*Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
16710 Ranch Rd 965
Fredericksburg TX 78624
830-685-3636
Brief Description/Location of Park
Enchanted Rock is a 425ft tall Basolith (granite dome) located 18 miles North of Fredericksburg TX and about 95 miles West of Austin by way of either HWY 290 or HWY 71. Enchanted Rock SNA offers primitive backpacking, camping, hiking, technical and rock climbing, picnicking, geological study, bird watching, and star gazing (minimal light pollution)*. Often referred to as Enchanted Rock State Park it is actually a State Natural Area.
Main Attraction
The main attraction at Enchanted Rock SNA is without a doubt Enchanted Rock, the largest of the exposed rock formations standing some 425ft above ground level. Surrounding Enchanted Rock you will find other formations such as Little Rock (not really little),Turkey Peak and Freshmans Mountain. For the typical user at the park the summit trail will be the first priority, this trail takes you from the base of the rock all the way to the top while at the same time testing your strength and determination. Once at the summit you will be greeted by panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country, vernal pools, cactus, oak trees and for the daring the Enchanted Rock Cave. For the thrill seekers all large rock formations offer great opportunities for rock climbing and repelling with the more popular locations being the very steep back side of Enchanted Rock and Turkey Peak.
Panoramic view of Enchanted Rock viewed from the top of Little Rock.
Looking down towards the mouth of The Enchanted Rock Cave. Water runoff flowing to Sandy Creek.
Day Use
The day use area is directly south of Enchanted Rock along Sandy Creek. If driving from the headquarters the day use area is a right at the fork. There are pic-nik tables, restroom facility, small playground and an overlook facing towards the rock formations. Cooking hot dogs or eating sandwiches while resting your body in the day use area is a common practice after a day on the rock.
Vernal pool on top of Enchanted Rock.
Camping Facilities
There are two ways to camping at Enchanted Rock SNA, tent sites or primitive camping. The tent sites are well arranged with some being more private than others. Sites 4 -21 are more open and may be great for those who would like to spend the evening looking at the sky with no trees in the way, of course less trees mean less shade in the day. Sites 22-46 are on the same side as Little Rock and have more vegetation surrounding them (these are my favorite sites). Sites 1-3 are kind of off to the side on the opposite side of the road and right up against sandy creek.
If you want to be close to the showers look for sites 5 -11 and 25 - 30 and if you want the most private sites look at 21, 25, 29, 35 and 39. Primitive camping is behind Little Rock and Enchanted Rock and can be accessed by a long hike around Little Rock on the Loop Trail or a shorter more rugged hike through Echo Canyon. It is between the primitive campsites that you will find Moss Lake, a smallish body of water that attracts many local animals but is not set for fishing.
Restroom/Shower Facilities
There are 2 facilities at Enchanted Rock SNA, one facility is in the day use area and features restrooms only, the other facility in the camping area does offer semi private shower stalls. If I had to rate these restrooms I would give them a 3.5 out of 5. They are not as nice as Inks Lake or Pedernalis but much much better than Mustang Island.
Conclusion
For serious climbers and hikers to families looking to enjoy the beautiful Hill Country, Enchanted Rock SNA is a must see destination in central Texas. I highly recommend this park.
Beautiful view of the Texas Hill Country from the Summit Trail of Enchanted Rock.
Pictures
Please enjoy this collection of pictures
Water pools in Echo Canyon. Western Diamondback Rattle Snake on the Loop Trail near Freshman Mountain.
Turtle sunning in the middle of Moss Lake. Moss Lake viewed from the top of Enchanted Rock.
*Source http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/enchanted_rock/
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