NATURAL WONDER

E ven though the majestic pink granite dome brings visitors to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, it’s the site’s expansive views and native wildlife that keep visitors coming back.

The unique natural attraction towers 1,825 feet in elevation and attracts hundreds of thousands of hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts each year.

In addition to hiking, Enchanted Rock SNA offers opportunities to rock climb, boulder climb and stargaze.

It is one of the best places in the area to see the night sky and is one of only a few Texas Parks and Wildlife Department properties that are certified “Gold Tier” Dark Sky Parks.

This designation means that Enchanted Rock complies with the International Dark Sky Association requirements, which not only conserves energy for the natural area, but also guarantees visitors will have an undistracted view of the night sky. It helps the area cut down on light pollution, and promotes low-impact ecotourism as one of the surrounding area’s most sought destinations.

Along with protecting the natural area from light pollution, Enchanted Rock also asks visitors to protect the property from unintentional petinflicted damage.

In the natural area, pets are only allowed in the designated day-use picnic areas, the campgrounds and on the Loop Trail. Pets are not allowed on any other trails.

MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Enchanted Rock has fascinated humans for thousands of years. It has inspired many stories that endure today, most rooted in fancy rather than fact.

Tonkawa Indians thought that ghost fires flickered on top of the dome. The rock glitters on clear nights after rain and scientists now think the glittering is reflections from collected water or wet feldspar.

Odd creaking and groaning noises scared the Tonkawa Indians, inspiring the rock’s name. Geologists claim the dome creaks and groans as temperatures warm and cool.

THINGS TO KNOW

• The Rock sits at just 1,825 feet. Hikers can be challenged due to the steep incline of the climb to the summit.

• The main campground has restroom facilities, but there are more remote sites scattered along the trails. Due to a critical water shortage, the restrooms may also be closed but portable toilets will be made available.

• Even though drinking water is available for purchase, visitors are highly encouraged to bring their own water and enough for the visit.

• Trails, varying in length and difficulty, can be found in the natural area. The Loop Trail winds around the natural area a lengthy 4.5 miles, while the trek to the summit of the Rock is only a three-quarter mile climb, but strenuous.

• Enchanted Rock’s peak season ranges from September through May,

The State Natural Area features scopes at the bottom of the climb, along with entrances to the nature trails around the main rock.

though day-use permits may sell out at any time of the year. On weekends and holidays, a reservation for day use or camping is required to visit. Reservations can be made online at TexasStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com.

Special hikes and events can be found online at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ enchanted-rock/park_events.

Those interested in technical rock climbing or bouldering can find more information online at tpwd.texas.gov/ state-parks/enchanted-rock/moreinfo/ rock-climb.

Updates and reservation status of the natural area can also be found on the facebook page: @enchantedrock.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is located at 16710 Ranch Road 965, 18 miles north of Fredericksburg.

More information is available by calling 830-685-3636 or by visiting the Enchanted Rock SNA website at tpwd. texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock.