wind, and rain have shaped the stones to look like pancakes. Every year, many tourists come to see this natural monument. And although the structure is quite stable, climbing on it is still not recommended.
The balancing stone in Israel
The balancing stone in the suburb of Glen Innes,
New South Wales, Australia
Peyro Clabado in France. This strange granite boulder, weighing 780 tons, formed due to the gradual erosion of granite rock. Over time, it will all turn to sand, but for now, it is just an amazing sight.
The Immortal Bridge - this is the name given to this natural creation. It is located on Mount Tai in Shandong Province, China. The bridge consists of 5 boulders that rest against the sheer cliffs on either side. And all this construction hangs over the abyss.