Enchanted Rock : hill country vacation

A unique piece of hill country property is centrally located to the San Antonio-Austin area. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, part of the Texas state park system, lies along the borders of Gillespie and Llano counties. It’s large granite dome is the second largest in the United States, following Georgia’s Stone Mountain. Rising over 400’ above the surrounding countryside, it is the primary landmark of the area and has been frequented by humans for over 11,000 years.

The Rock, as it’s known locally, received National Natural Landmark status in 1970 while still privately owned. The Nature Conservancy of Texas acquired it in 1978. It was then turned over to the state in 1984. It was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places that same year.

The Rock has become a popular viewing spot for the Perseids meteor shower each August. Bring along a flash light for your return hike down from the dome. Although viewing is great, the dome’s ability to gain heat during the hot days and releasing it at night will provide a surprise for those thinking of star gazing while lying on a blanket. Instead, bring along a collapsible camp chair.

For the best nature photography of the dome, consider a short hike from the easternmost parking area. Big Sandy Creek is ideally situated on the front side of the dome and , combined with the large granite boulders in the creek bed, provides interesting compositions at varying times of the year. Weather conditions determine the flow of water through the area, which ultimately determine your photographic success.

Formations near the base of the dome can provide opportunities for fascinating rock photography. This can be either morning or evening work for your digital camera, depending on formations.

Activities within the park's 1,650 acres include camping, backpacking with primitive camping, rock climbing, and bird watching. For the birders, this area is home to the black capped vireo and golden cheeked warbler. Campers wishing a campfire are urged to bring along their own firewood. Rock climbers are required to check in at park headquarters where climbing rules and route maps are available.

This park can become very crowded on peak week-ends. It's not unusual to arrive at the front gate only to find it closed, thanks to the park reaching visitor capacity. Call ahead for information.

Facilities in the park are what one comes to expect from the state park system and include restrooms and showers. The walk-in sites include tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables.  For those wishing a bit more privacy, the hike-in primitive sites have composting toilets nearby.  The hike-in/backpacking camping is in designated areas only.  There are also day use sites that include picnic tables and grills.  There is also a group picnic area that includes a pavilion and restrooms.  No vehicular camping is available.  

Many factors contribute to this state natural area’s growing popularity.  Its proximity to two major metropolitan areas, the natural appeal of the hill country, spring and autumn weather conditions, the area’s abundance of bed and breakfasts, Texas wine country, Fredericksburg shopping, and investments in hill country property all combine to make the area one of the great Texas get aways.