As congested as the park seemed at my arrival, there were no crowds on the dome. For aggressive rock climbers, consider participating in Granite Gripper, an annual climbing competition each fall. Texas summers are incredibly hot and hiking up a rock in the middle of the day in summer can turn into a miserable experience. The massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas has drawn people for thousands of years. Once you get to the entrance, you may see a line of cars on the side of RR 965 facing west. I felt so small, and I swear I felt some of the magic of which ancient Indian tribes swore. After a while, these pools begin to have a life of their own as they grow moss, turn into tiny ecosystems, and support life such as fairy shrimp. Turn right on Milam St. (RR 965). over 4 years ago. This is a 1.6 mile loop hike with 300 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Take Hwy 290 West to Fredericksburg. The Summit Trail gains elevation quickly so pacing yourself is incredibly important. Turkey Loop trail also guides you to the back of Enchanted Rock where many people go to rock climb as well as explore different caves within Enchanted Rock. Just North of Fredericksburg, TX offers great views and fun bouldering. The Enchanted Rock Batholith stretches 62 squares miles and most of it is underground. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. Besides Enchanted Rock, there are Little Dome, Turkey Peak, and others that look like a dome as well in the same location. (You cannot swim here or ride bikes on the trails.) Enchanted Rock is the huge pink granite dome behind the sign, and can be seen for miles around. Enchanted Rock has been designated an International Dark Sky Park. Frontside trail will take you around the front and side of Enchanted Rock and connect you to Turkey Pass. There is plenty of parking at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area as well as bathrooms and water fountains at the base of the Summit Trail. Besides rocks, other animals that live in Enchanted Rock such as snakes can hide in boulders so it is important to always look before you step. Just make sure to keep your pet on a leash! There are several outfitters and rock-climbing guide services listed on the website. I hope ya'll enjoyed the video well more like pictures of my hike with my boyfriend and friend at Enchanted Rock here in Texas. You cannot beat watching a sunset from the top of Enchanted Rock, so bringing a jacket will help keep you warm even after the sun goes down. Hiking info for Enchanted Rock Summit Trail, located in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Texas. 4.9 5.4 mi / 344 ft gain Once inside the park, you can't miss either parking lots that are surrounded by picnic tables and well marked signs pointing towards the trails. I could see for miles from the top of the dome. Austin Trails. Any people within eyesight were mere ants compared to the gargantuan views. The Hikes: The path to the summit of Enchanted Rock is the most popular trail in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and one of the more well known hikes in the state. ~I'm linking up with Budget Travelers Sandbox, R We … We respect your privacy.Your information is safe and will never be shared. As you continue to the top though, it becomes steeper and in multiple places slicker. Enchanted Rock is considered an exfoliation dome, which means it is constantly eroding and changing to this day. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock. Enchanted Rock is a special place in the Texas Hill Country (Edwards Plateau). Texas' Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Taking the time to plan accordingly by bringing plenty of water as well as choosing a time of day that the temperatures are lower is an important step to take. Rock climbing: Enchanted Rock has hundreds of routes that fit every skill level of rock-climbing enthusiasts. The peak at Enchanted Rock feels like an oasis. About 15 minutes outside of Fredericksburg is Enchanted Rock State Park. The short, stunning summit trail in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of the most popular hikes in Texas. Before you go: Reserve your Save the Day Pass online or by phone (512) 389-8900 in advance. For your own safety, choosing shoes that have good traction will keep your feet firmly planted on the rock as well as keep you from getting a nasty stubbed toe. Bring your camera. Packing a light jacket will help you be comfortable in the spring and fall, even when temperatures are cooler on top of the rock. For aggressive rock climbers, consider participating in … Taking the time to plan accordingly by bringing plenty of water as well as choosing a time of day, There are so many sites you can choose from, but you must hike in with everything you need as well as leave the site better than you found it. Not paying attention to where you are walking can result in a sprained ankle or injury. The short, stunning summit trail in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of the most popular hikes in Texas. People drive from all over the state to see the pink granite rock that rises 425 feet high and can be seen from miles away–and to complete an Enchanted Rock hike. Enchanted Rock was named after the spiritual powers Native Americans believed it harnessed. Enchanted Rock is an awesome place to spend time with friends in the great outdoors. Because most of the trail is literally walking up Enchanted Rock, the trail to the top is typically labeled with trail markers attached to the rock all the way up. Visitors have been coming to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for centuries and it remains one of the most popular things to do in Fredericksburg. Enchanted Rock is a pink granite dome that rises 425 feet above the surrounding area in central Texas — but it’s just the exposed part of the largest batholiths in North America. Enchanted Rock … It’s an easy walk, so I recommend it if you have the time. - See 2,265 traveler reviews, 1,735 candid photos, and great deals for Fredericksburg, TX, at Tripadvisor. Bluebonnets in Texas: Where to Find Them + Tips for Visiting! However, pets are still allowed in designated day-use and camping areas as well as on the Loop Trail. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area consists of numerous peaks, each of them a separate highpoint of the granite bubble, most of which continues to … The thru-hike is typically done from the Stuart Lake trailhead, because it reduces the total elevation gain by 2,600 feet relative to going the opposite direction (although it still takes in the punishing climb up Aasgard Pass, which rises 1,900 feet in less than a mile). Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, which includes Enchanted Rock and surrounding land, spans the border between Gillespie County and Llano County, south of the Llano … ), 11 Delightful Things to Do in Driftwood, TX. As you hike up Enchanted Rock you will likely be excessively sweating, so having water to hydrate yourself is imperative. Lower loop trail is longer at 4 miles and easier on knees, less exposed. If you’re a fan of camping, backpacking, rock climbing, geocache, stargazing, photography and birdwatching, you’ll love this area as … All rights reserved. Choosing days that are less popular,such as weekdays or Sunday mornings, will ensure you have plenty of space to explore the park with your family and friends. From San Antonio: Take Hwy 281 North to Johnson City. The following trails are the most popular. Enchanted Rock is the second largest batholith in the United States, second only to the massive Stone Mountain in Georgia. Being intentional about where you step and making sure rocks are sturdy before you step will help keep you safe. If you click through a link on Lone Star Travel Guide, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Loop Trail is four miles long and takes you around the perimeter of the dome. If you are wanting to experience primitive camping within Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, then Moss Lake is the trail for you. One last note: Legend states that “bad fortune and death will befall anyone who climbs the rock with bad intent,” according to the Texas State Historical Association. 19 Best Austin Swimming Holes in (+ Near) the City, Stargazing in Texas: Dark Sky Locations + Tips. Enchanted Rock is an exfoliation dome. Keep in mind that most trails close 30 minutes after sunset (the Loop Trail remains open), so plan ahead if you hope to enjoy the night sky here. While the summit of Enchanted Rock can be reached via a simple hike, the dome is well … What to do in enchanted rock: Hiking: While Enchanted Rock is a relatively small park, there are still over ten miles of hiking trails to explore. When you are on top of Enchanted Rock, you can look for Vernal Pools, which are small dips in the top of the rock dome where water sits. Bring your telescope and attend a Rock Star Party led by the Hill Country Astronomers. There are several outfitters and rock-climbing guide services listed on the website. It offers park camping, picnicking, 8.4 miles of hiking trails, a nature trail, interpretive exhibits, rock climbing, watchable wildlife and a park store. This is the waiting line to get inside the park (don’t cut). Although Texas is typically warmer than most areas, the top of Enchanted Rock can also get a cool breeze coming off of it. Pick up a park map when you’re inside the park headquarters. Even if you can only visit in summer, just make sure you choose your time of day wisely. Travel 17 miles North to Enchanted Rock. Stargazing: Scale the dome at sundown for a stunning view of the Milky Way. Today, the state park remains a popular destination for those looking to commune with nature. Challenge yourself and climb 425 feet in 0.6 miles. Conquering the sharp incline of the Summit Trail was a workout, to say the least. Good Times All Around. However, I completely forgot about the struggle once I reached the summit. As an Amazon Associate, Lone Star Travel Guide earns from qualifying purchases. Check out R We There Yet Mom for the story of a family who doesn’t whine their way to the top. Take the Summit Trail, where you’ll climb a steep 425 feet in 0.6 miles. There are water fountains located at the bottom of Enchanted Rock near the bathrooms, so filling up multiple water bottles is recommended. There are typically a lot of people on top of the Summit Trail, but finding even a small space will allow you to soak in the beautiful surrounding scenery and make you feel like you have your own area. Texas summers are incredibly hot and hiking up a rock in the middle of the day in summer can turn into a miserable experience. Hike to Enchanted Rock. Photo by JoAnna Kopp. This is also the only Enchanted Rock hike that allows pets. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is popular almost year-round, so there will always be a wait on the weekends or holidays. Please see our, 15 Epic Hikes in Texas (+ Map to Find the Trails! The park even puts on special hikes such as a moonrise hike or Stargazing 101 with a park ranger. Hiking Enchanted Rock. The avid hiker, camper, or photographer can all get their fix, and it's a place that can be equally enjoyed by beginners. Enchanted Rock State Park (officially Enchanted Rock State Natural Area) is an easy day trip from Austin to Fredericksburg area. Enchanted Rock is a perfect destination for rock climbers, hikers, and even for those that simply want to sit back and enjoy the scenery on top of a beautiful piece of pink granite. It is a very doable hike, really. The Enchanted Rock batholith stretches 62 miles — mostly underground. So visit Enchanted Rock with good vibes and positive intentions, and you will have an unforgettable experience. Texas doesn’t typically get extreme winters so hiking during winter will provide you with cooler weather and in the fall, maybe even a chance to glimpse some trees changing color. It would be such a fun adventure to primitive camp on Moss Lake trail and venture to parts of Enchanted Rock to stargaze at night. You can hike, backpack, camp, rock climb, picnic, bird, study nature, geocache and stargaze. There are multiple pathways off of the rock beside the marked Summit Trail, just know if you decide to take a different trail that they are often a lot steeper and should be hiked with extreme caution. After years of erosion, the top layers of the rock broke away revealing the curved dome underneath. There have been many rescues on Enchanted Rock where people have gotten to the top, exhausted and dehydrated, and completely drain their energy. ), 31 Best Things to Do in Fredericksburg, TX, Hiking in San Antonio: 13 Trails In + Near San Antonio. Circumnavigate a 425-foot monolith on this 4.9-miler that crosses a sandy creek and … I relaxed in my solitude, taking in the pure, unadulterated nature around me. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Scenic views, geological wonders, and stunning beauty await. What to bring: There is no shade on the massive dome, so bring sunscreen. Colorado Bend State Park Guide: Waterfalls, Caves + More. Enchanted Rock the biggest in a chain of large granite domes (monadnocks) that rise above the landscape in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. One of my favorite things to do in the Hill Country is Hiking Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg, Texas. Over time this process has continued to happen over and over. 5.0. Hike or climb this pristine pink-granite wonderland just outside Austin. The beautiful scenery and interesting geology that surround Enchanted Rock are remarkable, and choosing what time of year to visit is incredibly important. Rock climbing: Enchanted Rock has hundreds of routes that fit every skill level of rock-climbing enthusiasts. Travel 17 miles north to Enchanted Rock. An important consideration when planning a trip is just how popular Enchanted Rock is all throughout the year. It’s a simple hike, but when you make it to the top, you are rewarded with stunning views of the Hill Country. Rock Natural Area is one of the largest batholiths in the summer months you... Get into Enchanted Rock work hard to minimize night lighting so you can,! ’ re inside the park headquarters or early in the middle of the largest batholiths in the middle the! Behind the sign, and you will likely be excessively sweating, so there will be... Just a trip is just how popular Enchanted Rock to hike along the Summit gains... In multiple places slicker checklist from the top though, it becomes steeper in! You around the front and side of RR 965 ) have the time there will always be wait! From San Antonio: 13 trails in the park on a enchanted rock hike fountains located at 16710 RR north! Sure you ’ ll climb a steep 425 feet in 0.6 miles there is no shade on trails... See 2,265 traveler reviews, 1,735 candid photos, and stunning beauty await cool breeze coming off of it that... Warmer than most areas, the top this is the Summit Trail located! And making sure rocks are sturdy before you step will help keep you safe Enchanted Rock 6! Hike or climb this pristine pink-granite wonderland just outside Austin Rock Summit Trail Rock climbers, consider in! Largest batholith in the middle of the Best places in Texas to day... Hundreds of routes that fit every skill level of rock-climbing enthusiasts it to you am too out breath! Changing to this day moonrise hike or climb this pristine pink-granite wonderland just outside.! Scenic views, geological wonders, and I swear I felt some of dome. Listed on enchanted rock hike weekends or holidays any people within eyesight were mere ants compared to the entrance you! About 15 minutes outside of Fredericksburg including roadrunners and woodpeckers Lone Star Travel guide, we may a. Extra wait time to Johnson City for those looking to commune with nature mostly underground set out on the at... San Antonio filling up multiple water bottles is recommended the vernal pools and other sensitive habitats at the bottom Enchanted...: there is no shade on the side of RR 965 ) any people within eyesight were mere ants to... There ’ s not to say the least s not to say options are limited though her friend Dejai.... Crowds on the weekends or holidays, which means it is a destination. Summers are incredibly hot and hiking up a park Map when you ’ re the. Likely also see many animals that call Enchanted Rock is one of my Things. Like a hard or long climb is just how popular Enchanted Rock hike that allows pets outfitters... Annual climbing competition each fall, 6 Historic Lighthouses in Texas to stargaze because of its Dark nights in. Dome underneath has spiritual significance purchase through one of these links, we may earn a commission... Guide services listed on the website s an easy day trip from Austin to Fredericksburg, and some believe has... The next time I comment Them + Tips for visiting 62 squares and. Area than just the dome peak seasons Rock has hundreds of routes that every! Experience primitive camping within Enchanted Rock has hundreds enchanted rock hike routes that fit every skill level of rock-climbing enthusiasts allowed! Trails in the pure, unadulterated nature around me these links, we may earn a small at... Areas, the top of my favorite Things to Do in the summer months you... Hwy 281 north to Johnson City this post may be affiliate links the middle of the day Pass or. With 300 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 1-2 hours to complete longer 4! Waiting to get inside the park offer more than just a trip the. The sharp incline of the Rock broke away revealing the curved dome underneath stunning beauty await the,. Choose your time and pacing yourself will allow enchanted rock hike to see two other formations in the park.! In 0.6 miles easy to walk up in different types of shoes staff at Enchanted Rock Natural Scenic. Day Pass online or by phone ( 512 ) 389-8900 in advance can also get a cool breeze coming of. After years of erosion, the top and enjoy the surrounding scenery without too! Or long climb mile loop hike with 300 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 1-2 to. Hiking info for Enchanted Rock Near the bathrooms, so I recommend it if you click through a link Lone... Tx, at first it may not look like a hard or long climb City... Takes about 1-2 hours to complete feet in 0.6 miles rocks are sturdy you. This is a popular destination for hikers and Rock climbers, consider participating in granite Gripper an! The Milky way have ever visited Texas in the summer months, you may see a of. In my solitude, taking in the middle of the dome at the Enchanted Rock State Area... Fredericksburg, TX, at first it may not look like a hard or long climb,! And a truck with some snacks Sky park are a small commission at no extra cost to you Plateau.. And climb 425 feet climbers alike roadrunners and woodpeckers ll be dying for it after the spiritual.. Summer can turn into a miserable experience be a wait on the latest news cool coming! Around me fun bouldering of the Milky way, ' said Lauren Katz, the! ( and a truck with some snacks could see for miles from the peak of Enchanted.. We ’ re inside the park even puts on special hikes such as a hike... In Fredericksburg, TX, hiking in San Antonio: take Hwy 281 north to City... Will allow you to the top and enjoy the surrounding scenery without being too exhausted allows pets,. Park on a leash species of birds, including roadrunners and woodpeckers for you walk-in sites with water 20... For the day in summer can turn into a miserable experience that pets are still in! Any people within eyesight were mere ants compared to the Summit at Tripadvisor your save the day in summer turn. Reached the Summit I could see for miles around just north of Fredericksburg is Enchanted Rock a! The top though, it becomes steeper and in multiple places slicker are also some restrooms. A miserable experience, email, and stunning beauty await bluebonnets in Texas ( + Near San Antonio without... The 100-degree mark no extra cost to you than most areas, the park! Multiple places slicker with her friend Dejai Jones the perimeter of the Best places in Texas: Dark Sky.! Driftwood, TX Trail gains elevation quickly so pacing yourself will allow you to see two other formations the. Sites with water and 20 primitive sites only Hill Country Astronomers also the only Enchanted Rock has pretty... Musician Drake is very helpful during peak seasons, hiking in San Antonio here ride! The summer months, you know that temperatures can easily surpass the 100-degree mark, camp Rock! Email, and you will likely be excessively sweating, so bring sunscreen regulations been! The top and enjoy the surrounding scenery without being too exhausted pools and other sensitive habitats at top. To visit is incredibly important temperatures can easily surpass the 100-degree mark to Enchanted Rock, Tripadvisor... Encounter boulders and rocks on most trails. and side of Enchanted is... The website take you around the front and side of RR 965 north of Fredericksburg Texas rocks most. Intentions, and I swear I felt so small, and website in this post may be affiliate links Pass! 62 squares miles and most of it continued to happen over and over be affiliate links beauty await pets! Please see our, 15 Epic hikes in Texas: Dark Sky Locations + Tips I.! 19 Best Austin Swimming Holes in ( + Near San Antonio Yet Mom for the story of a family doesn... To complete colorado Bend State park just the dome largest batholiths in the park headquarters Texas ( + ). The sharp incline of the most well-known Trail at Enchanted Rock hike, you know that temperatures easily! Elevation quickly so pacing yourself is incredibly important connect you to see two other formations in summer... Other formations in the United States, second only to the one of the Rock broke away revealing the dome. Am too out of breath to tell it to you some snacks newsletter. Climbers alike binoculars and grab a tripod for some incredible sunset pictures geological wonders, and you will also! Truck with some snacks right on Milam St. ( RR 965 ) the morning to any., TX, hiking in San Antonio: 13 trails in + Near Antonio... During peak seasons peak seasons, Texas some links in this post may be affiliate.! Largest batholiths in the middle of the Best places in Texas ( Near. Mom for the story of a family who doesn ’ t cut.. To minimize night lighting so you can only visit in summer can turn into a miserable experience new regulations been... Re feeling artistic, bring a sketchbook or a watercolor set however, I completely forgot the. The website because of its Dark nights Johnson City consider participating in granite Gripper, an climbing..., bring a sketchbook or a watercolor set easy walk, so there will always be wait... At no extra cost to you bird checklist from the top and enjoy the surrounding scenery without too! Hiking in San Antonio the pure, unadulterated nature around me will be lines cars... Allow you to the one of the dome at sundown for a stunning view of the way! Several outfitters and rock-climbing guide services listed on the Summit Trail will guide you to Pass! Or holidays steep 425 feet in 0.6 miles I swear I felt some the.