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While exploring Balanced Rock Mesa in Moab, Utah, I found a rock that looks like an Ancient Alien Monument. Why is this rock here? How was it made?
I also found a rock that looks like a pig, a duck, lots of slots, and Elvis's hammer. Wait, I thought Elvis had a guitar?
If Balanced Rock Mesa is so interesting to explore, why is this the only reference to it on the internet and at the time of publication? Am I the only person who has discovered this beautiful area? How have the others touched the Ancient Alien Monument, only to never be heard from again?
Balanced Rock Mesa is located high above Moab and my vacation rental:
www.moabadventurecondo.com/
From my patio, I have often looked up to the mesa and wanted to explore it, wondering what cool things I might find. I was finally able to schedule some time to do some exploring. I was totally amazed at what I found on the mesa.
From the very start of the hike, I was greeted with eye-level views of the Olympic Torch aka Elvis Hammer. Shortly after taking in the vast views from the mesa, you will enter a bizarre world of eroded rock like no other in the Moab area. The deeper you explore out to the end of the mesa, the more the rock becomes oddly shaped and eroded by the relentless wind.
The top layer of rock is very resistant to erosion but just under it is a thin layer of rock several inches thick that is getting eaten away by the never ending wind that scours the mesa top. Since this thin layer of rock is missing, it has caused the overlaying rock to become strangely shaped and deeply undercut, with many rocks breaking free and leaning on one another.
I had the entire mesa to myself during my hike. I found no other footprints, proving that the area is rarely visited even though it is right next to one of the most famous trails in Moab, The Whole Enchilada. There is no trail on the mesa, you will be walking cross county the entire time. Take care not to walk on the fragile cryptobiotic crust, please step only on slick rock or stay in the sandy washes.
This hike is not for the average hiker. I covered six miles during my hike. However, I spent so much time exploring and crawling through slots that my hike took nearly six hours. I was totally exhausted by the time I got finished. Be prepared for everything to fight you, the hike up to the mesa, the stiff plants, no trail, harsh wind, dead ends, and pinch-outs at every turn. However, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views and hidden wonders.
There is no trail, so you will have to explore on your own, you will not be disappointed. Please visit my travel blog for more info and downloadable maps.
www.moabadventurecondo.com/po...