Enchanted Rock is known for the large pink granite dome that rises out of the ground. It is one of the most popular parks in Texas, and is home to many protected archaeological sites. Humans have lived in the area for over 12,000 years.
Enchanted Rock is an International Dark Sky Park.
Location
16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
Cost
The entry fee for Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is $8 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional costs for camping.
To save money when visiting Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle, to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
This is a very popular park, and books up early. Reservations are necessary for both day use and camping.
For holidays and weekends, reservations need to be made as far in advance as possible. For weekdays, reservations are still necessary, as the park might reach capacity.
If the park reaches capacity and you do not have a reservation, you will be turned away at the gate.
Staying at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Campsites
Hike-in primitive campsites are $14 per night. Hikes to reach the campsites are over a mile. There is no water, but there are compost toilets in the area. Fires are not allowed, but container fuel stoves are allowed for cooking. Dogs are allowed in the camping areas. Hammocks are not allowed. These campsites provide a great opportunity for stargazing.
Walk-in campsites with water are $20 per night. These sites have a picnic table, grill, fire ring, and tent pad. There is water in the area and restrooms in the vicinity. Hammocks may not be hung from trees, but can be hung from a shade shelter if there is one on the campsite.
Group Facilities
Buzzards Roost Group Camp is $100 per night. The site can have up to fifty people. It is a hike-in primitive campsite that is separate from the other camping areas. The hike to access the area is less than a mile from its dedicated parking area. There is no water at the campsite, and it must be packed in. There are composting toilets.
There is a pavilion available to rent for $50 per day. It is a covered area with restrooms, water, electricity and picnic tables. There is a BBQ pit.
Restrooms in Enchanted Rock
There are a few traditional restrooms in the park. They are located on the side of the park closer to the visitor center. One of the restrooms has showers. Through other parts of the park the bathrooms are compost toilets.
Hiking Trails
There are eight trails in the park.
The longest trail is the Loop Trail which is 4.6 miles long. This trail is harder than some of the other trails in the park. Be prepared with plenty of water, especially in summer. Unlike most of the trails in this park, this trail allows dogs.
Summit Trail is less than a mile long, but it is a challenging hike up to the top of the rock. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
What is there to do at Enchanted Rock?
Hiking is the most popular activity in the park. There are many trails, and you can hike up to the stop of the Enchanted Rock. Take safety precautions about the hike, especially for the sun and heat. Be aware that most of the trails do not allow dogs.
Enchanted Rock has been popular area for rock climbing and bouldering, since long before it became a protected natural area. The park has many rules in place about climbing in order to protect the environment and the safety of people in the park.
You can have a picnic in the park at one of the picnic tables or rent the pavilion. There is a playground available for children.
Observe nature in the park. One of the special things about this park are fairy shrimp that live in the water pools that collect on the rock.
Unlike most other state parks, there is no swimming or mountain biking.
Dogs at Enchanted Rock
Dogs are allowed in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, but with many restrictions. They are only allowed on certain limited trails. In the locations that dogs are allowed they must be on a leash of six feet or less.
Dogs are not allowed on the Enchanted Rock itself. The only trails that dogs are allowed on are the Loop Trail and the Interpretive Loop Trail. Dogs are not allowed inside any building in the park.
It is not recommended to bring a dog to the park, especially in the summer. It can be dangerous for dogs because of the heat. They can overheat, and also the ground is exceedingly hot and can can severely injure their paws. If you do choose to bring your dog, be sure to bring sufficient extra water for them.
What to do near Enchanted Rock
Fredericksburg, Texas
Visit the historic downtown and walk around, soaking up the German culture. Visit the National Museum of the Pacific War or the Pioneer Museum.
Llano, Texas
Llano, Texas is the county seat of Llano County, and has the highest density of white-tailed deer in the United States. Enjoy a fancy meal at the Badu House.
Johnson City, Texas
Known for being the hometown of President Lyndon Johnson, the small town has a lot to see. Children will enjoy the Science Mill, and adults will enjoy the Lyndon B. Johnson Historical Park.