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Enchanted Rock in Texas Hill Country

March 7, 2014 By Jeff H 7 Comments

Enchanted Rock

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. The Enchanted Rock batholith stretches 62 miles — mostly underground. Humans have been visiting this rock for 12,000 years, and some believe it has spiritual significance.

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Trail Details
Distance: 1.3 miles
Time: 60 min.
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 390 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Sept.-May
I can’t say whether it’s haunted by ghosts or possesses supernatural energy, but I can say that at the summit of this massive granite dome, I felt grounded.

We hiked the Summit Trail at Enchanted Rock on a recent trip to Texas. I had never been hiking in Texas, and I was eager to explore. We headed north from San Antonio towards Fredricksburg — a small town with German heritage — and at 18 miles away — the closest to Enchanted Rock. It really does feel like the proverbial middle of nowhere.

The trail starts at the end of the parking lot. You descend stairs to a small creek, then follow the signs as the trail picks it’s way up towards the base of the pink granite dome.

A small creek below Enchanted Rock

At the 0.2 mile mark, the Summit Trail essentially disappears in the solid granite of Enchanted Rock. Not to worry. Just keep heading “up” and you’ll be going in the right direction. Climbing “The Rock” is roughly equivalent to climbing the stairs in a 30- to 40-story building, and while it’s not particularly dangerous or difficult, I would label this a moderately difficult hike if for no other reason than to warn away non-hikers.

No trail, just head up Enchanted Rock

At the top, the Rock levels off to a large, fairly flat top dotted with small vernal pools. These pools are formed from pockets in the granite, and support small and very fragile ecosystems that take decades to develop. Do not step in the pools or disturb the plants or wildlife. Take pictures and leave it at that.

Ice-covered vernal pool

On this frosty winter day, the vernal pools were glazed with a frosty coat of ice. And me in my Sport Kilt. Brrrr…

The top of Enchanted Rock is so rounded, that it was challenging to find the USGS benchmark at the summit. We persisted, and found it near the western shoulder of the dome.

The Enchanted Rock summit

The return trip is a little tricky. Because there is no path — nor were there cairns to mark the way — you have to rely on your own keen sense of direction to retrace your steps. Joan and her sister headed down about 10 minutes before me, while I hung around taking photos and soaking in the views. I was a little surprised when I got to the bottom and beat them back to the trailhead. It turns out, they went down the “wrong” way. Fortunately, they hit the Loop Trail which runs completely around the dome and enjoyed some different scenery on their way back.

Panoramic view from the summit of Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock is proof that there is hiking in Texas. And while there may have not been towering spires, it possessed it’s own calm beauty that made the trip and the hike worth taking.

Enchanted Rock Summit Trail Map

© OpenStreetMap contributors
Download file: enchanted-rock.gpx

Photo Gallery

Click on any photo to view a larger version. You can also leave comments on any photo.

Enchanted Rock in the Texas Hill Country









Enchanted Rock Tips

  • Entrance fees are $7 per adult. Children under 12 are free.
  • If the park fills up, they don’t allow more people in. And since it’s 18 miles from the nearest town, that could be a long, disappointing detour. Leave early and call ahead to make sure it’s open.
  • Lunch in Fredricksburg! We ate at the Old German Bakery and Restaurant.

More Enchanted Rock Resources

  • Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – official website
  • Printable Park Map – PDF
  • Follow Enchanted Rock on Twitter
  • Enchanted Rock Legends – Texas State Historical Association

Enchanted Rock Weather Forecast

The location could not be found.

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: moderate, out of bounds, peak, Texas

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Jeff H

About Jeff H

I'm an avid hiker and backpacker. My wife Joan and I are on the trails every weekend. I started SoCal Hiker to share my passion for outdoor adventure.

Comments

  1. Ardent Camper (@ArdentCamper) says

    April 1, 2014 at 10:11 pm

    Ok, this is embarrassing, but I live three hours from Enchanted Rock, have visited every state park near it, and still haven’t managed to find myself here. Your photos are inspiring, though, so it’s now on my priority list!

    Reply
  2. Dasiy says

    May 3, 2016 at 8:57 am

    How long did it take to hike to summit? I’m asking because not sure if someone who is not physically fit can do it.

    Reply
  3. Mary says

    October 4, 2016 at 10:36 am

    Very informative! Great pictures! Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Chymar says

    February 12, 2017 at 10:22 pm

    This place is spiritual. We try to go there yearly to get grounded at least as you stated. Try Pedernales falls and Los Maples next time in Texas. You website has been very helpful for me while in SoCal.

    Reply
  5. Patricia says

    January 28, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    Hi. Wanted to let everyone know that if the park closes because of capacity, you can get a voucher to return at 2. Not sure if this is new but was grateful for the opportunity.

    Reply
  6. David says

    April 9, 2020 at 9:24 am

    This is one of my favorite spots to hit in Hill Country. I’ve climbed the rock several times, my quickest being less than 8 minutes (which seems rather slow for 40 stories), but the steep will get ya. You definitely cannot keep non-hikers away from this fantastic place. I always see people of all shapes, sizes and ages heading up there. They no longer let dogs climb the rocks due to heat exhaustion, but I also love to hike the four mile loop trail with her. I made really short videos of the climb and loop on my last visit. Looks like you have been doing the same for many years. Nice work!

    Reply
    • David Earley says

      May 15, 2020 at 10:59 am

      The moderate difficulty rating probably depends on experience. Since you have mountain hiking experience, Enchanted Rock, will seem like a piece of cake. However, our hills only reach 2,300 feet above sea level. So, in comparison to our more level trails, the rock can be a bit difficult. I’ve seen people stopping to take a break before reaching the top of it several times.

      I’m curious how you arrived at Enchanted Rock. I notice it’s the furthest place (to the east) on your map of personally hiked locations. I’m guessing you stayed in Fredericksburg? That’s one of our favorite spots to hit from San Antonio. Did you happen to visit any other areas, or hike anything else nearby?

      Reply

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