Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

 

One billion years ago a pool of molten magma cooled and crystallized into granite far beneath the surface of present-day Central Texas. Gradually this granite became exposed through uplifting, erosion, and the coming and going of the seas. Today, geologists call this phenomena an exfoliation dome and it is part of a much larger igneous batholith. This geologic feature is best known to the general public as Enchanted Rock. This iconic Texas location features a granite dome that rises 425 feet above its base with its highest point being 1,825 feet above sea level.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area lies about 17 miles north of Fredericksburg, Texas and sits along the line between Gillespie and Llano counties. The location is part of the Texas State Parks system. However, note that it lacks the state park designation in its name. Instead it is a state natural area. State parks are areas of natural or scenic character that are developed to provide recreation opportunities. While state natural areas are set aside because of their outstanding natural attributes, the emphasis is on preservation rather than recreation. State natural areas such as Enchanted Rock lack the amenities offered at most state parks. For example, camping at Enchanted Rock is tent only and all sites are walk-in or hike-in.

Hiking is one of the main draws to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The trails range in length and difficulty. You can a take short hike on the easy .3 mile Frontside Trail or go for a hike on the longer and moderately difficult 4.6 mile Loop Trail. The most famous hike at Enchanted Rock is the .8 mile Summit Trail which takes you to the top of Enchanted Rock.

The hike I chose to take included the Summit Trail, Loop Trail, Base Trail, and Echo Canyon Trail. The total mileage came out to just over five miles.

No hike at Enchanted Rock is complete without climbing the dome. Enchanted Rock rises 425 feet above its base reaching its highest point at 1,825 point above sea level. Climbing the dome is like climbing the stairs of a 30-40 story building. The hike is steep, but not so steep that specialized equipment is necessary. Anyone in decent physical health can likely make the journey to the top. 

The views from atop Enchanted Rock are enchanting! From atop the Rock, you can see for miles and take in views of some of the natural area's other peaks, including Turkey Peak, Freshmen Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, and Little Rock. 

After making my way down Enchanted Rock, I got onto the Loop Trail. This path is a much more traditional trail (it's not up a steep granite rock). This trail followed a well worn, well marked, and easy to follow path. 

One of the benefits of hiking the Loop Trail is that it offers up close views of some of the natural area's lesser known and less impressive but still beautiful peaks, including Turkey Peak, Buzzard's Roost, and Freshman Mountain.

After some distance on the Loop Trail, I turned off onto the Base Trail. This trail is roughly one mile in length and follows around the backside of Enchanted Rock. This side of the Rock is much steeper than the front side where the Summit Trail is located. As you hike this trail, be aware that there are a number of small trails that branch from it. You will not find these trails on the trails map. They are used by climbers to access designated climbing areas. 

The last trail I traversed was the Echo Canyon Trail. This trail sits between the base of Enchanted Rock and Little Rock. Get ready for an adventure on this trail as it requires you to make yourr way across some massive boulders!

The various highly visible landmarks, such as Enchanted Rock, make navigating the trails easy, especially if you pick up a trails map at the front gate. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow. Cellular service is limited, so downloading your trail maps in advance is recommended if you plan to use your phone to aid with navigation. There are restrooms located at the trailhead for the Summit Trail and there are pit toilets located at various locations throughout the natural area. 

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a popular location in the Texas State Parks system. Annually, it has over 250,000 visitors. If you plan to visit, making advanced reservations is highly encouraged and often required. Without a Texas State Parks Pass, day access to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is $8/person for persons 13 years or older. This iconic Texas location is well worth the visit if you find yourself in the Texas Hill Country.

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