Enchanted Rock welcomes visitors to scenic sights, challenging trails
F redericksburg’s town — is also its most visited.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area instituted a reservation system several years ago for visitors who love and respect the trails, native flora and fauna and its scenic views.
As a state natural area, the focus at Enchanted Rock is the preservation of its landscape. That’s opposed to the mission at a state park, which stresses recreation opportunities for visitors.
“It’s more than just a piece of granite,” Park Superintendent Doug Cochran said. “There are several different ecosystems out here. There are about 970 different flora in the park. We want to protect this for our kids and grandkids.”
Enchanted Rock stretches up 1,825 feet in elevation, an awesome sight to visitors as they drive along Ranch Road 965. The 1,643-acre park straddles the Gillespie and Llano County line.
It opened as a state natural area in October 1978 after its purchase from Charles Moss by the Nature Conservancy of Texas.
Even though preservation is stressed, there are still plenty of recreational opportunities available via reservation.
• Visitors can challenge themselves to a hike to the top of the dome.
• The park has its main campground which includes restroom facilities, but also primitive camping sites throughout the park. (Humans have camped in the area for 12,000 years.) Burn bans are in effect during dry times.
• Trails, including the dome hike or the 4½-mile Loop Trail, wind throughout the park. Guided hikes are also offered. (Check the Events page on the park website for more events.)
• Technical rock climbers also are welcomed to this popular site. (Waiver forms must be signed at the front office.)
• The park is a nature lover’s paradise, with vernal pools, native plants and hundreds of bird species to view.
• ERSNA also is one of just two state parks to be designated an International Dark Sky Park. It regularly hosts members of the Hill Country Astronomers group, who help visitors see “the stars at night, big and bright.”
VOLUNTEERS
• The volunteer group, Friends of Enchanted Rock, raises funds to restore hiking and walking trails, add recycling containers, landscaping, water catchment and much more.
• Find them at www.friendsofenchantedrock.com or their social media pages.
WHERE
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is located at 16710 Ranch Road 965, 17 miles north of Fredericksburg.
• More information is available by calling 830-685-3636 or visit the park’s website: http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ enchanted-rock
RESERVE A SPOT
• Visitors need to make a reservation to get into the park now through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s online system. Book online at https://texasstateparks. reserveamerica.com.
• Park entrance fees are $8 per person, while children 12 and under are free.
SOCIAL
• Keep up with demand and if the park is open for visitors on X @GoEnchantedRock or Instagram @ enchantedrockstatenaturalarea
Comment
Comments