Hiking in the Texas Hill Country: Enchanted Rock a Texas State Park

The Texas Hill country is famous for green rolling hills, cows, Texas bluebonnets, and bbq. One of the hidden treasures in this area  is a Texas State Park called Enchanted Rock. It’s located half way between Llano and Fredericksburg and provides a nice spot for both campers and hikers to enjoy.

Enchanted Rock is a batholith in the United States. Which means it is a rock formation that formed underground but has been uncovered as erosion has occurred. I promise I won’t get any more technical than that. It’s pink dome rises 425 ft about the ground and is 1825 ft above sea level. It basically was a volcano  that never erupted. It’s name comes from the idea that Tonkawa Indians believed ghost fires flickered at the top making them believe it was enchanted. It's also referred to by some as the "heart of Texas."

The park features 7 miles of hiking trails.

Most popular trails:
1. Summit Trail (0.6 miles)- A trail that takes you to the top of the dome.
2. Loop Trail (4 miles)-  This trail loops around the dome.

Having lived in a place that was over 6000 ft above sea level, I dismissed that this would be a difficult hike. And while it may not be too difficult for experienced mountain hikers who hike 13,000 ft peaks, it was more challenging than I had anticipated. Definitely not undoable but I hadn’t anticipated the steepness or how it would feel to have the Texas sun beating down on top of me. It might not have helped that the first time I hiked I also had a nice meal from Cooper’s BBQ (I will get back to that later). If you are hiking it for the first time in the middle of summer don’t eat a really heavy meal before climbing it!

The main hike to the top of the dome is called Summit Trail. It is a short 0.6 miles but climbs to 425 ft.

As with most of the hikes I have gone on, the view from the top makes it worth it. Although I am not at the top of a high peak in the Rockies or along the Wasatch front in Utah, whenever I reach the top of this summit I am always taken away by the spectacular contrast of green and pink that spans for miles. Enchanted Rock Natural State Park might not be the most profound or beautiful place but it takes you back to what makes this world so special, that beauty comes in so many different shapes and forms.

Most of the people hiking the summit trail get to the top and then try to find their own place on it. The sheer number of visitors can be overwhelming. In fact, before you make your ascent you can see lots of tiny dots, they are actually hikers. Once they get to the top they seem to spread out to a place that isn’t occupied and just sit down and take in the views. Definitely make sure you do the same if you hike it. Enjoy what you made the effort to see. Also, some people are procrastinating going down because it’s pretty steep. I think I have heard more people complain about going down it than up it!

Some days the park does reach maximum capacity.  When this happens they will close it and noone else will be let in until enough parking is available for everyone. Enchanted Rock Natural State Park recommends visiting on weekdays for this reason.

After climbing to the top of the summit loop this trail offers a nice easier hike.  Although if you cut down some trails to get to it there are a couple of areas where you have to maneuver around a bit to get down to the trail but the trail itself is pretty smooth sailing. Parts are even nestled under those green trees the hill country is known for. This is a nice relief from the Texas sun! It seems from the couple of times I have been to Enchanted Rock that most people decide to only hike the summit and leave. I think that’s a shame because this trail offers a lot of views of the rock, other scenery and it’s just good to be in the outdoors! I would definitely recommend it to those who love Texas, hiking or just being outdoors. It's not very strenuous and when I have been there this trail is much less travelled than the dome so you are much more likely to find some solitude.

For thos interested in rock climbing here it is allowed and there are numerous places within this state park to do so. They have some areas for those trying to learn how to rock climb and at various times Boy Scouts  can be found using the area but it is not impossible to find areas to explore if you are more experienced and want to get away from the amateurs. I don't have experience in climbing and haven't done so here. But I have passed many people doing so.

The Texas State Park Pass costs $60 annually and allows you to go into more than 90 state parks without paying the entrance fees. As an added bonus you will get an annual subscription to Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine. The pass is good for one vehicle. If you plan on visiting many Texas State Parks you will save a lot by getting the pass.

There are quite a few camping sites for available at Enchanted Rock. There are showers and toilets available.
46 walk-in (25-100 yds) campsites for $15-17 a night
They also offer camp sites that you need to hike 1-3 miles to. These are known as primitive areas- 60 spaces $10-12 per 4 people

If you don't want to camp at Enchanted Rock there are also at least 7 other campgrounds within 15 miles of this area. If you decided to go tent camping check out this site for tents.

Don't worry if camping isn't for you there are other lodging options as well. There are many Fredericksburg motels and hotels to check out. Fredericksburg is the closest town to the area and provides dining, shopping and wineries.

I have to admit one of my favorite things about going to Enchanted Rock is that I have the excuse to go to this bbq joint. It’s located in Llano, Texas about 23 miles from the rock and is a little further then many would like to travel to eat.  I usually have gone to Enchanted Rock on my way to or from Austin and so it hasn't seemed to far out of the way.
The great thing about Cooper’s is that it is authentic Texas bbq. The parking lot is often full of motorcycles and people all over the country stopping here when traveling through Texas. You select your meat right off of the bbq pit. You take it inside, they weigh it and you have some options of sides. They than hand it to you on a piece of butcher paper that you can take over to your picnic table.
The atmosphere is down to earth and it gets great reviews from Texas Monthly and so many others. The New York Times even reported that it was one of Pres. Bush’s favorite bbq places. He supposedly loves the bbq ribs.
It’s also famous for it’s “Big Chop” and I have tried most of the meats including sausage, ribs, and brisket. I normally just go for the brisket. Brisket is what makes Texas BBQ different from other BBQ and I would recommend it to anyone. I don't think a trip to the area is complete without visiting here.
When I lived in Austin this was the only location. Today there is one located in New Braunfels and one at the Stockyards in Fort Worth.
The address for the location near Enchanted Rock is:
505 W. Dallas, Llano, Texas 78643

What Activity are you most interested at Enchanted Rock

• Hiking
• Rock Climbing
• Camping

 If you are interested in visiting this state park.  Here is a link to the TPWD: Enchanted Rock page.  You can view both maps of the hiking trails and camp sites.

If you are interested in hiking and camping you can also visit these places

Arches National Park: Utah

Great Smoky National Park near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN

Also, if you choose to go camping make sure you have the right tent for you.

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