Enchanted Rock State Park Texas

I was there in Oct-08 with my g.f. and we went off trail on the north side of the "Rock" trying to get away from several bus loads of students. We went to the Cave marked on the map first and then went down hill from there. Wear good sticky soled hiking shoes and consider taking a little climbing gear if you're going off trail. At least 50'-75' of rope. We got stuck in a couple places where we couldnt go back up and not sure if we could continue down. Some serious rock scrambling. You wont be bothered by rangers for going off trail but go prepared. If you stay to the marked trails it shouldnt be a problem.Take lots of water and look out for snakes in the mornings and evenings. If you're allergic to cedars and their pollen take your meds. They are the predominant vegetation. Enjoy!!--KV
 
Been there many times, know it like the back of my hand. It's just about 45 minutes away from where we live. Like others have said, be sure to hike with plenty of water this time of year. A nalgene won't cut it. Have a Camelbak or similar hydration pack for each of you. A hat, a bandana to wet and put around your neck, some good snacks, and some comfortable hikers are priorities. Also, no sleeveless shirts or your shoulders will be cooked. Even with sunscreen.
If you are gonna be in the area for several days also check out Longhorn Caverns State park and Pedernales Falls State park as they are just down the road a little ways and are well worth exploring. The caverns are perfect during the heat of the day when you would rather not be on the HOT granite at Enchanted Rock. If you need any other info just shoot me a message and I'll give you my phone #.

And Happy Anniversary

C. Wolf
 
Enchanted Rock is an awesome place.

Here are a few of my photos.

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Big Mike

”Scaring the tree huggers.”

Forest & Stream
 
It has been said, but it bares repeating. Bring plenty of water. And a hat. All I remember from my trip many years ago is HOT.
 
I have been to the park over a half dozen times. It is an awesome place to be at sun down. Also there is a little secret that most people are not aware of. At the top of the hill is a cave that you can CRAWL through in about 45 minutes. It is pretty technical and you need to be in good health and agile.
 
hlee said:
It has been said, but it bares repeating. Bring plenty of water. And a hat. All I remember from my trip many years ago is HOT.
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I'll repeat it again. WATER!

Went there several years back during a hot August with a couple of co-workers. The plan was to stay at Pedernales Falls SP the first night since we had a cooler full of steaks and beer, but they were full, so we ended up at Enchanted Rock.

We set out for the "Lake View" hike-in campsite which was supposed to be an easy 1.5 or 2 mile hike - easy enough. Somewhere along the way, we missed our turn and walked around the whole damn rock before getting to our camp site. We were so hot and so parched, we couldn't wait to get to our "Lake View" camp site and just jump in that damn lake. Much cussing ensued when we got to the camp site and were greeted with a big ol' "NO SWIMMING - WATER UNSAFE" sign (or something to that effect).

We were so hacked off and worn out, we walked back to the office (the right way, this time) and got a drive-up site across from the bathrooms and showers. :D

Aside from the unplanned trek, some serious soreness the next few days, and a sneaky raccoon that stole my steak right off of my plate, we had a pretty good time. It truly is beautiful country down there.
 
The loop hike is okay and it's nice to hike to the top of Enchanted Rock at least once (climbing down or up the backside is more fun:D). Best thing about E-Rock is you can scramble over the rocks, go off trail and boulder around...it's a blast. Best advice is to get there early...car parking gets packed quickly but the majority of visitors just stay on the E-Rock trail to the top and return. There are several other smaller peaks that are much more fun to hike around.


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It's a great place to enjoy...just bring plenty of water! I actually hike with a water filter and refill in the small creek that runs through it.

ROCK6
 
8541SS said:
I have been to the park over a half dozen times. It is an awesome place to be at sun down. Also there is a little secret that most people are not aware of. At the top of the hill is a cave that you can CRAWL through in about 45 minutes. It is pretty technical and you need to be in good health and agile.
Click to expand...

I crawled through that cave about 16 years ago, when my boy scout troup made the trip the Enchanted rock. I don't remember it being that techincal, but I was much younger and perhaps a bit more agile that I am today. I was also a gangly 14 year old and at least 50 lbs lighter. If I remember correctly, it was a squeeze to get out of the cave back then.
 
I love Enchanted Rock. Go up to the top and bum around for a bit, but I think the trails behind the rock are the best in the area. Very easy walking and great views. You only need rope if you are going to scale the back end of Enchanted Rock itself. Have a great time!
 
The climb was alot of fun. Pics to follow. We had a blast in Fredricksburg. However on the trip home to Dallas up 35 was horrible. With Sunday afternoon, and evening traffic it took forever. I was reminded why I when down 281 on the Southbound leg of the trip.
 
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