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As soon as we rounded the corner at the top of the hill, the massive pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock pulled into vision.
Just like its name promised, I was enchanted.
This 425-foot pink granite batholith is more than just a mountain, it’s a sight of spiritual connection and Native American folk lore – as well as a beautiful hour-long hike with amazing views of the Texas Hill Country landscape.
Enchanted Rock Texas, Gillespie County
It reminds me a lot of Uluru in Outback Australia – a rock far more striking rising out of the desert floor, but holding a similar magnetic power. You might even call Enchanted Rock the Uluru of the United States!
In this guide, we share everything you need to know about hiking Enchanted Rock and what there is to see and do in the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
What is the Enchanted Rock?
The Enchanted Rock is a dome mountain made up of curved sheets of granite that range in thickness, called an exfoliation dome.
These sheet of granite contract and expand against each other with fluctuating temperatures, which can sometimes be heard as a the rock groaning and creaking especially at night.
This once mysterious trait created many legends as to the “enchanted nature” of the rock and surrounding region.
It is said that a group of Tonkawa Indian braves fought to the death on top of Enchanted Rock defending themselves from another tribe. Upon seeing this a princess threw herself off the rock and now the spirits of both the princess and warriors haunt the mystical rock.
Enchanted Rock is part of a series of granite hills and rock formations in the park, which includes Little Mountain, Turkey Peak, Freshman Mountain, Buzzard’s Roost, and Flagpole Mountain, all located in the State Natural Area.
Enchanted Rock’s highest dome is 1,825 feet above sea level, about 30-40 stories high.
Spirit of Enchanted Rock
The Enchanted Rock was thought to be a spiritual place for the local Tonkawa, Apache and Comanche tribes for hundreds of years.
According to legends, magical and spiritual powers are attached to the rock (hence the name), and the Tonkawa tribe, who inhabited the lands in the 16th century, believed that ghost fires flickered at the top of the dome.
They also said they heard unexplained creaking and groaning, which geologists say is possibly due to the contraction of the rock at night after being heated by the sun all day.
I could imagine this would be a place to climb in solitude and look out at the landscape and contemplate. Find peace and inner wisdom.
I found a spot with little people in the way of my view on top of the rock to do the same.
I felt like I was back in Australia where vastness surrounds you and gives you space and silence to connect to yourself.
Hiking Enchanted Rock
The base of the rock is beautiful with a small creek running through, lots of trees, and grassed picnic areas.
The rock climb looks quite steep and daunting as you approach the rock, but it’s really not as bad as it looks. Check the website for trail closures before you set off, as the trails are sometimes closed in wet weather.
Note – the trails close 30 minutes after sunset, so get here as early as you can during the day.
There are a number of hiking trails here, but hiking the highest dome in Enchanted Rock is the most popular, and definitely family-friendly.
On a small level section of the trail look for the Echo Canyon Trail to the west. The crowds will thin out also immediately once you start on this trail. It is very rocky and fun to hike along, and also offers great views of Enchanted Rock and Little Rock.
I saw plenty of kids having fun and plenty of dads carrying babies in baby carriers on the Enchanted Rock summit trail.
Climbing Enchanted Rock will get your heart pumping and your legs hurting, but it’s exhilarating and your body will love you for it.
I’m pretty fit so found it relatively easy and it didn’t take us long to get up to the top. The girls handled it find. Savannah (7) breezed up without a complaint.
If you’re not as fit or used to hiking, take it slow and enjoy the amazing views of rolling hills on the way up.
Give yourself plenty of time to sit at the top and enjoy the vastness of the scenery.
How long does it take to climb Enchanted Rock?
It shouldn’t take more than an hour to get up and down. To be honest, I think it was 30-minutes for us actual walking time up and down, but we did stay at the top for longer.
There are lots of little pond ecosystems at the top of Enchanted Rock. These vernal pools are home to tiny Translucent Fairy Shrimp so make sure you don’t step in them and disturb the wildlife. It’s also possible to see white-tailed deer in the park.
I loved the small groves of cactus plants and prickly pear scattered around too.
Go down the other side of the rock where you’ll see a clump of rocks and trees. We saw people down there but unaware of what was down there and the girls not wanting to make the climb back up we didn’t go down to have a look.
I’ve since learned there are a few Enchanted Rock caves down there to explore.
So don’t be like us and miss it.
Tips for visiting Enchanted Rock
The amazing views from Enchanted Rock
Get there at opening time (6.30am)
It seemed like everyone was out to find their inner peace and wisdom when we visited during the busy holiday season over Christmas.
We arrived at 11am, after a late start (not good), and joined the queue of cars patiently waiting to get into one of the most popular Texas State Parks.
After about 30 minutes, we received a pass with the notification that the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area was at full capacity and closed.
They would reopen at 2pm and that pass would guarantee us access. We returned at 3pm to another 30-minute car queue before making it in.
It’s not that Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is over run with people, it’s just that they have limited parking lots and once they’re full, it’s closed.
It’s slightly annoying, yet at the same time, I’m grateful they are implementing measures to reduce the human impact on this significant site.
Americans are usually slow starters so if you get there in the morning hours – before 10am you should be fine. Although we did visit during the busy Christmas holiday season so was full of Texans on school breaks. .
Advanced reservations are highly encouraged. Reservations are required for day passes and overnight stays are required on weekends, school breaks and holidays.
While not required on regular weekdays, Enchanted Rock usually reaches capacity every day. To guarantee entrance reserve passes online, or by calling the customer service center, before you visit.
Carry cash
It’s faster if you have cash as you can just pay out your car window, otherwise you have to park it and go into the office to pay by card.
Bring plenty of drinking water
Due to an ongoing drought in this region of Texas, please bring your own drinking water as there is short supply at the park.
Don’t miss Luckenbach
After you’ve finished hiking in Enchanted Rock State Park Texas, head down to Luckenbach to rest under the shade of the oak trees while local guitar pickers entertain you with country music, jokes and local tales.
If you like timeless experience and lots of locals in cowboy hats, you’ll love this Texas cultural experience.
When is the best time to hike Enchanted Rock?
I’d recommend visiting for sunrise or sunset. It would be so pretty during these times.
I can imagine the colors would be glorious. There are plenty of picnic tables at the base of the rock in designated picnic areas
So either have a picnic dinner or breakfast. They do offer guided hikes to the top.
Opening Hours & Entrance fee
Late afternoon sun
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is open daily from 6:30am to 10:00pm, with the gate open until 8:00pm.
There are 11 miles of hiking trails in the area, including the Loop Trail. All trails close 30 minutes after sunset, except the Loop Trail, and The Summit Trail may close in wet weather.
It’s well worth staying here after sundown as this is an International Dark Skies Park!
The entrance fee is $8 for adults, under 12 are free! It’s also covered by the Texas State Parks Pass.
Video: Watch us hike Enchanted Rock and visit Luckenbach
Stargazing at Enchanted Rock
The Enchanted Rock has been designated International Dark Sky Park making it one of the best places for stargazing in Central Texas.
The skies are dark enough to view the Milky Way with minimal intrusion of artificial light. If stargazing is on your wish list for future family fun, read much more about stargazing in Enchanted Rock on the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.
Where to Stay in Fredericksburg
If you’re wondering, where is Enchanted Rock, it’s only 17 miles north of Fredericksburg.
We visited Fredericksburg on the same day we climbed The Enchanted Rock, and had lunch there whilst we waited to go back to the rock and use our 2pm pass.
For camping near Enchanted Rock, there are plenty of RV Parks along the River Road. If you’re coming in the summer, I’d recommend camping here.
It looks so pretty and lots of fun.
Otherwise, I’d use the New Braunfels area as your base because I liked it better and there is more to do in the area.
We stayed at the Hill Country Resort & RV Park in New Braunfels which had a lot of amenities like a playground, games room, indoor and outdoor pools and fitness centers.
This did make the cost of it a little higher than some others. You can get discounts for a week long stay.
Enchanted Rock Camping
There are 35 walk-in campgrounds that allow 8 people per site. There is no access to the group camping area to the main park.
No RVs, pop-ups, or vehicle camping is allowed. Or overnight camping on top of the rock. The comfort station and shower building are also closed at night.
For all the camping options including primitive backpack campsites, go here. It’s very popular and they book up way in advance.
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Are you planning on visiting Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Texas? Share what you’re excited for in the comments!
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