Enchanted Rock is a pink granite dome rising 425 feet above the surrounding Texas Basin. Visible from all directions for miles away, Enchanted Rock is the largest granite dome of its kind in the United States. Enchanted Rock is famous not only for its geology, but also for its archaeology, folklore, flora and fauna, and outdoor recreation.

Enchanted Rock is a large boulder that rises 120 meters above the surrounding area in Central Texas. It is part of the Enchanted Rock Batholith (a large mass of intrusive igneous rock like Yosemite’s half-his dome), which is mostly underground and extends for 62 miles. People have visited the area for over 12,000 years and are believed to have spiritual significance.

The park has camping grounds, picnic areas, 13.4 miles of hiking trails, informative exhibits, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

The park is open year-round, but sometimes fills up, so check online to see if it’s closed before you go.

The Epic Formation of Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock is a unique pink granite mountain just 17 miles north of Fredericksburg. It formed a billion years ago when a large magma bubble was pushed to the surface and cooled. Over time, the surrounding earth and soft rock eroded, revealing the striking pink granite dome visible today. only a small part of Most of them are underground.

Exploring the Archaeology of Enchanted Rock

Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have been visiting the magical rocks for at least 10,000 years. Hunter-gatherers used small ledges as benches and ground native plants with hard granite. Traces of rock, known as bedrock mortar, can be seen today throughout Enchanted Rock Park.

Tonkawa, Apache, Comanche, and other Native American tribes have since visited Enchanted Rock. Stories of their colonization, enchanted spirits, and battles live on to this day. The Tonkawa are said to have heard creaks and moans coming from the Enchanted Rock. You can read about these myths and more at the Enchanted Rock Visitor Center.

Enchanted Rock: A Haven for Flora & Fauna

More than 500 species of plants can be found at Enchanted Rock in four distinct plant communities: open oak woodland, mesquite grassland, floodplain, and granite rock community. In the granite rock community located on top of Enchanted Rock, there are depressions in the pink granite that form Vernal pools. These rare rock depressions are home to ecologically threatened plants and animals, including the fairy shrimp.

After an exciting day exploring Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, come stay in one of our beautiful vacation homes located just 17 miles South in Fredericksburg, Texas. We have done the hard work for you and have collected over 200 exceptional homes for you to browse. Look at our available rental homes online today to find the perfect place to relax and restore with loved ones after a full day of fun.

Finding Enchanted Rock: A Guide to the Location

More than 500 species of plants can be found at Enchanted Rock in four distinct plant communities: open oak woodland, mesquite grassland, floodplain, and granite rock community. In the granite rock community located on top of Enchanted Rock, there are depressions in the pink granite that form Vernal pools. These rare rock depressions are home to ecologically threatened plants and animals, including the fairy shrimp.

After an exciting day exploring Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, come stay in one of our beautiful vacation homes located just 17 miles South in Fredericksburg, Texas. We have done the hard work for you and have collected over 200 exceptional homes for you to browse. Look at our available rental homes online today to find the perfect place to relax and restore with loved ones after a full day of fun.

Hiking the Trails of Enchanted Rock

More than 500 species of plants can be found at Enchanted Rock in four distinct plant communities: open oak woodland, mesquite grassland, floodplain, and granite rock community. In the granite rock community located on top of Enchanted Rock, there are depressions in the pink granite that form Vernal pools. These rare rock depressions are home to ecologically threatened plants and animals, including the fairy shrimp.

After an exciting day exploring Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, come stay in one of our beautiful vacation homes located just 17 miles South in Fredericksburg, Texas. We have done the hard work for you and have collected over 200 exceptional homes for you to browse. Look at our available rental homes online today to find the perfect place to relax and restore with loved ones after a full day of fun.

• Distance: 1.3 miles
• Time: 60 min.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 120m
• Dogs: No
• When to go: Sept.-May (when it’s not too hot)

Enchanted Rock Climbing: A Challenge Worth Taking

More than 500 species of plants can be found at Enchanted Rock in four distinct plant communities: open oak woodland, mesquite grassland, floodplain, and granite rock community. In the granite rock community located on top of Enchanted Rock, there are depressions in the pink granite that form Vernal pools. These rare rock depressions are home to ecologically threatened plants and animals, including the fairy shrimp.

After an exciting day exploring Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, come stay in one of our beautiful vacation homes located just 17 miles South in Fredericksburg, Texas. We have done the hard work for you and have collected over 200 exceptional homes for you to browse. Look at our available rental homes online today to find the perfect place to relax and restore with loved ones after a full day of fun.

Tips for visiting Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg, Tx

• Enchanted Rock hours: open daily from 8 am – 10 pm, trails close at sunset.
• It’s $7 per adult but if you visit after 6 pm the gates aren’t always manned.
• There are 8.4 miles of hiking trails at Enchanted Rock. View the Enchanted Rock trail map here to download and print.
• There is no food available in the park so bring your own. There are water fountains to refill bottles though.
• The park gets very busy on weekends and national holidays. Plan accordingly, ideally call in advance.
• No pets on the summit trail.
• Take a look at this Enchanted Rock map to get your bearings.
• Visit our website, To plan your trip and find the perfect place to stay in Enchanted Rock for your adventure.

What People Say About Us

Dennis F

January 31, 2023

An amazing place and an enjoyable stay The title says it all really…if you want to stay somewhere that provides fantastic care as done here by the owner and staff, stay at Trois Estates, it’s a one of a kind experience that you cannot help but enjoy! -Dennis

Pat G

January 31, 2023

Don't believe bad reviews! It always amazes me that people who would clearly be more comfortable at a Holiday Inn choose to stay at a quaint inn like Trois Estate and then have the audacity to trash it in a review. I’ll admit to being a little concerned when I read a few not just negative, but scathing reviews. But since there were so many positive ones, and especially since our friends had actually stayed there, we decided to give it a try. This place is absolutely charming! Feels like you’re in a little Tuscan village. All the rooms are different – we stayed in the Da Vinci – and each has it’s own individual appeal. Yes, this is an older inn, but “rundown” or “in disrepair” are just not true. Yes, there are feral cats around, but that’s part of the charm. And how can you not love the underground chapel and grotto, the bell tower, beautiful pool, rustic lodge and cozy saloon? And don’t get me started on the newly renovated deck with views of Enchanted Rock which are, well, enchanting! But the best part was the staff and service. We did have a little issue with heat in our room, but Rebecca and Cameron were immediately on the case and went above and beyond to accommodate us and make sure we were comfortable for our entire stay. We left feeling like part of the family! So if you want to stay in a hermetically-sealed hotel room where everything entirely predictable and you are treated like a million other customers, check out the nearest Holiday Inn. But if you want a comfortable stay and a unique experience, I highly recommend Trois Estate.

Jennifer L

October 4, 2022

The Trois Estates Bed and Breakfast breathtaking! I visited The Trois Estates Bed and Breakfast with my mom before we hiked Enchanted Rock this week. The view from their viewing deck during both sunset and sunrise was relaxing filled with different comfy chairs. Our room had a fireplace for warm cozy evening wine. Everyone on the staff was friendly and the attention to detail with everything on the property made us feel like we were on a vacation tailored just for us. I will 100% be back to check out the other villas and spend a longer trip. 10/10!!!

Chris S

September 12, 2022

Enchanted Rock and Enchanting Hotel stay Booked Trois Estates to be near enchanted Rock State Park. The hotel complex is only 2 minutes away by car. The vibe of this place is Spanish and siesta time. We checked in early at 2 on my wife’s 60th birthday and soon began to explore. The place was amazing, original and quaint. Nothing more original than the grotto (underground pool). We had the place to ourselves and took advantage of the clear spring water. We did not realize that the restaurant was closed on Sunday and Monday night but the manager kindly treated us to personalized dinner on both nites. Fantastic personal service! The place is perfect for weddings but we think visitors should check this place out too. We booked the Bella Villa room which opens on the Spanish style courtyard. Charming to be able to take our breakfast and dinners outside there (we were super lucky with the weather as we had 64F lows and high 80’sF). Loved the place, service, authenticity, views, and proximity to the Rock cannot be beat(en).

Carlene Johnson

July 26, 2022

Love this place!! My husband and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary here! It's so romantic it made me feel like I was in San Miguel Allende in Mexico! Texas is having a heat wave which was the only major problem we had. The owner Rebecca is amazin. Her sons help her keep it up and the eccentric Chef were all fantastic, food was delicious. It's like its own village. I'd love to come back when it's not so hot!! Our room was comfortable and we took Alice our German Shepherd. She loved it.

Nicole B

July 18, 2022

BEST GETAWAY EVER!! Before the school year starts, some fellow teachers and I needed a getaway! Being from San Antonio this wasn’t too far but it was incredible! It’s literally right next to enchanted rock which is awesome. The property is so unique, there really is nothing like it. So far my favorite part was the underground grotto pool. Since it’s underground it stays very cold!! I truly love this place. It is pretty artsy and not for everyone but I will be back, for sure! This is just one trip of many to this little piece of heaven.

A G Gibler

June 20, 2022

Lovely place! This place has it all! Friendly staff, delicious food, beautiful scenery and landscape. Our room was clean, fresh and comfortable (very comfy bed!). This is an awesome place for vacation or for an event. We will definitely come back.i