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.