How to Visit the Enchanted Rock in Texas
When in Texas, take some time to see a pink granite dome that rises almost 500 feet above the surrounding countryside. Whether you want to hike, rock climb, camp, star gaze, take pictures, or learn about the Native American legends that are written about the dome, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is not to be missed.
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Things You'll Need
- Car, truck or motorcycle
- Basic day hiking gear
- Water bottle
- Good walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Map of park
- GPS unit ( optional)
Instructions
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Travel to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area from Fredericksburg for 18 miles on on Ranch Road 965 or take State Highway 16 for 14 miles south from Llano, and then west on Ranch Road 965 for 8 miles. The park entrance is located at 6710 Ranch Road 965.
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Pay the daily park entrance fee per day of $5 per person for adults 13 years of age and older. Texas residents age 65 or older pay only $3 per person. Campsite and other facility fees are in addition to the park entrance fee. It is open seven days a week, all year.
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Hike the popular Summit Trail to the top of Enchanted Rock. It is easy to do and only 6/10 of a mile long. Or try the 4-mile loop trail that goes around the base of the rock. More experienced climbers can tackle the park's 1,000-foot-long Enchanted Rock Fissure, one of the largest known granite caves. Watch out for its steep and slippery surfaces.
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Check out all of the wildlife throughout the park. Rock and fox squirrels, armadillos, rabbits, white tailed deer, lizards and turkey vultures all live at the park. A bird checklist for the park is available upon request.
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Volunteer at Enchanted Rock. Join the Friends of Enchanted Rock for trail building projects. Help rebuild on the severely eroded and impacted trails at the park (see Resources).
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Tips & Warnings
Plan ahead. The park fills up quickly and many visitors are turned away. Reservations can also be made by calling the park's central reservation system at (512)389-8900 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and on their website. Spring is the busiest time, as crowds come to see the wildflowers in bloom.
Stay safe. The closest medical facilities are in Fredericksburg, and most parts of the park are accessible only by foot. In an emergency, contact the headquarters at (325) 247-3903 or 911.
