As soon as we rounded the corner at the top of the hill, the massive pink granite dome in Central Texas pulled us into its vision.
Just like its name promised, I was enchanted.
I immediately thought of Uluru in Outback Australia – a rock far more striking rising out of the desert floor, but holding a similar magnetic power.
This ancient dome is a spiritual place in Texas.
What is the Enchanted Rock?
The dome is 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 that includes Little Mountain, Turkey Peak, Freshman Mountain, Buzzard’s Roost, and Flagpole Mountain, all located in the State Natural Area.
The Enchanted Rock Texas has thought to be a spiritual place for the local Apache and Comanche tribes for hundreds of years. 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.
Plan your trip carefully
It seemed like everyone was out to find their inner peace and wisdom when we visited during the busy holiday season over Christmas. We were on our RV trip and spending most of the winter in the Southwest. (See USA winter ideas here)
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.
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.
Climbing Enchanted Rock, Central Texas
The base of the rock is beautiful with a small creek running through, lots of trees, and grassed picnic areas.
The climb looks quite steep and daunting as you approach the rock, but it’s really not as bad as it looks.
There are a number of hiking trails here, but hiking Enchanted Rock is definitely family-friendly. I saw plenty of kids having fun on this rock climb and plenty of dads carrying babies in baby carriers on this 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 hill country views on the way up.
Give yourself plenty of time to sit at the top and enjoy the vastness.
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
I loved the small groves of cactus plants 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 State Natural Area
Get to Enchanted Rock State Park Texas early! Definitely before 11am!
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. .
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.
Entrance Fee: $7 for adults, under 12 are free!
Enchanted Rock hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bonus Travel Video of Enchanted Rock and Luckenbach
Enchanted Rock Camping
There are 35 walk-in campsites that allow 8 people per site. Cost; $18 per night plus daily entrance fee.
No RVs, pop-ups, or vehicle camping is allowed. Or overnight camping on top of the rock.
For all the camping options including primitive backpack campsites, go here. It’s very popular and they book up way in advance.
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. Our night rate ranged from $51 – $60.
You can get discounts for a week long stay, and they also have Good Sam and Passport America discount.
For those who are looking for Enchanted Rock hotels, check out the options in the Texas Hill Country though our partner, Booking.com.
We find Booking.com have the widest range of properties, and verified reviews from guests who have actually stayed at the properties!
Here are some properties we researched for you as good options:
- The Peach Tree Inn & Suites – A short walk to Downtown Fredericksburg this boutique hotel offers daily breakfast and an outdoor pool. I’ts also one mile away from Fredericksburg winery. (Yep you could walk!) Read more reviews and book your stay here.
- A Barn at the Quarry – provides accommodations with free WIFI and a spa center and a hot tub you can use. Continental breakfast is also served on the property, but you get a fully equipped kitchenette with a dining area. It looks cute and cozy . Read more reviews and book your stay here.
- The Cottages at One Quilt Place – These popular self-catering cottages feature a full kitchen , hot tub, and free Wi-Fi and are located near Fredericksburg city center. Read more reviews and book your stay here.
Car Rental for Texas Hill Country
As with most places in the USA, a car will be required to get around.
If you don’t have your own vehicle to get to the Enchanted Rock Fredericksburg TX, you can find car rentals from Austin here and from San Antonio here
Want to visit San Antonio?
Good news, San Antonio is super close to New Braunfels in Texas Hill Country. It could be a great base for you to explore San Antonio for a day or two.
San Antonio is the 8th biggest city in the country and quite sprawling. The highlights for us was visiting the Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk.
Don’t forget the San Antonio Explorer Pass
It will save you up to 45% on combined admission price on your choice of 3 or 5 top San Antonio attractions.
You can create your itinerary from 15 choices which includes a San Antonio River Cruise, Six Flags, San Antonio Museum of Art, and Texas Hill Country and JBJ Ranch Tour
Further Reading on Things to do in Texas
- The Grassy Knoll Mystery: A visit to the JFK Museum Dallas
- How to visit Big Bend Ranch State Park
- One Elegant Day at Magnolia Table and Magnolia Silos Waco Tx
- Enchanting Things to do in Texas Hill Country in Three Days
- A 4-week Dallas to Boston road trip
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Do you have any suggestions for hiking in Texas Hill Country? Or for visiting Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Texas? Share in the comments!