Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

We purchased our entry ahead of time online and opted for the 6:30am entrance. We just drove right in and put our pass on our car window and had no issues. The hike is short but has a very steep incline. We enjoyed the views very much once we made it to the top. It was still early, but I suggest bringing water and being prepared for the heat. The park itself is maintained well and clean. There are also bathrooms available on the grounds. This is definitely a fun thing to do while in the area.

Beautiful place for a hike and well maintained park. I would recommend going earlier or later in the day to avoid the Texas heat. This is NOT an entry level hike even though it is a short one. The incline is steep and slippery. Make sure you come prepared with hydration, hiking boots/shoes with traction and weather appropriate clothing. There are spots to camp for the night or daily hike. Restrooms and showers are available. Snow Cone Trailer is located at the base of the hiking loop and a nice treat for a big hike!

This State Park offers something that others do not, a 360 view of the park and landscape at almost 2000 ft. Above sea level! Bring a backpack with snacks and plenty of water! Every person should have at minimum 4-6 bottles of water, in my opinion, making the trek to the summit. Also, have a case of water back in a cooler and gallons of water. Sunscreen and cap are recommended and good hiking shoes. We took insect repellent as well. Take a full day here and can spend 3 days here going thru all of the trails. Star gazing at night is best at parking lot 1, I feel. This is one of the top parks on my list! Longhorn Caverns is my second, Dinosaur Valley a third so far...

Very cool place to go!!! We went on a Thursday, wasn't crowded at all. Early spring is a good time to go. The weather was nice with a light wind. Flowers were blooming. Great place for just a day outing with several different trails and you can hike to the top of Enchanted Rock.

I love hiking here! Definitely hike to the summit. I think it looks worse than it was! But the views are incredible! Also, the loop that allows dogs is fun too. It was about 5,65 miles. I5 is not 4 miles as some say. Pretty easy, however there are a lot of cacti in the area and if your dog likes to jump at everything that moves, it is a bit tricky keeping them safe! Also, a beautiful little pond is accessible from the trail about 1.5-2 miles in

Bucket list checked off!! Visited on Easter in the afternoon after a rainy morning.. we prefer morning hikes and this time of day was too hot or we would've hit more mileage.. ended up doing half of the main trail and then did the summit.. highly recommend!! Amazing views!! We'll definitely be back and explore more of the park.

An open space that's great for exploring. The trails are clear, but there's plenty of wide-open areas where you can improvise. The staff are nice. If you go in march-may and it's been a wet year, expect an explosion of wildflowers! Make sure to bring PLENTY of water as it is quite a climb to the top, and the surrounding trails have very little shade.

Well worth a visit. Reservations are a must as are appropriate hiking or tennis shoes. Ground is very uneven and the hike up the dome is very steep at times. The hike is better medium to hard level depends on your liking for hikes. It was slanting a bit at a point. It took us about 23 mins to go uphill and almost same amount of time to climb down. It was worth it for the gorgeous views from the top. The sunset is gorgeous and so does the entire view from the top. It is advisable to wear clothes covering the whole body since there are a lot of flies and mosquitoes and do not touch any plants around as these could be poisonous. Overall a great place to watch the sunset and relax.

Visited Enchanted Rock State Park last Sunday and hiked the Summit Trail. such a fun and scenic experience! The trail is just 0.8 miles, but don't let the short distance fool you! it's steep and definitely gets your heart rate up. If you work out regularly, it's manageable, but for first-timers or those not used to incline hikes, it might feel a bit challenging. That said, the views from the top are so worth it. You get a full 360° view of Fredericksburg, and the landscape is stunning, colorful wildflowers, cacti along the path, and the beautiful pinkish granite all around make it feel really special. Would definitely recommend this trail if you're up for a short, steep climb with big payoff views.

There aren't enough words to do this location any justice. The Enchanted Rock State Park is a well-known gem in central Texas. When you visit, especially late at night during the holidays, it is not hard to see why. A plethora of stars are visible late at night and I wish my camera had the capacity to take better photos of all the stars that I saw with my own eyes. The rock itself isn't too hard to climb up. I couldn't make it all the way up because of my hip issues, but the views are spectacular. Hopefully my photos highlight just a few of many locations for great photography. Just make sure you wear the right shoes because the terrain has rocks of various sizes. Safety comes first. There are other areas around the rock that you can explore as well if you're not in the mood for a rigorous hike. And during the holidays, I believe you can even take a hike with Santa Claus. !

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Austin and requires an early reservation for each member of your car, costing around $8 per person, so plan ahead. Parking was easy to find and we were given a map to follow the trails. It's a great spot for a sunny, cold, winter day, and parts of the views reminded me of Arizona or parts of Southern California near the national parks. While the scenery was beautiful, I can't say I was a huge fan of the trails. Many of them were basically nonexistent. For example, the Summit Trail wasn't much of a trail at all - it was more like choose your own path to walk up the side of a rock. We also wanted to visit Moss Lake and took the Echo Canyon Trail to get there. Beware, the Echo Canyon Trail has quite a bit of rocks you'll need to walk and balance on. On a positive note, the Loop Trail was much better marked in comparison, making it easier to follow. The bathrooms and showers weren't open during our visit, and there was only one area to get water, located at the small visitor center. None of the other water fountains were working due to a water shortage. Everyone, including those staying at the campsites, had to rely on porta potties, which were the only restroom option until nightfall. While the park has some beautiful views and is worth a visit for the scenery, the lack of clear trails (outside the Loop Trail), limited facilities, and water shortages made the experience a bit less enjoyable.

Great experience. We booked in advance, my hubby is a veteran and when we got there they refunded the money and we didn't even ask! So kind. We went in the afternoon, it was really hot but we made it to the top! Definitely recommend making the climb

My son and I went here and had a blast. We hiked to the summit and to the frog pond. I thought the trails were well-marked. The restroom was closed but they had porta-potties which were fine. Be sure to make a reservation if you go on a weekend and wear sunscreen, as there is no shade on the summit trail.

Enchanted rock is SO stunning. I've lived in Texas my whole life and just never made it out there and until recently. My goodness did it remind me how beautiful this state is!! There are several trails, including a decently flat one that is very long, but affords people the option to hike part of it and then turn around or find another trail to get back. That's the loop trail - it is 4ish miles and wraps around the whole park, and is open after sundown for stargazers. When I came, I wanted to hike the summit trail which is considered "challenging," but my mother was with me and she has knee pain so I knew that steep climb would not work for her. Instead, I got her a map and she walked a chunk of the loop trail, which ended for her at the scenic view trail which is very short, but leads to a nice lookout over the park (MUCH less challenging to get to than the summit trail). She did that hike, while I went for the summit. Will note that people online mention the summit trail takes about 45 min; I went on a cool day in Jan and was able to get up to the peak in about 20 min. It was VERY windy up there; by the time I reached the top I felt very warm/almost hot despite the fact that it was like 50F with windchill so just be aware. The top of the rock at the end of the trail has STUNNING views over the whole hill country and the neighboring rock formations, really it's gorgeous! Just note it is VERY steep to get up there and come down, so wear decent tennis shoes or hiking boots (I work hiking boots, and felt very secure). Also note if you have any allergies whatsoever you'll need tissues; the wind was making my nose run even though I wasn't congested that day. And last note - there is camping available here. Both for campground usage and just day passes, you really need a reservation because it sells out any time the weather is decent which is fairly often! You can make your res online on the Texas state parks website, and it costs $8 per person. The $ goes toward preservation of the land and nature area and be aware they do have some shower areas near the camgrounds +- indoor restrooms but the day we came these were literally just locked. They had portapotties just outside which we used; they were actually decently clean (clean as portapotties get anyway). They had sanitizer and a little water faucet there too so you can rinse/cleanse your hands. And there was plenty of parking available near the trails! Probably because there is a cap on the # of folks that can enter the park at one time -- again make a reservation for peace of mind cause if you just go and they're full, they have to turn you away. 10/10 rec a visit to enchanted rock, it's a chill hike in my opinion and the area is just beautiful!!

Highly recommend! Located about 20 min north of Fredericksburg Make sure to wear good hiking shoes with traction and grip, bring lots of water, and a hat for coverage would be good too! Upon entrance, you'll hit the range/visitor station. There you'll find water to purchase, a gift shop, restrooms, maps, and rangers to help answer any questions or provide guidance. Super friendly ranger, she helped guide and direct us to the east loop trail and summit. Take the east loop trail for bird sightings and beautiful wildflowers. You are literally immersed in chest high coreopsis amongst other flowers. So pretty. We did not finish the trail completely, but turned around, back tracked over to frog pond, and made a turn, so that we eventually hit summit trail. After all, summit trail is what we came here for. Can't go home, until, you've hit the summit. Per the ranger, enchanted rock is STEEP, "it's like climbing 40 flights of stairs." It was definitely steep, we took a few breaks, and made it. Once at the top, the views are breathtaking, all of hill country was exposed. The area at the top was quite large to roam and explore. Beautiful small ponds have formed with plenty of plant life finding its habitat in cracks between the rocks. Fortunately we had an overcast day, but we freaked out a little when it started to rain. Enchanted rock is super slick and slippery when wet. Trying to find our way back down wasn't easy. Posted signage would be nice for guidance! Just sayin But, we came across a local, who guided us to another route down, that wasn't as steep as the original way up. Definitely take your time going down, especially when wet. Took a different trail back to parking, where we came across a cool gazebo (perfect for picnics), and stepping stones across a small river. Enchanted rock is worth the drive and plan accordingly for weather. Freee entrance with military ID.

I can't really put into words how at peace I felt here, held by the very potent and deeply felt energy here. It makes perfect sense why this place is called "enchanted rock" enchanting is exactly what it is. The state park has so much to offer overall. A reservation is required and it is either for a day pass or there is also a camping overnight option, which is awesome! They do offer military discount fyi! My hubby and I came here to hike just for the day! We did the summit trail which is a short hike with moderate difficulty! What I love about hiking is that regardless of your hiking experience, you can go at your own pace! There is absolutely no rush! There is a semi steep incline for the summit trail and it was very windy yesterday when we went but worth it for me! The views at the top are literally breathtaking! There are also vernal pools throughout the summit that hold in rain water! Super cool sight on the hike! Another trail here is "echo mountain" and we learned why it's called that as well after hearing a loud (echo) of a cow "moo" way in the distance across the summit (lol). The weather was perfect this time of year (Early Feb) sun was out but the air was crisp! I saw signs in the restroom that said it gets dangerously hot during summer! FYI! Pets are allowed throughout the park and in camping areas (leashed) but not on the trail. FYI Highly highly recommend! Can't wait to return and camp here and try doing another trail!

We had been trying to make reservations for a while to be able to hike up the rock! Definitely worth the wait! Such a gorgeous day it turned out to be. 70 degrees and sunny! God is good! The hike was something to get the heart rate up and we would love to do it again! Gorgeous views!! Next time maybe we'll pack a picnic!

I've been here twice. Once in community college with San Jacinto South campus science club and another time with the siblings as well as Pocky. This park is beautiful no matter what angle you look at it from. It's breathtaking too! It can get very crowded especially in the summer or spring. At which, both seasons I visited. Once I attempted to visit in the summer and without reservation, I was turned away and had to go to another nearby SP. The highlight of this state park is the giant granite dome that you can hike to the top. I wouldn't bring trekking poles for this one, but I will say please make sure you stretch your legs before you start the hike because if not you'll be experiencing pain later. Yes, I accidentally made this mistake once and "paid" for it later. After hiking and crying to get to the top, I had finally made it and whew, I was glad I did. The view on top outlooks the general area and is covered in vast trees. The fun part was hiking down since it isn't as bad as the hike up. The dome isn't the only thing about the park, but the most frequent thing that most visitors check out. Be sure to check out some of the caves and other trails. During my first visit, a boy scout wanted me to be apart of their "buddy system" and we explored this cave that is behind the dome. The cave was tight, slippery, and wet, but it was a lot of exhilarating fun!! Once inside the cave, there aren't any hidden crystals or anything, just more rocks. I think you can hike at night with a park ranger and a group. I seen some people do it since I was leaving the dome by night. I was surprised, but it helps to have a headlight. The restrooms at the parking lot are clean and flush on a dime. Enchanted Rock is one of the most popular state park. Please make sure you secure reservations at all times. Cell signal is sparse. There's plenty of parking.

We went up to the summit and it was beautiful!! Definitely a challenging steep hike but doable!! We came in a big group so it took a little longer. The views from the top are so stunning and the rock formations are so cool!! The breeze at the top was so refreshing as well it was perfect!!

This was one of our last stops before heading back to DFW!! So fun driving through the winding, steep roads to get here. It was a gorgeous morning but pretty dang humid. You park up front and go into the main building to pay $8 for the park entry fee. There are some smaller routes, which we did for the sake of time, next time I'd like to allow more time for exploring. But this is truly a stunning park in a very remote area. So much so that our phone signals dropped completely. Hey you don't need the internet...cut your phone off and enjoy the bliss of nature! LOTS of wonderful wildlife out here as well! We actually saw a HUGE moose as we were leaving the area, and tons of deer. Be careful approaching as well, they aren't that used to people (like you would expect). But lovely park rangers and just a diamond in the rough type of place. Can't wait to visit again when we have ample time.

It's so weird than one can even review nature on this ... like it's not the rock's fault that I couldn't hike it because I had a deep fear of going down steep paths, and there's nothing they could've done about the lack of other things to do there besides walk around the base of the rock looking at dirt and trees... ‍

LOVE LOVE LOVE ! I love the way this park makes you feel accomplished and in a new scenario! The hike has an easy or more difficult way to go but I find both amazing! The view at the top is breathtaking ! I'm a sucker for beautiful views and this one is one of my favorites especially just a few hours from San Antonio! I RECOMMEND WATCHING THE SUNSET it's beautiful once you're at the top of the rock. Entrance fee is like $8 per person and if you go & there's no one there you can leave it in a little envelop they have there. Take some water and bug spray or mosquito spray for sure & just be careful because sometimes there's no one out there ( like supervising ) all the time so in case of emergencies be careful. There's also camping areas for those who want to camp there !

Looking for breathtaking views and a great workout? Enchanted rock has you covered. The hike up is short but steep, so make sure you bring water and wear good shoes. The scenery from the top is amazing--perfect for photos. It gets crowded on weekends, so I recommend going early, and don't forget to make a reservation!

It's been a while since I've gone for hike. I heard about this place when I was looking for things to do while visiting Fredericksburg, Tx. I saw some pictures and immediately decided I was going to check it out. I arrived around 0745 and the park was pretty empty. I wanted to catch the sunrise, but the day I visited, it was gloomy outside. I opted to hike the Summit trail. It wasn't bad at all. My only advice is to bring plenty of water, some comfortable hiking shoes/boots, & some bug spray. There was this one bug that I felt like followed me around the entire hike. Once I made it to what I thought was the top, I was fooled by the false peak. So yeah, when you THINK you're done, just keeping going. Once at the actual top, the views were spectacular! I took soooo many photos and took in all of the amazing views. I'd have to say that this was one of the best hikes I've completed by far! So grab your water, lace up those boots, and go experience it for yourself.

My partner and myself planned an early morning hiking trip here. We were hoping to see the sunrise; however, we arrived fifteen before eight o'clock. The office was closed, but this not being my first time, the ticket process is quite simple. I would say that it's been a good year and a half since I've visited Enchanted. What I thought would take us an hour to get up to the top of Enchanted, took us no more than thirty minutes! We packed a small picnic and had our breakfast fruits and juice at the top of the rock. Talk about beautiful memories.. the sun was starting to come out by the time we started to head back down. I love Enchanted Rock. The rock structures are unique and stunning. Everything about this State Natural Park is zen-like. Will definitely be back soon!

What an amazing sight to see! My family and I hiked the Summit Trail during our time in Fredericksburg. It is a pretty steep hike so I suggest you bring plenty of water and wear proper hiking boots. I'd say it's too steep to climb with small children. The view from the top is 100% work the climb!

A great place for a hike 20 minutes from downtown Fredericksburg. Easy to locate, parking was a breeze, and staff helped with all our questions. Hiking Enchanted Rock was more of a pleasure than full workout. Be sure to book ahead of time - slots fill up.

Enchanted Rock is truly beautiful. I spent my Friday hiking around the park. The peak is a must when visiting, it gives you an awesome view of the area. I also hiked the loop trail, I loved it. It's recommended to make a reservation online ($8) to secure your parking once you get there! It's also about a 20 min drive to Fredericksburg which is a small town with lots to do. Pets are allowed on the trails and there are plenty of bathrooms!!

Hiking at Enchanted Rock State Park, yes! We went the Tuesday before Memorial Day which was perfect as it was not crowded. The first thing you should do is go online and make your reservations. It cost $8.00 per person. Make sure to print out your reservation and put it on the dashboard of your automobile. Pack water as there is NO water on the trails. We did the long loop around the summit first then the summit. We had reservations to enter the park between 8:30am-10am. We got there around 8:15am, gates open at 6am. We entered park headed towards the right side, packed our backpack sprayed for bugs and sunscreen. Started our hike. My Apple Watch recorded my hike as being 5.70 miles!! Epic day of stress Free activity. Go outside and enjoy! This place is beautiful and quiet. It does get hot, so going early was best for us. There are restrooms located along the trail and showers at the entrance to the park. Lots of beautiful birds, trees and plants/flowers.

Enchanted Rock is a must when you are Fredricksburg. This is a popular family hike that anyone can do. It does get packed on the weekends so you will need a reservation to get in. We went at about 10:30 and there was still plenty of parking available. I would say this is a moderately challenging hike but even someone who is a beginner can do this. The trail signs were clearly paced so you knew where to go. The hardest part about this hike is pacing yourself on the incline. It is like climbing up 20-30 flights of stairs. They have restrooms at the trailheads and a truck for shaved ice for a treat once you are done. I highly recommend for you to check it out while you are in Fredricksburg. The views are great at the summit too and you can climb rocks at the top as well.

I've been to the park a number of times and absolutely love it! It is quite a hike to get up to the top but it is absolutely worth it because the views are gorgeous and the rocks are even more pink than you would imagine. My only slight problem with the park is that the trails are not properly marked so it's easy to find yourself walking in the bushes for longer than preferred. You also need to check the website before heading out because they close for maintenance and deer hunting - the public is allowed to come hunting on those days and interested parties need to get there at a specified time. The first time some friends and I tried to go, we didn't know this (google maps showed it was open) and were very disappointed after making the drive from Austin. However, a lesson was learned, we've learned to check before going and always have a great time. I would go again and recommend checking it out too.

It was Amazing ! When you feel thé breeze on top of the massive rocks . Different shapes .. has wonderful surroundings ..stress free:-)

Fantastic park and really fun hike! The park is easy to get to from San Antonio and you can enter as early as 6:30 AM. We went around that time so we could catch sunrise at the top. The trail to the top of the rock is less than one mile, but it gets pretty steep and makes for a great challenge. The 360 degree view once you get there is absolutely worth it, and sunrise golden hour makes it even more incredible. There are several other trails that go around the rock if you're looking for a longer hike.

I had know the popularity, so I arrived around 730am. There was no one at the entrance gate. I was waiting and saw someone walking. I asked her about check-in. Basically, I was supposed to do a self-check-in before 830am that the park is officially open at. Some of the bathrooms are closed due to COVID or some reasons. anyway, before you go to the summit, please finish your nature callings. You can't pee and poo in nature. LOL. The views are great. I love it. The trails are relatively flat. But I don't believe a little kid can go to the summit. I love here and Texas!

This is a fun spot to be outdoors with family/friends! The scenery is so beautiful. Now I didn't climb the rock due to it not being stroller friendly but it's a nice place to go enjoy nature.

Gorgeous view--just really difficult to do in the summer. You need to make reservations ahead of time because they will run out of spots and you won't be able to get in! Please know this especially in the COVID era. I think entry is about $20 a person and you can come during a reserved time slot. They provide a map at the entrance. Dogs are allowed but they're not allowed on the main trail to the summit of the Enchanted Rock. The hike is pretty steep up to the rock so wear good shoes! The other trails are also nice though shade is an issue during the summer. I recommend trying to come early in the day!

Such an incredible place to hike. It looks so smooth from a far and see more details when you go up. This place can be hiked in 45 minutes or less. You can also check the different trail that might interest you/group but the highlight of this place is this wonderful rock. We booked our ticket in advance and printed out the permit since we went there before the office open up we just put the printed receipt on the dashboard and continue with our hike. It was new for us and somehow got lost with which trail we should walk on. Reminder: Bring water and towel. We booked the 06:30 AM where it allows us to hike early without so much heat from the sun and people. Facilities do have shower, comfort room and portable toilet. Print out your receipt (book online) and make sure to put it on your dashboard facing outside so the checker can see it immediately. To see more detailed hike you can check this video I made: https://youtu.be/Tb8fFxQJZAk

Tips: purchase your day passes online before arriving to make sure you are guaranteed entry during COVID. Also try to arrive before noon. The crowd starts to pick up and it gets a bit crowded. Wear hiking shoes for ankle support and protection from cactus hiding in brush. Climbing enchanted rock took about 20 -25 minutes to reach the summit. There are breath taking views. Highly recommend. If you plan ahead and bring food, water, and snacks, I recommend hiking the perimeter and other trails. It is very peaceful and beautiful trails. Some trails are easier than others. We spent 4 hours taking our time climbing and hiking, took lunch break on top of a rock. Just a beautiful place to relax. Bathroom cleanliness: average

Great park to visit if you are near Fredericksburg or Austin. It offers both short and long hikes, so you have choices depending on your energy and time. We arrived here a little bit after lunch time and we were satisfied (and hungry!) after just a few hours. The main attraction is the giant rock that you get to walk up. It's a short distance hike but the elevation is about a 35-40 degree incline on some areas. You'll get a nice leg workout just going up. You can do it! The entry for us was $8 per person on March 2020. Some days can be packed, whereas some days are sparse. Make sure you reserve a time slot on their website just to play it safe or else you might end up waiting outside the lot for a lottery draw. When we went on a Friday, it was very easy to get in and had only a few people. I heard horror stories before though, so plan ahead and reserve. The picnic area is well equipped with restrooms, water fountains, and even showers. I don't think I would like to camp here, but it's apparently an option! -Bring sun screen -Bring a hat -Bring re-usable water container -Have proper shoes on -Have fun!

Breathtaking views. Best way to spend my birthday. I would definitely be back soon.

Clear a day on your calendar and make the 1.5 hour drive from SA to spend a beautiful, active day in nature. Make an online reservation in advance*, fill up the tank, pack a picnic and extra water bottles, and head through the hill country- the drive is beautiful. I was last here nearly two decades ago for a school field trip and it's just as cool as I remember. We tackled the namesake Enchanted Rock trail first - the pink granite dome looks intimidating and at times you feel you're climbing straight up, but it really doesn't get too steep. The sides and top are pitted with craters, some of which collect water to make mini-ecosystems of their own. View from the top is beautiful, and the wind can be surprisingly loud. Snap some shots before heading down, and be respectful of others - this is not the place to bring your Bluetooth speaker! Take care when walking through any water or puddles, as that will make things slippery - I wiped out and landed on my wrist, do not recommend. There are several other trails you can take, the longest loop will still be pretty quick. Make your just judgement if it's particularly hot or if there's rain in the forecast. Camping sites are available, pre-reserve online. There are several porta potties, water fountains, and picnic tables available! *TIP: Note that online advance reservations are pretty much required. Don't make the drive without one because there isn't much else to do in the area, though they do occasionally have same-day slots available. For best experience, go on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Great state park! If you're into hiking, rock climbing, or camping, this is a nice state park. The hike to the top of Enchanted Rock takes about 20-25 minutes. If you're reasonably healthy, it's not a hard climb. If you think the walk from the far end of the Costco parking lot is tough, skip the hike and take some pics from the beginning of the trial. We hiked to the top and then took the trails around the rock. Total distance about 5 miles with 900 feet of elevation gain total per a Garmin watch. Strongly recommend taking extra water on sunny days. Also, recommend wearing hiking boots and sunscreen. This is a great park for a day trip. Pack a lunch, bring water, and enjoy! Shower facilities are available. Bring everything you need to use the shower.

The massive pink granite dome rising above the Texas chill country is a sight to see. You can hike, backpack, camp, rock climb, and the summit is perfect for stargazing. We took the summit trail in order to see a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills. I was the only one that day using a hiking stick, and I'm so glad I did because some of the inclines are very steep with loose rocks.

I was not bewitched by its enchantment, sadly! I think it's a fine out in the wilderness activity where you can see sprawling vistas of hill country, but other than that, you've got to really want to explore the entire park grounds to make this worth the trip. We arrived around 4 on a weekday, jammed up the rock (which was a nice warm up, but would prob need to do it a handful of times to call it exercise) and then got...bored. Unless you're camping or spending the whole day there, I don't necessarily think it's worth the hours in the car from Austin.

Visited on a Sunday morning. My sister, cuñado, nephew and I woke up early and got into the park from Austin at around 730ish just as dawn was coming up. Super magical. The trails are nicely maintained and there's a lot of boulders to scramble upon. Lots of wildflowers to ooo and ahh at too. Tip 1: Go early! We beat the crowds that come in around 10ish and had the majority of the trails to ourselves. Also, you beat that Texas sun too. Tip 2: check weather. If it rains, even in the slightest, they will close the summit trail due to slippery rocks and such until it dries out. This happened to us. You have to make a reservation through the Texas Park system so that you're guaranteed entry. If you have multiple cars, you'll need a reservation for each vehicle. All in all it's a great day hike area that has camping as well. Definitely will come back to camp to check out the night sky as well as watch the sun rise one of these days. Happy hiking!

This State Park has great hiking trails around the Rock as well as up the Rock. Just remember that if you plan on bringing any four-legged friends, they are now only allowed to go around the Rock. There's a few trails they cannot go on. Hikes are about 1-3 hours, depending on which trail you take. Bring plenty of water because there's only designated places to refill. And, there's no potty stop at the top of the Rock. The climb up the Rock is a steady incline and can be slippery and very windy. However, in Texas, your main concern is the heat beating down on you as you climb. There is no shade and no protection against the elements. Depending on how well you do with vertical inclines, you can get to the top between 15-45 minutes. It would be best to bring some shoes with grip as some areas could be easy to slip on. The views are very nice, but on windy days you will need to keep a tight hold on your possessions. It's a great view of the hill country. The mass of pink granite can easily be seen as you approach it. Come early because parking can fill up pretty easily during peak times.

Would definitely recommend. We booked our day passes and getting in was easy. Parking took a bit as we got there about 11:30, but people from the early groups were leaving and we found something close. It was super windy so we ended up eating our lunch in the car but there are tons of great picnic places. We planned to try to do the rock summit, but given that it was crazy windy and our kids are little 3 and 4, we didn't really anticipate making it to the top. Shockingly the kids rocked and we made it almost to the top, until I called it as it wasn't feeling so safe or fun anymore. Even with the wind, it was a beutiful view, so fun and unique. If was late spring/summer be prepared because it will get HOT. It took until probably closer to 45 to get up, but again little kids and wind, think under 30 minutes would be average. The snow cone at the end was the perfect treat. Bathrooms were clean.

I had a great time seeing the views, but afterwards I was exhausted. The park is popular so I recommend pre-booking entry time online whether you are coming for a full day or a couple hours. My group arrived at 2:30pm, at the hottest part of the day, and started on summit trail, which had very little shade. The rock climb is very steep. I'm surprised that other reviewers didn't find it to be a workout because I certainly did. Water is a must, and fortunately it is sold for $1 at the check in booth. There was also a Kona ice truck at the trail head selling snow cones today. After the summit trail, my group hiked part of the loop trail because we heard it had some bluebonnets. There were a few clusters, but no major clumps. We saw a dead snake along this trail, but other than that it was peaceful. Overall a beautiful natural area.

Okay Y'all, here is a massive tips post with my takeaways from hiking at the Enchanted Rock park. Come Early- Stomp! Stomp! Clap! Clap! Can I have your attention? For two reasons you should come early on the weekends: First, once the parking lot is full, the park is closed to everyone else, which happens very early in the morning. I arrived earlier this month at 0900 and the park was already full. They will give you a voucher to come later but it's a long wait till the afternoon. Second, the heat gets brutal as the day goes on, I spent all day here yesterday from 0730-1545 and I can tell you there is a drastic difference once that sun beats down in the afternoon, and it's not even summer yet. Venomous Snakes- There are five (5) venomous snakes at this park, be observant. -Rattlesnakes -Blacktail Rattlesnakes -Coral Snakes -Water Moccasins -Copperheads (pay attention because they blend in well with the terrain here but don't make a sound). Pets: Are allowed in camping areas, day-use areas and the Loop trail only. Enchanted Rock/Hiking- - Join a park ranger for free! Check out the events page. I went up the Enchanted Rock with Debie on a Saturday from 0930-1130. It was awesome and absolutely enriched my experience. They have many other events such as Full Moon, Wild Flower, and Star Gazing. - There are three levels of steepness on the Enchanted Rock. Tackle the slope by zigzagging, so much easier; also, don't wear snug shoes or your crushed toes will cry especially going down. Leaving the park, my Fitbit calculated I climbed 97 flights of stairs just going up the rock and hiking a few trails --that's how steep. - Avoid stepping in streams of water or water pockets as granite will make each step extremely slippery and I can't emphasize enough-- the steepness of the Enchanted Rock is no joke. - Catch the camel rock on the way up! Note the Turkey rock at the right and look for the Frog rock around back to the left. - Make sure and touch the marker at the top! A lot of people miss this. It's the highest point of the Rock but easy to overlook if you're not looking for it. - Winds can be up to 20 mph more at top of Enchanted Rock. - Try going down the Enchanted Rock by the backside, there is a cool little cave you can go through and then climb out of (mini climb)... to catch the Echo Canyon Trail towards Summit Trail, way better than just going straight down. I've included a map and posted pics of the cave I'm writing about as there are other caves. - You might notice blocks of a different type of rock, a lighter stone, often having three mining lines, these were brought from Marble Falls. - I hiked the Loop trail, Echo Canyon trail (twice) and the Summit Trail, and let me tell you, there is very little shade. Take sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and WATER! -Echo Canyon trail is considered difficult, not because it's hard but because it's rocky and you have to pay attention where you put your feet and calculate where to step most of the trail. Very fun and short! -Bring snacks /food. There is a food truck by one of the restrooms but it sells things like hot dogs, nachos, snow cups and ice cream etc...things that make you more dehydrated or will result in a sugar crash later. -There are showers in one of the restroom locations. -Water: There is filtered water at the water fountains located by restrooms! Yeay! There is also water gallons along the Loop trail. -Little to NO mobile/internet reception. -$7 per person unless you have a State Park pass then everyone in the vehicle is free.

What a beautiful park. I ordered our parking pass ahead of time as I'd heard sometimes they can get full. As it turned out, we were one of the only ones there! It might have had something to do with the fact that it was FRIGID that day. Pretty sure it snowed that night (early 2020). But I didn't want to miss out on seeing this area while vacationing in Texas. There's so much you can make out of your trip here. Hiking, climbing, just exploring. Some of the restrooms were locked or out of service, not sure. But we were able to find others. The views were just beautiful. They have easily understood maps to see what trail you are best equipped for, and how long it would probably take you. As well as what you'll see on each of them. Very beautiful.

Quick hike at the summit trail. Less than a mile each way but enough to get your exercise done and sights in! Well worth the stop!

Enchanted Rock was not that enchanting, imo, however, we certainly did have a good time. Overall, I'd say this location is best for anyone with young kids with imaginations, because there's lots and lots of rocks to climb on! We quickly noticed that the majority of visitors do not come to camp overnight, but rather get a day pass and hike the Summit Trail. You can expect to see overcrowded parking lots by 10AM until nearly 6PM every day with day visitors, who look like ants crawling in a line up the rock. If you want to do the Summit Trail without joining the herd, plan to do so around sunrise. There is also a snack establishment specializing in shaved ice near the gazebo/restrooms with a reasonable price point ($3) if you get back thirsty. The campgrounds are nothing particularly special, but not bad. Each comes with a fire pit (and rack for grilling), a hook to hang either your food or trash, a picnic table with an overhang, and a leveled-off zone for ease of pitching a tent. The lots are a bit close together however, so you will hear whatever your neighbors are up to. The sites closer to the base of the rocks are cool however, because you can have fun climbing around without leaving camp. There are potable water spiggots spaced out by the parking lots. You cannot drive up to your camping site; you'll have to trek all your stuff in the 100-200ft in (which was honestly the biggest negative, imo). There are two bathrooms, one which primarily serves the day visitors, the other for campers. For some reason, the staff seem to always do cleaning at 845AM... which did not seem very convenient for many of the campers who were waking up around that time and needing to use the facilities! Fair warning, get there early or late. Right now there's a "recommendation" to use face masks while in the restroom, but there's no enforcement. Showers are also available. You won't be camping here to camp. You'll be here to hike. A really nice, large topographic map will be provided to you on entry. There are plenty of alternatives/additions to the Summit Trail, but we found these other trails were not heavily used by anyone and quite peaceful! The Loop Trail is nothing fancy, but is the longest (4.5 miles), connects to everything else, and you'll find three pit toilets along it (they may or may not have TP, so bring a roll along!). The best trail in my opinion was Echo Canyon Trail, which goes between the two big rocks and gives some great photo ops. Turkey Pass and Base Trail were also nice, as you get to see the backside of Enchanted Rock and a lot of the cool exfoliation of the granite. Scenic View is indeed good for sunsets when there are some clouds in the sky. Ultimately, we were able to complete all the trails within the 3.5 days we were there (we didn't go hardcore, but we didn't dawdle either). Enchanted Rock isn't one I'd put on my MUST-GO list, but it's definitely worth checking out if you live semi-nearby. =) The staff are all friendly, and there's a cute giftshop where you can buy shirts, pins, patches, and small camping essentials.

I was told about Enchanted Rock by a friend when I first moved to Austin. I was intrigued but never made it out since it is a little bit of a road trip from Austin. Plus I was told you had to get there super early since the entrance can get backed up and there is a max cap on how many people are allowed inside. So a group of us Yelpers got together and made a road trip today (end of March). My group had some experts as we rented a campsite which guarantees entrance into the park. Just a note if you want to make sure you are guaranteed entry. This can allow you to bring some food for grilling after your hike if you are so inclined. Once inside the park, there are restrooms to use and of course, it is advisable before heading up on your climb to use them. In some areas of the climb, it was steep so be careful and have some traction on your shoes. Once up on top, enjoy the view. You can grab some great pictures all around. The park is quite big and plenty of areas to explore. My group was up for about a couple hours so we did a little exploring and grabbed some nice photos. We were lucky to come on a nice day where there was an overcast. Note, if you don't bring food or want more food there is a food truck below by the restrooms. There is also a water refilling station so bring a reusable water bottle or a camelback.

What a beautiful place. Exploring, hiking, climbing up rocks-- I can't believe I haven't made it out to enchanted rock before now! Fair warning: wear sunscreen! We stopped here on our way to Fredericksburg and I spent the rest of the trip super burned. Don't underestimate the Texas sun while on top of a giant rock!!! Be sure to bring cash for entry. In addition, they are having you schedule a time slot online before your arrival. I've seen some reviews from people who didn't do this and then weren't happy when they were turned away. They are just trying to track how many people they are allowing in during COVID to keep us safe and healthy.

If you reserve ahead of time (which you must if you're coming on a holiday or weekends, you CANNOT change your time slot! Reserve three weeks in advance because we reserved two weeks before coming and we're stuck with having to hike the rock from 2-4pm. Right when the sun is blazing hot!!!!! Carry lots of water and wear tennis shoes or hiking boots. Don't come in jeans or in Crocs or chacos! I wore my chacos the first time we came here. I could not get on the rock without slipping! So we had to turn around and come back months later lol. So please don't wear those types of shoes especially if you sweat a lot like me. What I did like besides the view is that everyone takes breaks going up the rock. And everyone is nice and encouraging. It's not an easy journey for the majority of people so it's nice to know that everyone is also heavily breathing lol.

Enchanted Rock has been a bucket list item of mine for a while. So when I was in Fredericksburg for a birthday, we made sure to put the hike on our to do list. We were able to make reservations for the state park a couple days before, which I would highly recommend if you want to hike the rock. There are only a certain amount of visitors they allow in at a time, so make a reservation to ensure you get the time you want. We chose to get there around 7:00AM, which was perfect to avoid the summer heat and see the sun rise. When you get in to the park, there are a couple of different parking lots that will open up to different trails. To this end, I would recommend being familiar with all the trails before you get there. My group and I wanted to just hike the rock, but had some initial confusion with the labeling of the trails. There was an orange trail and a yellow trail that have entrances pretty close to each other, so my advice is to confirm you're on the right trail before you get started. If you're looking for the one straight up, stay left when you enter the park. You will see a gazebo and the right trail is just beyond that. The hike itself is pretty quick and accessible for beginner hikers. I would definitely recommend for anyone looking for an outdoor excursion outside of Fredericksburg!

I had no idea how much I was going to enjoy this outing. At first the Covid precautions up front were irritating because we wanted to go in to use facilities because of the long drive but they wouldn't allow it. Check in was drive through. But the other stops within park had restrooms that were clean. If you have the ability to climb, go to the summit of the rock. In the granite their is a nailhead to touch to claim you did it. Lol. Hard to find so you have to look hard. Also there are caves on the back side that are fun to explore at the entrances. Saw a black bear roadkill on way up and a pack of coyotes while we were descending the rock. It was all and a great experience.