This put up could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We could obtain a small fee, for gratis to you, should you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
As quickly as we rounded the nook on the high of the hill, the huge pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock pulled into imaginative and prescient.
Identical to its title promised, I used to be enchanted.
This 425-foot pink granite batholith is greater than only a mountain, it’s a sight of religious connection and Native American folks lore – in addition to a good looking hour-long hike with superb views of the Texas Hill Nation panorama.
It jogs my memory a whole lot of Uluru in Outback Australia – a rock way more placing rising out of the desert ground, however holding the same magnetic energy. You may even name Enchanted Rock the Uluru of the US!
On this information, we share all the pieces it’s essential learn about mountain climbing Enchanted Rock and what there may be to see and do within the Enchanted Rock State Pure Space.
What’s the Enchanted Rock?
The Enchanted Rock is a dome mountain made up of curved sheets of granite that vary in thickness, referred to as an exfoliation dome.
These sheet of granite contract and broaden towards one another with fluctuating temperatures, which may generally be heard as a the rock groaning and creaking particularly at evening.
This as soon as mysterious trait created many legends as to the “enchanted nature” of the rock and surrounding area.
It’s stated {that a} group of Tonkawa Indian braves fought to the loss of life on high of Enchanted Rock defending themselves from one other tribe. Upon seeing this a princess threw herself off the rock and now the spirits of each the princess and warriors hang-out the paranormal rock.
Enchanted Rock is a part of a collection of granite hills and rock formations within the park, which incorporates Little Mountain, Turkey Peak, Freshman Mountain, Buzzard’s Roost, and Flagpole Mountain, all situated within the State Pure Space.
Enchanted Rock’s highest dome is 1,825 toes above sea degree, about 30-40 tales excessive.
Spirit of Enchanted Rock
The Enchanted Rock was considered a religious place for the native Tonkawa, Apache and Comanche tribes for a whole bunch of years.
In accordance with legends, magical and religious powers are hooked up to the rock (therefore the title), and the Tonkawa tribe, who inhabited the lands within the sixteenth century, believed that ghost fires flickered on the high of the dome.
In addition they stated they heard unexplained creaking and groaning, which geologists say is presumably as a result of contraction of the rock at evening after being heated by the solar all day.
I might think about this could be a spot to climb in solitude and look out on the panorama and ponder. Discover peace and interior knowledge.
I discovered a spot with little folks in the way in which of my view on high of the rock to do the identical.
I felt like I used to be again in Australia the place vastness surrounds you and offers you house and silence to connect with your self.
Climbing Enchanted Rock
The bottom of the rock is gorgeous with a small creek operating by means of, a number of bushes, and grassed picnic areas.
The rock climb appears to be like fairly steep and daunting as you strategy the rock, however it’s actually not as dangerous because it appears to be like. Verify the web site for path closures earlier than you set off, as the paths are generally closed in moist climate.
Word – the paths shut half-hour after sundown, so get right here as early as you possibly can throughout the day.
There are a selection of mountain climbing trails right here, however mountain climbing the best dome in Enchanted Rock is the most well-liked, and undoubtedly family-friendly.
On a small degree part of the path search for the Echo Canyon Path to the west. The crowds will skinny out additionally instantly when you begin on this path. It is rather rocky and enjoyable to hike alongside, and likewise affords nice views of Enchanted Rock and Little Rock.
I noticed loads of youngsters having enjoyable and loads of dads carrying infants in child carriers on the Enchanted Rock summit path.
Climbing Enchanted Rock will get your coronary heart pumping and your legs hurting, however it’s exhilarating and your physique will love you for it.
I’m fairly match so discovered it comparatively simple and it didn’t take us lengthy to rise up to the highest. The women dealt with it discover. Savannah (7) breezed up with no grievance.
Should you’re not as match or used to mountain climbing, take it sluggish and benefit from the superb views of rolling hills on the way in which up.
Give your self loads of time to take a seat on the high and benefit from the vastness of the surroundings.
How lengthy does it take to climb Enchanted Rock?
It shouldn’t take greater than an hour to rise up and down. To be trustworthy, I feel it was 30-minutes for us precise strolling time up and down, however we did keep on the high for longer.
There are many little pond ecosystems on the high of Enchanted Rock. These vernal swimming pools are dwelling to tiny Translucent Fairy Shrimp so be sure you don’t step in them and disturb the wildlife. It’s additionally attainable to see white-tailed deer within the park.
I liked the small groves of cactus vegetation and prickly pear scattered round too.
Go down the opposite aspect of the rock the place you’ll see a clump of rocks and bushes. We noticed folks down there however unaware of what was down there and the women not desirous to make the climb again up we didn’t go down to take a look.
I’ve since realized there are a number of Enchanted Rock caves down there to discover.
So don’t be like us and miss it.
Suggestions for visiting Enchanted Rock
Get there at opening time (6.30am)
It appeared like everybody was out to seek out their interior peace and knowledge after we visited throughout the busy vacation season over Christmas.
We arrived at 11am, after a late begin (not good), and joined the queue of vehicles patiently ready to get into one of the crucial standard Texas State Parks.
After about half-hour, we obtained a go with the notification that the Enchanted Rock State Pure Space was at full capability and closed.
They’d reopen at 2pm and that go would assure us entry. We returned at 3pm to a different 30-minute automotive queue earlier than making it in.
It’s not that Enchanted Rock State Pure Space is over run with folks, it’s simply that they’ve restricted parking heaps and as soon as they’re full, it’s closed.
It’s barely annoying, but on the similar time, I’m grateful they’re implementing measures to scale back the human affect on this important website.
People are normally sluggish starters so should you get there within the morning hours – earlier than 10am you have to be superb. Though we did go to throughout the busy Christmas vacation season so was filled with Texans on faculty breaks. .
Superior reservations are extremely inspired. Reservations are required for day passes and in a single day stays are required on weekends, faculty breaks and holidays.
Whereas not required on common weekdays, Enchanted Rock normally reaches capability every single day. To ensure entrance reserve passes on-line, or by calling the customer support heart, earlier than you go to.
Carry money
It’s sooner if in case you have money as you possibly can simply pay out your automotive window, in any other case you need to park it and go into the workplace to pay by card.
Carry loads of ingesting water
Resulting from an ongoing drought on this area of Texas, please convey your personal ingesting water as there may be brief provide on the park.
Don’t miss Luckenbach
After you’ve completed mountain climbing in Enchanted Rock State Park Texas, head all the way down to Luckenbach to relaxation beneath the shade of the oak bushes whereas native guitar pickers entertain you with nation music, jokes and native tales.
Should you like timeless expertise and many locals in cowboy hats, you’ll love this Texas cultural expertise.
When is the perfect time to hike Enchanted Rock?
I’d suggest visiting for dawn or sundown. It will be so fairly throughout these instances.
I can think about the colours can be wonderful. There are many picnic tables on the base of the rock in designated picnic areas
So both have a picnic dinner or breakfast. They do supply guided hikes to the highest.
Opening Hours & Entrance price
Enchanted Rock State Pure Space is open day by day from 6:30am to 10:00pm, with the gate open till 8:00pm.
There are 11 miles of mountain climbing trails within the space, together with the Loop Path. All trails shut half-hour after sundown, besides the Loop Path, and The Summit Path could shut in moist climate.
It’s effectively value staying right here after sunset as that is an Worldwide Darkish Skies Park!
The entrance price is $8 for adults, beneath 12 are free! It’s additionally coated by the Texas State Parks Move.
Video: Watch us hike Enchanted Rock and go to Luckenbach
Stargazing at Enchanted Rock
The Enchanted Rock has been designated Worldwide Darkish Sky Park making it among the finest locations for stargazing in Central Texas.
The skies are darkish sufficient to view the Milky Approach with minimal intrusion of synthetic mild. If stargazing is in your want listing for future household enjoyable, learn rather more about stargazing in Enchanted Rock on the Texas Parks & Wildlife web site.
The place to Keep in Fredericksburg
Should you’re questioning, wright here is Enchanted Rock, it’s solely 17 miles north of Fredericksburg.
We visited Fredericksburg on the identical day we climbed The Enchanted Rock, and had lunch there while we waited to return to the rock and use our 2pm go.
For camping close to Enchanted Rock, tlisted below are loads of RV Parks alongside the River Highway. Should you’re coming in the summertime, I’d suggest tenting right here.
It appears to be like so fairly and many enjoyable.
In any other case, I’d use the New Braunfels space as your base as a result of I appreciated it higher and there may be extra to do within the space.
We stayed on the Hill Nation Resort & RV Park in New Braunfels which had a whole lot of facilities like a playground, video games room, indoor and out of doors swimming pools and health facilities.
This did make the price of it a bit of larger than some others. You may get reductions for per week lengthy keep.
Enchanted Rock Tenting
There are 35 walk-in campgrounds that enable 8 folks per website. There isn’t a entry to the group tenting space to the principle park.
No RVs, pop-ups, or automobile tenting is allowed. Or in a single day tenting on high of the rock. The consolation station and bathe constructing are additionally closed at evening.
For all of the tenting choices together with primitive backpack campsites, go right here. It’s very fashionable they usually e book up manner prematurely.
Extra Texas Journey Suggestions
Pin To Save On Pinterest
Are you planning on visiting Enchanted Rock State Pure Space Texas? Share what you’re excited for within the feedback!
