Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Reviews

4.6

11 of 112 Best Attractions in Fredericksburg


Reviews

Very rude

By dgcollins975 |

My wife made a reservation however there was a mistake we thought we made it on the Saturday we went it was actually made for the Monday after the Saturday which was our mistake however the lady that helped us was very rude told us that she would credit our credit card back since we would not be there on Monday she told us that this happens all the time but yet we still have not got our refund and there was no one there they could have let us just go ahead and go look at the Rock and she chose not to our mistake yes their disrespect even worse.

Not Allowed to Hike without a Reservation!!

By Angie D |

I have NEVER had to make a reservation to go open hiking at a State Park. I realize it's Covid season but we went to hike outdoors, and it's easy to maintain social distancing, and we would even wear a mask if required, but No Go! Then we went into town and had lunch and sat at tables no more than 2 or 3 feet away and DID NOT HAVE TO WEAR OUR MASKS OR HAVE A RESERVATION. No sense! We were Not Happy! We drove 3 hours to go hiking at Enchanted Rock and our kids drove 2 hours to meet us there. Such a Disappointment!

Great day at the rock

By Kevin S |

Wife and I love going to enchanted rock for a morning hike, it wasn’t too busy and we had a blast. There is a nice peaceful lake on the side of the rock, just know if you take any of the other trails around it....there isn’t another path up the rock besides the main one.

HIKE ✔️ Bucket List ✔️

By SandyP |

It was a really great hike. I equate it to a treadmill incline of 15-20 from the halfway point to the top. I went on a weekday, early morning, 95 degrees, not crowded. Views are amazing!
Take your time, enjoy the scenery, take photos!

Loop Trail to Moss Lake to Echo Canyon is a must!

By Travel_Addict_Cyprus |

We visited on a hot day in early November. Our reservation for entry to the park was for 10:30-12:30. The reservation was easy to make online and it cost $16 per vehicle. We first went on the Summit Trail. Not as difficult as I expected from having read reviews. Very manageable and short. Nice views on the way up and at the top. Unfortunately we wanted to jump on the Echo Canyon on the way down from the Summit Trail, to continue on that to Moss Lake and return via the Loop Trail to the parking lot. However, no signs whatsoever. So we went all the way down and then tried to find it but it was confusing. In the end, we got on the Loop Trail (the only one with signs) and using our maps, in a clockwise direction, we finally hit Moss Lake (very scenic) and from there with the help of maps only (no signs) we got on Echo Canyon Trail and then back down. That's when we say where the Echo Canyon trail meets the Summit Trail. It is very near the sign that says "Summit Trail" where people take photos, and to the left. Way to the left.
Glad we got the chance to visit this park!

Quick easy summit, but more to explore too

By LVSquared |

We weren't sure what to expect, but it was really a great set up. The entry was easy (reserved our spot online) and parking was easy to find. There is an outer loop you can do it you want to really get mileage in, but the summit is only about .6 miles. There were restrooms right before the start, picnic benches, information areas and it all was so clean and maintained. Good for a quick hour or two trip.

Such a nice park

By CharlieinTexas |

Need reservation for day use as so many people for Spring Break. Several nice walking trails. Good picnic areas. Easy to get too.

Enchanted Rock

By kenmarlow@sbcglobal.net |

The weather was fantastic and the scenery is always beautiful in the Texas Hill Country. You can't go wrong wandering the trails or taking the hike up to the top of the giant piece of granite. The only thing that would have made it better is if there was a bar waiting for you at the top! Regardless, it's a great experience.

Worth it but make a reservation

By WrldTraveler1789 |

MAKE A RESERVATION IN ADVANCE. I cannot stress enough for you to make an online reservation. A few years ago you could just show up and enter the park. But now it has become so popular/busy, that the cars are lining up out of the gate and onto the highway. If you do not have a reservation, forget it. Once inside, the park offer great hiking opportunities and an amazing view once you make it to the top. There are hikes/walks for all fitness levels and even though it gets hot, there is usually a nice breeze at the top to cool you down. So don.t give up half way.

Beautiful climb

By slas86 |

Beautiful hike up the rock. It is a little strenuous but the views are worth the climb. We took a chance and went in the afternoon but the intermittent clouds and the breeze kept us comfortable. Also took another couple of hikes through canyons and was a good work out.

Very nice SP ... and nice climb!

By Laurent V |

Nice State Park near Fredericksburg. The main hike climbs to the top of the rock. There are Sedona tunes! Watch out for shadows and it's very hot around here. Things to do in the region

Beautiful view once you make the climb

By Chris D |

The climb to the top offers an excellent view of the surrounding Hill Country. The first leg of the hike is easy, but as you get higher it gets a bit steeper until you get clser to the summit where it levels out a bit. There is a small fee to enter. Arrive early as parking space is limited.

Beautiful views!

By 142brandig |

We hiked the summit trail and the views were breathtaking. Enchanted Rock is a Texas gem. Wish we had the time and energy afterwards to do the loop trail. Maybe next time.

Amazing

By Nolapearl2007 |

Great hiking, scenery and views. Stayed for the sunset and full moon rise. Highly recommend and we will definitely be back.

a nice day in the state park

By J E |

I haven't been out there for awhile. With Covid like the other state parks you must make a reservation prior to coming. It appears the morning sessions are more in demand. The sign stated it was sold out for the day. It was very busy in the morning. By 1pm it wasn't as crowded. Very small area to view via car compared to other state parks. We are on a mission to show my 85 year old father all the state parks. The interpretive trail was a bit more challenging than other parks. Way simple for most but it does have a bit up and down and narrow parts. This has been the only state park we have been to in the last six months that actually closed their bathrooms and put up port a potties. Additionally, they have a snack trailer something we haven't seen in other parks. This park has limited places for dogs to be on the trails. Dogs are allowed on the big loop trail but that is about it. They are not allowed on the interpretive trail. A lot of picnic tables on one side of the park. The other side of the park has camping areas. We enjoyed our time at the park but it had a few too many people for our COVID taste even during the week. Glad we got to show it to my dad.

Awesome spot for a hike especially on a nice day

By Roy |

Giant rock protruding from the earth surrounded by nature. Nice hike, not terribly challenging but worth the effort for the views atop this small mountain of rock. Can get busy with visitors and can be hot in summer afternoons. I have heard it talks at night making sounds as it cools from the heat of the day. Also sports wildflowers in springtime and cactus bloom in or around May. I have been a couple of times over the years and even taken friends from Japan. I recommend as a nice outdoor adventure. Be sure to take along sunscreen and drinking water. Visit can be as short as an hour or two or take a lunch and spend the day

Lovely Location. Recommend Going in Cooler Months

By jpc1602 |

We went here on a Fall day and it was not super hot. It was beautiful. They said 45 minutes to get to the summit but it took us less. Great views and a well cared for park. It would have been rough on a 100 degree day like they get there though.

Awesome park!

By Vork Travel |

This is an awesome park! You do have to navigate rocks on the summit trail, but it is a really neat trail. There are lots of other trails in the area to check out too!

A must see

By Booboo811 |

If you’re not a local, it’s something that you need to experience. It’s the most in enormous piece of granite I’ve ever seen. You certainly don’t want to go when it’s damp. The views are spectacular, the memories are even better. Go with someone that means something to you. Make sure to bring your camera, and make a note that your cell phone probably won’t work in that area.

Panoramic view over Hill Country

By Frank Zeiler |

It is a very wide rock and you can climb directly on the rock. At the top you can see a panoramic view of the Hill Country. It takes a little more than an hour to go up and down. I do not recommend it on rainy days because it is slippery, but there is no difficulty in climbing the rock. park has more paths too

Beautiful View

By Moe |

The climb is worth it ! The views are amazing and you can see forever. We brought picnic lunch and enjoyed it after the hike.

The magic of the Hill Country

By Alicia C |

There are places where nature strives to leave us with our mouths open and our hearts overflowing with gratitude. One of those places is Enchanted Rock, in Texas, USA. Its benefits are enormous, among which it stands out as an International Dark Sky Park because the darkness of its sky allows you to delight and immerse yourself in astrotourism. We visited it during the day but I am crazy about camping on that immense surface of pink granite or batholith and exploring, from the ground, the constellations and counting the shooting stars.

This geological phenomenon covers 640 acres, 130 meters high and was created 1.1 billion years ago. Its height is striking because of its beauty, because of its wells created by the passage of time, because when you reach the top you have 360 degrees of visual pleasure and because it is simply an enchanted place.

16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Beautiful but here are some tips...

By TiffanySworld |

Be sure you know the length of the trail you go on and make a reservation online or if you go on a holiday you will not get in. Bring walkie talkies because most don't have service while out there. Other than those things it was a great trip to the rock!!! Bring lots of water!!!

Nice Outdoor Activity Spot

By dlwinger |

We reserved our admittance pass for an afternoon and drove up from Fredericksburg. A nice drive with lots of great rural scenery. Checked in at the ranger station and got some directions. Due to a leg injury my walking was limited so we did a bit of the Loop trail to some great scenic points for pictures. The ranger told us about a trail that was shaded and with bluebonnets that were blooming. We think we found that trail off the Summit trail although it appeared more to be a wash. Overall, I thought the trail and distance markings could have been better and more frequent. The Kona Ice concession at the far parking area was a blessing on the hot day.

Absolutely beautiful

By Ashley R |

Was a pretty easy hike up enchanted rock even for late July (luckily the morning we went it wasn’t too hot). The views from the top are amazing! Definitely worth the trip up the rock!

State park

By Sojourner |

We enjoyed a military discount here. The flowers were blooming everywhere and the rock was an incredible sight. On the way up the trail, many places gave breathtaking & gorgeous views. We made it halfway up but it was a wonderful worthwhile experience. We will do it again.

Breathtaking

By Tom H |

I thought the drive out to enchanted rock was breathtaking then we climb enchanted rock..:wow breathtaking! the climb is not all that easy I’m 52 and thankful I had a Walkingstick or I probably would not of made it however my young son had no problem at all. Take a bottle of water with you .we went on a very nice sunny dry day. If there’s a chance of rain or the rock is wet don’t even try it . The sunset and the night sky is also breathtaking from enchanted rock . On your way back to Fredericksburg turn off on the lower crab apple Road it’s a little longer and slower but it’s definitely worth the drive however just do it in the daytime so you see the breathtaking scenery and watch out for Cattle Crossing the road.

A very pleasant hike and gorgeous sunrise

By Sanjay G |

Awesome sunrise view from the top. Weather was great and the hike required only moderate effort. A total of 1.8 miles roundtrip. Very few folks were in the area as it was a weekday and early morning time frame. Didn't have to pay any admission fee - maybe due to the fed govt shutdown.

Well worth the visit

By Karen W |

Try and book tickets if you can. It was really busy but we managed to get tickets. We did the 4.5 loop trial the walk was wonderful. We saw lots of wildlife including a snake along the way. We then climbed the rock the views were amazing.

Love Enchanted Rock

By elchaco |

Loved it so much we came back! This time we brought our dog so we couldn't do the dome trail, but the loop trail was amazing! We had our dog, our 8 year old, and our 14 year old and after initial complains about the heat, they loved it! It's about a 4 and a half mile hike and it took us almost 2 hours. Bring lots of water as it does get really hot. I personally love hiking and enjoying the views, but my kids kinda just went along with it. They did get tired, but they loved coming across little creeks and getting their faces wet. They even took off their shoes and jumped in the big creek towards the end of the hike (depending on what side you start.) Love this place overall, definitely give it a try.

Top of the hill country

By Shannon H |

We've been coming here since long before it was a state park. As a state park it is kept up very well, the staff were great and the picnic area was a nice break. We didn't camp.
Climbing to the top of Enchanted Rock never disappoints, ever! It is stunning and well worth the steep 1823 foot climb.

Wow what a hike!

By Tonya R |

Terrific state park near Fredericksburg- quite the hike. It may be only 3/4 mile but it’s over 400 feet in elevation gain. There are a few trees with shade along the route.

All the employees were really nice and friendly- very professional and observing COVID-19 restrictions.

The ladies bathroom at the trail head did not have any soap.

Panoramic 360° views from the top of the rock. Other trails are also available... camping is available in designated areas. The camping area has toilets, showers and a playground.

Make sure to bring enough water for each person it is really easy to get dehydrated fast!

Reservations currently required -I would recommend calling weeks in advance or booking online. You’ll reserve specific check in times (ours was when they opened at 8:30 until 10). It was $8 a person.

Good place to see the stars

By Chrisinkingwood2 |

Excellent for star gazing and astrophotography. I went with some friends and we visited on 2 nights and took nice pictures of the Milky Way.

Impressive family hike

By A.Visitor |

We did the Enchanted rock Summit trail as family of 5 (ages 9, 11, 13). We hiked up in 20 min and with looking round and walking down was 50 min.

The view up the top was impressive.

Be sure to take water. In summer obviously earlier in day is better because there is no cover. We hiked it at 10am.

Our other traveling companion was in early 70’s and chose to stay at the bottom which was a good choice cause the path is steep and uneven.

A favoite park

By marianne b |

This park is so amazing each time we see it. There are several hikes around the dome, then be sure to hike up the dome. The views are amazing. Be flexible with your plans. This park can fill quickly.

Book Early - Tickets go Fast

By Shelley S |

Enchanted Rock is, well, enchanting. It is not a demanding hike, so don't go there and then crab that you didn't get a workout. You can hike to the top for an excellent view of the area, and hike around the base for some lovely views of the rock. There are cardinals and other tweeties to enjoy, and very pretty foliage. Now the thing to keep in mind is twenty-five years ago you could roll up to Enchanted Rock at any time of the day, any day of the week and you would find a few stray people hiking around the area. Now however, you had better book early if you are going to get in, particularly on the weekends. This no doubt reflects the site's proximity to Austin, which at last count was getting 100 people a day moving in!! Also, beware that they actually close all the state parks periodically for hunters. It sounds pretty ridiculous, except for the fact that the deer and feral pigs can get out of control pretty quickly without weeding some of them out. The closure can be as long as three full days, so check ahead! Pack a hat, sunglasses and layered clothing, even in winter, because the sun can be fierce of this pink granite boulder and it can get hotter than - you know - pretty quickly. But it can also be bitey when the wind blows. I live in Canada, but whenever I'm back to Texas I try to squeeze a visit in. In my humble opinion, it's always been worth it.

Hold on to Your Hats!

By Trey R |

This is a must-visit if you are anywhere near Fredericksburg. It is about a half-mile hike but not too difficult if you have comfortable shoes. There are big rocks you can sit on if you need a little rest from time to time. Once you make it, there is a beautiful view of the Texas hill country. It was very windy the day we were there so we didn't stand too close to the edge.

Beautiful Views!

By Brittany H |

It was a nice scenic route on the way to the park. The loop trail was a nice long walk. The climb up the summit trail was a little challenging at first, because the weather was a little rainy which made the rocks slippery. We got pretty close to the top, but had to turn around to go back down, because it started to rain. Although it was a little rainy, glad that we got to experience it, because the views are breathtaking!

Beautiful!

By GranolaSMP |

Loved our day at this State Park! The hike up the rock was surprisingly tough, everyone except our avid soccer player was winded, but the view was worth every step! Make sure to get reservations well in advance, the park was booked 6 days prior to our visit. Also, the staff was super helpful and friendly!

Wonderful views and amazing sunset

By naturetack |

One of the best sunsets I've ever watched in my entire life. The walk to the top is worth it, but watch out for the wind! You can see for miles in all directions with no obstruction whatsoever. Also, it closes after sunset so not the best place for stargazing.

Great half day getaway

By cudrow |

We totally enjoyed this adventure while visiting the Hill Country. The walk up the rock was challenging but doable (I’m 68). Careful on getting into the park, we heard reservations were required but we didn’t have them. Maybe it was day of week or something, I’d recommend calling before hand t check. But definitely go!

Awesome park

By Lauren |

I've been here several times. There is a lot to do besides climbing the dome, so plan to stay all day. Avoid weekends if you want to have a great experience. The park rangers are great too - they can advise you on current events or suggestions on trails, etc.

Enchanted Rock State Park

By Valerie G |

Enchanted Rock, great as always. We meet our daughter's,our son-in-law and grandson at the park. We all climbed to the Summit and rewarded ourselves with snow cones at the bottom. A wonderful day. A footnote: do not try to buy annual passes at the park, both times I have, their computer system has been overwhelmed and the transaction has not been completed. Save yourself time and buy your annual pass online.

Worshipful Experience

By Connie F |

Whenever my husband and I travel, I like to be immersed in wherever we are by experiencing the culture, food, people, surroundings. I always look for those places that have a natural beauty and highlight the Creator's handiwork and Enchanted Rock was one of those places. I had done my homework and knew this place was very popular, "crowded" at times and required a reservation. So, I booked a very early entry(6:30am-8 am) on a Thursday. We were coming from our B&B in Kyle, Texas so knew it was going to be a very early morning for us and a long(about 2 hour drive), but I wanted us to have the opportunity to experience the grandeur of Enchanted Rock in solitude and enjoy the morning sunlight on the rock. God gave us glorious sunshine on that day and solitude to enjoy His creation as we were the first ones to enter the park that morning. We got out of our car and started the hike up the dome and we were all alone. It was magnificent. We actually were on the dome for about 1 hour all by ourselves. We took that opportunity to sit, take in the beauty, and pray.
Later on in the morning, another couple passed us who had actually been primitive camping there in the park and told us of the Moss Lake trail. It sounded great and while we were there, we decided not to miss this trail. This was an amazing trail that went down a gorge that looked nothing like a trail, but it was fairly well marked. We made it to Moss Lake which was not as big as we were imagining but still a pretty spot to take in all the surrounding beauty. We are in our young 50's and are very active people, but I would definitely classify this as a demanding hike. On that trail we did see some people repelling off the side of the pink granite rock.
We loved this park and spent 3 hours here. I would recommend not missing this park when in the Fredericksburg, TX area, go early in the day and during the week, and make sure you have water with you.

We booked in advance 😄

By Jutta Z |

Fantastic park. As we brought our dog, we had to stay on the loop trail. That was an easy walk for about 2 1/2 hours with lots of beautiful sights. Definitely worth the visit and the pre-booking.

Nice hike

By CAEK4 |

During COVID, we made a reservation to hike Enchanted Rock. Our reservation was at 8:30am. We printed out the reservation, presented it to the park attendant, and were able to park close to the hiking trail. We felt very comfortable with the social distance in the park. People were very respectful with limiting social contact.

It was a great hike and the views were great!

Pre-planning necessary

By stardust1229 |

We drove to Enchanted Rock on a hot August morning. As Seniors with health issues, we didn't intend to climb it. Just to go in Visitors Center and go look at the Rock, was fine for us. But for those more ambitious with expectations, be sure to research well in advance to avoid disappointment. Apparently,sometimes it's very crowded. Of course,seasons and weather conditions impact.

Go early!

By Martyjojo |

Ideally buy your permit online if you do want to go early as we hadn’t and then had to wait for a ranger to turn up, who was there around 7.30am so we were lucky. The climb isn’t too difficult and we were up the top within 30 mins for brilliant views. The weather was very changeable, sunshine, then thick dark cloud, then back to sun shine all in an hour. Really glad we did this.

Interesting Geological Formation

By Reggie G |

The park is nicely set up and the park staff are helpful. The climb to the top of the rock is equivalent to climbing 40 flights of stairs. There are other trails available. The park can get very hot. It is also very popular - sometimes they shut off access to the park to prevent over-crowding. See their website for more info.

Nice view

By texasdetroit |

Really great area to visit. Kids 5 and up (maybe younger even) will love this. Took us a little bit more than 30 minutes to reach the top. Found the brass marker easy. One can see for miles on a clear day
We went around 8:30am and it wasn’t crowded at all. This was on a weekday. By the time. We came back down the parking lots were filling up
Reserve your time and pass online before you go. If coming from Fredericksburg you will most likely be directed past the entrance and told to turn around and return so traffic is not held up by vehicles turning left. We had our pass printed and were able to turn around and then drove right in
There are several trails to different areas of the park. We only used the summit trail that takes you to the top. We saw people carrying technical climbing gear, ropes, yoga mats, and one fella carrying what looked like a flat screen tv ??? We just carried a bottle of water.

Reminds you why Texas is no California :) :(

By Shreyansh182 |

Good hour of exercise but thats about it. The views were mediocre from the top and the cloud cover didnt help us with sunrise either (in my totally subjective opinion). Dont have much to say about this one... just a meh, a thing to do. I would rather drink wine from morning if my wife allowed that instead of climbing this rock to see a flat plane with trees.

Challenging visit

By dateichman |

Really enjoyed Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Just a day visit but we had a fun filled hike up to the top of the rock. Great view from up there. Park personnel were very helpful and courteous. It gets pretty hot in the summer so if you can schedule a visit in the Fall or Spring I think you would enjoy it more. When you get to the top you really get a sense of accomplishment but you need to be in fairly good physical shape. We had to take numerous rest breaks but our group consisted of young children, young adults and seniors. I would recommend athletic shoes of some sort; sandals will not do the trick.

Get Away from the bustle of town without going far

By klaviercat |

Enchanted Rock is about 18 miles north of downtown Fredericksburg, Texas. It is perfect for a day hike (you must like hills) with great views if you choose to take Summit Trail. Camping allowed for an additional fee; open 8:00a - 10:00p for day use. You can buy a day pass in advance and skip the line; otherwise, the gate opens at 6:30a. Enjoy!

Enchanted Rock Hike

By Stacy W |

Loved this hike on our girls trip! We took our time and took many pictures of the gorgeous scenery and landscapes. Easy enough hike for the whole family, though the very top used some oxygen. Any reasonably healthy person could do it, we had a ton of fun!

Enchanted Rock is a must see in Hill Country

By JLV74 |

We spent a few days in Fredericksburg and headed out to Enchanted Rock. It was a beautiful scenic drive and quick and easy to get there from the town. We did the Summit Trail hike to the top of the rock and it wasn’t too difficult. The view was amazing from the top so it is worth it if you can do it. If you are going on the weekend (including Mondays), you need to make a reservation in advance to get into the park. We highly recommend this scenic stop in Texas Hill Country.

A Texas Must Visit

By James F |

Along with Big Bend and Palo Duro Canyon; one of the places every Texan must visit. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing, bring water on your hike. ENJOY.

Not Enchanted

By Eric G |

The rocks were not enchanted, but the scenery is compelling. Trails we took were easy to moderate. Some folks hiked the summit, but we did not. The interesting rock formations were much lower. A bit of agility is necessary to get up and about on the rocks, but the pathways and trails lead you around to see the sights from easier places.

Reservations are required. The Texas State Park system website is not user friendly, and you must register to make a reservation. This system is not merged with the County Park reservation.

Nice three day weekend

By John H |

A short drive from Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock is a unique and interesting area to hike and camp. It has some really Cool rock formations and several established trails to venture out on with good signage. Trail is Pet friendly on the bottom loop trail. Coupled with shopping a day on Main St in Fredericksburg, this all makes for a great weekend!

WOW...what a view!

By CaribCaroler |

We are in our 60's but were able to climb to the top of this amazing rock. Took several breaks to enjoy the scenery and drink some water but we made it. The views were spectacular and we're so glad we included this in our trip to Fredericksburg!

Hiking Enchanted Rock

By Gary |

If hiking at one of Texas most visited State Parks while visiting Fredericksburg, then Enchanted Rock State Park is what you're looking for. Located just 17 miles from the town of Fredericksburg on Hwy 965, "the rock" is an easy and beautiful drive through some of the Hill Countries most beautiful scenery. As you drive through the entrance of the park, the vastness of the rock is hard to comprehend. It isn't until you get on the Summit Trail that you begin to realize the size of this enormous Granite Dome. Enchanted Rock is the 2nd largest granite monolith in the world, with Ayers Rock in Australia being the largest. As you progress up the rock you realize just how big this dome is. But don't be consumed by the trek because although it takes a while, most anybody can do it. But once at the top..the view makes all the effort worthwhile. The view is incredible. You can see for miles upon miles of the beautiful Texas landscape. In addition to, or as an alternative to, the trek up the dome, there is a 4 mile loop trail around the dome where you will see all kinds of wildlife. But be careful for snakes which live in the area and stay on the trail.
The best time to hike the rock is in the Spring or Fall when temperatures make the hike both, more beautiful and easy to deal with. The mornings are definitely a great time to be there.
In any event this Park is worth the drive and the effort. There is an entrance fee, public restrooms, available water and Park Rangers to help in any way to make your trip memorable. Enjoy one of Texas true gems.

Great time

By Luke M |

Excellent weather, super fun hike. Easy and for any age. Scene is beautiful and path was easy. Tour guides were extremely kind and helpful. Cost was very good with plenty of parking and camping.

Great if you can get in...

By likeparty |

Incredible oddity that is reasonably accessible for all. Walking up to the top is daunting but not difficult. We circumnavigated the entire rock which was also surprisingly cool walk. Just don't get sidetracked to the climbing area trails. The park does fill up, so watch your timing.

Nice to see but probably wouldn’t go back

By Terri G |

We’ve done a lot of hiking around the world and have been to many state and national parks. It’s a nice hike with elevation which is hard to find in Texas, but the views are just ok. It is probably prettier at other times of the year. We just have so many places we want to see that it’s unlikely this will be on our “return” list.

It’s important that you go online and book a reservation ahead of time for the majority of each day. They limit the number of people which I actually really appreciate. We went to Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ and it was filled with busloads of tourist which ruined the entire experience. Yuh don’t have to have a print out of the reservation.

We went by on Dec 26th without a reservation thinking it would not be crowded, but there were no openings until 2 pm when they opened it up to anyone. We went online right then and booked for the next day in the morning. Morning seems the least crowded. You can pick 6:30- 8:30, 8:30-10:30, etc. That is just the time you enter the park, not how long you stay. You can stay as long as you want.

We hiked straight up to the summit to avoid crowds and temperature increases. From there you can head off to other trails.

It was very windy at the top so bring layers in cooler months. In summer the top would be extremely hot so you’d definitely need enough water to stay hydrated.

Excellent

By Tom A |

$7 bucks a person is one heck of a deal! At least 10 different hiking trails. Campsites with and without water and even primitive camping sites. The main showers and toilets were not well cared for and was really dirty and several toilets were out of order or clogged. A day trip is great.....overnight camping facilities have much to be desired.

More Than A Little Difficult

By mojomo |

Glad we took the time to drive out to Enchanted Rock and climb to the summit, but for me anyway, it was a difficult climb.

I got so breathless even though I tried to pace myself and made a few brief stops on the way to the summit.

This thing is steep! I guess you could say I got overheated, although since I was not hot, more like overexerted, which took me somewhat by surprise.

I do a regular walk (on flat ground) on a daily basis, so I am not the worst as far as being out of shape, but not the most fit either.

This was intense. I started to feel on the brink of nausea and definitely took some time at the summit and looking out at the views.

I felt like I was in Colorado.

It took a while for me to feel back to “normal.” The exertion made my legs a bit shaky.

Thankfully I was with my husband and daughters.

I think I read online that you sign some sort of release form to make the climb

I sure as heck did not sign anything. My daughter paid the park entry, so perhaps she signed an all inclusive form.

There is some signage at the trail head that talks about heat exhaustion.

I feel a little foolish having done this. Not the smartest decision on my part. Still feeling a little tight in the chest & wondering if there was enough altitude to warrant the semi-nausea I took time to recover from.

Definitely be careful. The views would have been better if I had not felt bad.

Beautiful View

By Haleyinaustin01 |

The main hike is the rock, but a quick one if you’re in shape. If you want a leisurely climb, you can sit and rest in a variety of spots. No shade on the rock, be sure to wear hat, sunglasses & sunscreen. Glad I wore hiking boots with ankle support. I saw people wearing sandals, but I think that’d be hazardous on the hike down and could roll an ankle.

We arrived at opening, had great weather, hiked around & then grabbed lunch in Fredericksburg.

Worth Each Step

By Suni W |

This was truly the highlight of our trip to Fredericksburg. We arrived around 8am to beat the potential crowd and climb at the cooler part of the morning. The hike up is rather steep and while my hubby and I are rather fit, we stopped 3x on the steeper angles to catch our breath. Once you get to the summit, though, it’s all good! Gorgeous views and time to meditate and reflect on God’s goodness!

Beautiful state Park.. Especially late afternoon

By L_DTravellers |

Last night we visited Enchanted Rock and were awestruck by the beauty and quiet. It is a short hike up the rock face and at the top there are several little craters full of wildflowers and plants. It's like a garden oasis at the top of this huge rock. The view is outstanding and there is lots to explore. Really recommend going during the late afternoon /sunset time as it is cooler and the light is stunning. Take water!

Great View

By Nick |

My wife and I went here to hike for the day. We drove up from Austin and spent the majority of the day hiking around the many trails at the property. Remember to get an appointment for your visit.

Great views but heed all the warnings about booking

By smilgaki |

We were fully aware that Enchanted Rock can get full up and close its doors to arriving visitors. Our accommodation information even said that you may want to call ahead. But as it was November and we were early albeit a sunny and pleasant weekend day we thought we'd save our roaming charges and wing it.

We were reassured by the sign outside Fredericksburg that said if Enchanted Rock is full the sign is flashing. There was no flashing. So we went ahead and made the 35 minute drive to the rock - a very beautiful and hilly drive as it happens with lots of vultures to be spotted. Enchanted Rock eventually emerged like a gargantuan lunar molehill.

However, on arrival we were swiftly sent back to Fredericksburg after we were told we must reserve online and the next available slot is 2pm. Disappointed we returned to Fredericksburg- despite the warnings (and it was our fault for not calling ahead) we did not actually realise you had to pre-book online to be let in.

Still, I was so determined to go up the rock we returned, booked in, at 2 pm. It is a beautiful and strange place. There are plenty of different trails to be walked but we took the popular summit trail to the top (which everyone else chooses too so it's busy). It's not very far to the top but it's steep and the surface is smooth and bare rock. The ranger told us it takes about 40 minutes on average. Despite having been very slack on the exercise in recent months we managed just fine with a few breather stops. Great sweeping views from the top.

A really unusual pink granite formation - I would definitely recommend visiting just heed the warnings and pre-book and be prepared for some crowds.

My therapeutic and soothing oasis.

By Gypsytraveler |

My therapeutic and soothing oasis. The Enchanted Rock is ideal for any avid nature enthusiast or even a skeptic. You will have overcome any fears of heights and your endurance challenged after climbing the rock to its fullest, all the way to the summit. Once you reach the peak, where it is quite breezy, the views are breathtaking and all-encompassing, taking you to a picturesque place that appears not within Texas. My third time and counting. Kudos to this majestic natural creation.

Great views and hiking, bring water

By Scott M |

Probably a good idea to make a reservation in advance. We were able to drive up and get in as it was a Wednesday. The walk/climb is pretty taxing, it is about 30 floors high and about 1 mile distant to the summit. Echo canyon trail is pretty rough, great views all around the trails.

Breathtaking

By CecileK3 |

Beautiful Park . I wished the trails were less a hazard. You climb over rocks. I slipped on gravel. I did climb half way up the summit to see a beautiful view. For experienced hikers this is probably a piece of cake. For me a 65 out a shape woman it was a challenge. But I loved every minute of it.

10+

By Deb S |

Great hiking for anyone! Beautiful and clean! It looks intimidating ... and is, but very do-able. Get your day pass and go early. The Texas heat will get you! Wear a hat and bring water.

Thrilling!

By Danielle F |

We took our teenagers here. It is not an easy climb but the wind and view are worth it. Very unique. Amazing land formation! Must Go!!!

Amazing hike

By soccerrref |

Took a hike to the summit. Challenging, but not so bad. The views were worth it. Highly recommend and if we’re in the area again would do again.

Hiking and Stargazing was great!

By Lisa V |

We got about halfway up before sunset and took some pictures before heading back down. Neat stuff to see up on the rock and then we walked around for a bit while it got dark, plopped in a parking lot with our chairs and opened a bottle of wine. The stars were amazing and so neat to see the Milky Way

Nice Area

By Nicky L |

Had to queue about 20 mins to get in to pay the entrance fee, but plenty of parking available, amazing views, some nice trails to walk of all sorts of lengths. I loved the paperwork provided with the ticket, bird spotting booklet and a very comprehensive trail guide and map. It's a nice place to spend a day and also a nice drive getting there

Worth doing!

By s1920ca |

If you’re in the area, I highly recommend visiting Enchanted Rock! It’s an easy hike the the top, and the view from the summit is incredible. A word of warning: just because this is open to the public, and you see people of all ages hiking it, it is not without dangers. One in our party accidentally stepped into a deep crevice in the rock, and injured her knee badly. Could’ve been a lot worse!

Superb view!

By Jose M |

Great hiking and very rewarding top view. Close to camping areas and Fredericksburg. Definitely recommend this place. Make reservations before showing up during high season.

Great with kids!

By Jennifer E |

*State parks now require reservations. They sell out of day passes and will turn you away if you don't have one. Plan in advance!*

Enchanted Rock was so neat! There are so many trails to explore but we just did the Summit Trail that goes to the top. We took our kids (ages 7 and 4) and they both enjoyed it. Our 7-year-old pretty much ran all the way up. Our 4-year-old was slower and had to be carried a couple of times, but both made it without much difficulty.
It does take around 40 minutes to get to the top and the hike is only steep at a few places. Once you start the Summit Trail up to the top there is NO shade anywhere, so be sure you have hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, etc. At the top there are vernal pools, which are off-limits but so cool to see! They're little pools of water filled with tadpoles and microscopic ancient shrimp, or something like that. The view is amazing and there's a great breeze at the top. It's a nice place to sit and take a break or have a snack.
There was a snowcone cart at the base, which was really nice to come down to.
Next time I would like to be able to explore more of the trails around the area. It was a great experience and I'm sure we'll be back someday!

Wow, Had NO IDEA this was an amazing place

By marthaplano |

I've always heard about Enchanted Rock from my kids school trips but had never visited. Had no idea the size of it. Was so much fun to climb and the views were amazing. Fascinating information on the formation and type of materials. Definitely need to book your reservation through the parks service ahead of time if you are going on a holiday week or weekend.

Beautiful, awe inspiring!

By tooiewaco |

If we had been more prepared, we would have hiked to the top, it had to be a spectacular view. Enchanted rock is pink and shines with a glittery deposit. It was very hot the day we stopped. you need to have comfortable shoes, non restrictive, comfortable clothing and plenty of water. The climb itself didn't look hard but again, we weren't prepared. Beautiful!

Beautiful area

By glenalicefarm |

We got there late afternoon, so didn't have enough time to do a long walk, but walked for a little way. Lovely scenery and will be back to walk to the top to see the view.

Great hike!

By Malinda Boudreaux |

Great hike, a little tougher than I thought it would be! Check in was very smooth, we had a reservation and arrived around 9:30 AM. Got a bit confused finding the summit trail, could use a few more signs, but we figured it out! We enjoyed this hike! It does get very steep, so be prepared. We are pretty fit and still needed to stop a couple of times going up. Great views at the top, we had the dome to ourselves! Passed quite a few people as we hiked back down, so looks like it's best to be early. There's a nice little food truck selling snacks and hot chocolate by the parking lot. Really great day, we enjoyed it!

Good outdoor activity if in the Fredericksburg area

By TriciaLynn |

$7/person. Worth the price to visit. The climb to the top can be slightly challenging but plenty of places to rest along the way if needed. The climb is steep, especially toward the top and would be slippery if rainy. There are other trails if unable to do the climb to the top but recommend the climb if willing and able. Nice panoramic views from the top.

Beautiful Views

By tom w |

We arrived at the butt crack of dawn which was good as it got hot. The views from the top are spectacular well worth the energy required to get there. Thought I might get a free helicopter ride from life flight but I made it and didn't die. I must admit that I am way out of shape and this climb shouldn't be too much for most folks in halfway descent shape or even a little out of shape. If you go in the summer take plenty of water.

We had a blast!!

By kelliekimareno |

We just decided to do Enchanted Rock after we finished Willow City Loop. We so enjoyed it. We took the loop pass as we were not totally prepared to hike. Definitely a must do when In Fredericksburg.

Great Hike

By MCGarza |

Great location for a morning hike. Have hiked to the summit several times and appreciate the views more on each visit. Slow and early is my approach.

Spring Break!!

By Jasmine A |

Make sure to check the texasstatepark website to book a reservation during busy seasons! Print your reservation ahead of time to be let in the park. They have an honors system in which you can pay $8 in an envelope after 5pm without reservation. They unfortunately didn't let us in because the park was too packed. 😟 Next time!!!

Best State Park we have seen in Texas

By jeff77664 |

Spent between 1 to 2 hours here in October as part of Texas trip. Been to Texas several times and seen alot of the state parks and enjoyed this one the best. Did 2 trails. Summit Trail - steep but you can zig/zag on the rocks when you get further up to make it easier, it was very windy at the top the day we went. It took probably 35 to 40 minutes for us to reach the top and quicker to get down. Also did Nature Trail - signs on the trail, pretty flat, there are some rocks to walk over on the trail. Overall, recommending doing summit trail and taking your time to get to the top and also doing early or late in the day.

Disappointed-you must book in advance

By Edistonians |

Do not go without booking in advance....even in late October. Maybe it saved us from heatstroke, still 95 degrees

Gorgeous Views

By PBG317 |

We made it to the summit!! The trails on the decent are not well marked so we ended up in some treacherous terrain of large boulders. A bit scary, but very worth the trek.

WOW

By Canmilitarywife |

We went early to beat the famous Texas heat. We did the Summit and The Loop Trail. It was a beautiful hike and scenery. Limited parking space so I recommend going early to get a spot, but we’ll worth it. Wear good walking shoes.

It is a NATURALLY ENCHANTED.. Rock...

By justtravel23 |

Been there several times.. CLIMBED to top and had 360 degree views of nature..
Get into FITNESS and you should be able to climb.. some parts are steep but with your
NATURAL LOVER WITHIN YOU... You should be able to go to the top.. SO GO AHEAD!!

Hiking

By Myriam M |

We love hiking Enchanted State Park, the views and trails are incredible. We usually do the entire loop. Then we climbed to the top of the 425 granite dome, need good shoes, good legs & plenty of water. Very beautiful park rugged in some places. This park is for hiking & camping not drive through. We loved it

Beautiful Views!

By Jennifer B |

Go early and be prepared for a challenging hike to the summit. Worth all of the sweat and burning muscles! The view was amazing!

Beautiful and worth the sweat!

By leh4245 |

This was definitely worth the morning drive from F’burg and hike. I am in fairly decent shape and was a little afraid it might be challenging for me. While I did break a sweat and got my heart rate up, the view at the top was worth every bit of it! You will not get more amazing views of the Hill country than on top of this Texas gem.

Great experience

By lorrabell |

Lovely hike from a couple who usually go from sunbed to bar! The day we went had rained so only the outer loop was open due to safety but we did the 4 mile loop and loved it. Nothing was too strenuous and you take your time, enjoying the views along the way

Pleasant and windy

By Melissa P |

Came here this past Saturday morning to hike the summit trail to the top of enchanted rock. Check in was a breeze as we had made a reservation online. Went early at 8:30am. Parking is limited which made the afternoon very busy at the front gate. Summit trail is strenuous and challenging. Very windy at the top. Excellent views. We then hiked around the frog pond for a pleasant trail and it did not disappoint.

Lovely hike up the rock

By Ben H |

Visited here early sat morning as was warned it gets full up quickly and they stop letting people in . its also a good idea to go early especially during the summer months due to the excessive Texas heat! , hiking up the rock is for the most part fine but there are some steep parts , just take your time and you will get there!!
Once up there fantastic views all around , just remember to take plenty of water with you !!

No big deal.

By Bobby31225 |

My friend and I drove out the 17 miles from Fredericksburg. Pretty drive. We were turned away around 11 a.m. in the morning unless we had a reservation! The ranger girl said maybe around 2 p.m. we could get in? We got out by the sign and I took a couple of photos .I didn't see what the big attraction was of this place? Just a couple of big hills. I've seen far better mountains etc out west where I live. Kind of glad we got turned away! $7.00 to see a few hills? Oh well, was a pretty drive.

Good park to hike and to get great views of Texas Hill Country

By wacotom |

We planned a week of hiking with a few days at Lost Maples State Park followed by two days at Enchanted Rock. Our plans were to take a moderate trail our first day at Enchanted Rock after two days of "challenging trails" at Lost Maples. We planned on the 4 - 5 mile Loop 'Trail. As we checked in at the gate the ranger said the Loop Trail was under maintenance but there was a detour trail to allow us to do most of the Loop Trail. Well leave it to me I took a wrong turn first thing on the detour so we had about 1/2 hour of nice trails until I got us back. As we were finishing the detour trail we were tired so we decided to take a trail back to the car - little did we know this was another "challenging trail" so about 1/2 through our rock scramble trail called Echo Canyon we stopped for lunch. By the time we returned to the car we were tired. If you are going to visit be sure you have water and we would recommend packing a sandwich and a piece or two of fruit so you can stop and enjoy the scenery. Although the trail are fairly well defined - except the Echo Canyon rock scramble the signs are not at all obvious so be careful. The second day we did the summit to the top of Enchanted Rock and for some reason we were at the top in about 20 minutes which included a couple one minute stops to catch our breath. As usual great views well worth the effort. Since we got up so fast we took about 1/2 hour to just sit and enjoy the views then decided to go down and hike part of the Loop Trail from the opposite end we tried the day before. We only did about an hour out and stopped at the Scenic Overlook for a lunch break. We will return to finish the Loop Trail in the future just a nice park overall.

Hiking the dome

By RJ Clemons |

Great little park. The friendliest staff we have ever encountered in a State park. Clean and well maintained restrooms and showers. Great camp spots. The only draw back was that the water spouts had the knobs taken off and you needed a took to use them. The hiking wasn't very long or challenging for experienced hikers but was a nice day. Dont get me wrong the elevation change and steepness of the dome and a couple of other climbs will make you stop to catch your breath but after these its just a nice relaxing walk. Everyone should do this park at least once in their lives.

A weekend camping and rock climbing

By Gordon |

Met friends for a fantastic weekend of rock climbing.
Enchanted Rock is one of the most popular climbing areas in Texas, but this weekend was not as crowded as expected.
Plan ahead if you are going to enter or camp at the park. Reservations are highly recommended.
The loop trail, about 5 miles in length, is a very pleasant walk with views over the area.
The hike to the top of the main dome is very popular.
Make sure you follow the rules, as the part staff can be quick to discuss infractions.

Breathtaking.

By Amanda T |

I’ve been here 3 times now and it’s always breathtaking! We took our three kids ages 1, 4, and 6 during our last visit. We carried the one year old in a backpack style infant carrier worn on the chest. The kids did great and LOVED it.
BRING WATER.

Start your hike early morning

By runner4texas |

Hiking in the middle of July in Texas can become a little unbearable, so we started our day arriving at 7:00 am. Buying a day pass from the state park's website is a must to arrive early with no worries!

The park itself was nice. Hiking to the summit resulting in amazing views! Afterwards we hiked some more - please carry a lot of water [bottles in a backpack] to keep cool. Nearly on each connecting trail there was an outhouse with toilet paper and a trash can - no light inside so have your flashlight ready!

I would recommend this park to anyone - just be prepared for mother nature!

One of the top highlights of our trip to Texas

By otmgoodale |

Absolutely incredible hiking. The hike to the summit is pretty short, so don't give up when it starts getting steep near the top. It's absolutely worth it to go all the way to the summit. Just start in the morning, because it will get hot up there later in the day. My 4-year old made it to the top without any help, so you can too.

I would also recommend taking the time for some of the other hikes in the park, too, not just the summit hike. The entire area is beautiful.

Great visit

By TGucci |

We had a nice visit of the park and walk to the top. Wear a shoe with a good sole, but the rock really isn't slick like we thought it would be when we started. You must reserve a time to enter, because of covid, which we easily did online the night before.

Great as expected!

By Leah P |

We didn't think about it - don't take your dog if you plan to climb to the top...they are not allowed with the heat the rock gives off. I neglected to think about that, so the rest of the family climbed to the top. I took the dog around part of the loop trail - it was great! The reservations are only for 2hr increments right now, and that was just right for the hike up and down.
I would've preferred to do the entire loop trail, next time!

The rock

By chickadee56 |

A must do when in the area! It is a challenging hike but you can take as long as you like to get there .

Beautiful state park

By Gyula C |

It is a beautiful state park. The weather was misty and cool but it was still enjoyable. The elevation change between the base and the top is only a few hundred feet but the terrain is quite rugged. The view is very nice with huge rock formation.

Worth the side trip!

By Tammy C |

Enchanted Rock State Park is incredible. It's this titanic rock formation , deep in the heart of Texas. Hike the massive granite dome or drive around the park. You have to see it to understand the immensity of the formation. Camp sitescare available...during Peak Season, get a reservation.

Incredible views!

By HouTexGal |

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. Thus, sandals, flip flops or water shoes are simply not going to hold up or prevent an accident. Getting to the summit provides incredible views and well worth the hike. Plan on 45 minutes up and 25 minutes coming down.

While there are a number of different trails, they all require some amount of physical dexterity, so anyone with physical or health conditions are advised to stay on the lower trails as medical resources are limited in the area. Best time to hike is early morning to limit possibility of heat exhaustion. Park opens at 6:30 am, but early morning reservations are gone really quickly.

Always a great time

By A Foggy Path |

Enchanted Rock is always a fun day. We hiked all of the trails that were open and summited Enchanted Rock at the end of the day. We had a great time and really enjoyed the trails, especially the more challenging ones like Echo Canyon Trail. The only downside of Enchanted Rock is how busy it can get. As one of Texas' most popular parks, it fills very quickly. The toilets were also closed during our visit. Instead, there were banks of porta-potties to use. It wasn't horrible, just not ideal. They did offer hand sanitizer at least. In all, we had a great trip and really enjoyed the trails. Take water, wear sunscreen. There isn't much shade here at all. Also, consider taking a jacket if you summit. It is incredibly windy up there and can get pretty chilly!

Very Cool

By WildHaireAdventures |

Really enjoyed the walk up to the top of enchanted rock, being deftly afraid of heights I was worried how it would be, but it wasn’t bad. Amazing view from the top, we would return if in the area.

Must see! Take the tour!

By Pamela P |

Get their early and take the guided tour to learn so much about this spectacular phenomenon. Wear comfortable shoes and drink lots of water during the summer.

Great experience

By generations7 |

This looked very intimidating. I’m so glad we did this. It was a challenge, but not as hard as expected. The view from the top was breathtaking. Definitely would do this again.

Amazing view . . . But park closed without advanced reservations

By Jim K |

Was hoping to just drive over and see and amazing icon . . . Not without a week prior reservation . . . Due to COVID. Even from overpriced Fredericksburg ... not getting this as an outdoor adventure, Sad!

Beautiful! Worth the Views! Only a mere mile to the top!

By txtri |

There during the holidays, not crowded but had to wait for entry! Worth it! Comfy walking shoes will work! Make your reservation just in case! State Parks are worth it! Several in this area to Johnson City and Blanco!

Worth it.

By Andre S |

Gorgeous weather, great day out for a little bit of nature and exercise. Lots of random creeks/streams.

GREAT VIEWS

By Tracydcamp |

The views were amazing, and I have to admit the weather was PERFECT! My dog really enjoyed the walk on the Loop trail. I will definitely be back!!

Easy for some not others but nice

By BrendaH40 |

Great place to climb, but too steeped a walk for some. I made it up to the flat smooth straight up area but could not get up that. My Husband and Daughters had no problem. It was fun and had great places that were shaded where I waited after climbingback down.

What a soothing view to behold!

By suepark268 |

We arrived at 10 thinking parking may already be full but there were not too many cars yet. It was July 5th but it seemed most folks were arriving around 11. Going up the summit takes about half hour. We sat and enjoyed the wind and the view for a while. Although it was almost 90, the wind made it feel so much cooler. Watch out, you may get sunburn because you don’t feel it. Just to sit there and seeing the beautiful view was such a treat.

GREAT traction on rock, but a bit hard to navigate straight up!

By LaurieB980 |

Enchanted Rock is an amazing place to hike! The "rock" itself is part of a much larger "rock" under the surface, and it gives some pretty good views of the landscape below. The best part about this hike is that there is such good traction when climbing or coming down. Some hike it straight up, but it is a fairly steep incline, and I did what some others recommended, and that was to zigzag up the mountain as well as back down. It made it easier although going up AND coming down was still a challenge. Not nearly as bad, however, as another trail we had done (Old Baldy!) with rocks that moved under our feet the entire time!! There were small pools of water at the top where we heard that tiny creatures lived, and that is why no dogs are allowed on this climb as they would drink from the pools and disturb the life there. We talked with a group of college students in a geology class from San Antonio while up on the top as their professor had done the class while on the climb and at the top. Great day to be hiking as the temperature was so nice!!

Still good for us seniors

By Roy H |

We have been here many times over the last 20 or so years. Always done the summit trail to the top of the big rock. We are now in our 70s and this time was a bit harder, but we made it to the top, then down into Echo Canyon trail, up to Moss Lake, then around the Southern part of the Loop trail back to the parking lot. We were pretty done in. The temps got up to 90 by the time we finished, but it was tolerable. On a past trip we also climbed Turkey Peak, and with the passing of a brief shower got to see the most bodacious rainbow I have ever seen. Go as early in the day as you can, and go in the middle of the week; there are mobs of people there on week-ends. Take heed to all the parks cautions about water, kids, etc.

Enchanting experience

By Shilpa Shah |

It is a mild to moderate hike of 20-25 mins to enchanted rock. Superb view from the top. Very safe and worth experiencing.
Wear sun glasses, hat and Carry one bottle of water, it is sufficient unless the weather is very hot.

Nice park

By Curveball2 |

We climbed to the top on a warm April day. There was a strong breeze which helped keep the heat in check. Pretty easy to walk up the rock but I imagine it would be tough if wet. We also took a branch trail that wound through a wooded area. Good way to spend a few hours if you are in Fredericksburg.

A Must See and Must Do!

By Strider185 |

A fitting name for an enchanted place. My wife and I are from Colorado so we do not consider this a strenuous hike. It's a nice moderate hike well worth ascending to the top for the view and the surroundings. We went on a week day so did not have the crowds as it is reported to be heavily visited on weekends. A very pleasant drive to get to this natural area.

The great outdoors

By john |

Enchanted rock is a great place to get away and relax ,and Feel the great outdoors. I have climbed enchanted rock multiple times. There are some amazing trails, that go around the base of the rock, that are amazing. Must try. Make sure you make reservations.

Beautiful views

By Jennifer |

Great scenery! The drive from Austin to enchanted rock is filled with lots of mother nature’s beauty. Enchanted rock is a bit challenging to hike, but once you’re up there the views are breathtaking. Several trails to choose from, campsites available.

Great experience

By Craig P |

Not a difficult hike, and certainly worth the view. I've been up there several times, but was first time for my partner

Nice little hike up the rock

By thebrausenfamily |

Didn't come completely prepared, as we didn't have hiking shoes or tennis shoes on. But, wasn't necessarily needed. It only took us 20 minutes to get to the top. Well worth the incline hike!! Picturesque!!

Make Reservations and Bring Water💧

By MissTXtraveler |

Such a neat place to visit. It is best to wear good tennis shoes or hiking shoes because you will be climbing a big granite mound. It was breezy the day we visited. Although the temps were in the 90s, it didn't feel that hot, but we were sure to bring/drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. We reserved our arrival slot 4days in advance, and most slots were already booked. We ended up reserving the latest time available, so we could try to watch the sunset from the summit. It started to get overcast, so we left before watching the sunset and stars.
Definitely will return.

Impressive nature and beautiful views

By Gabie |

The hike is very nice and worthwhile, it also does not take as long as advertised. During our visit it was not as crowded as we had feared. The little detour we had to take for it was definitely worth it. Pure nature and the opportunity to stretch your feet.

Varied, Pretty Hiking Options

By Leighly |

Enchanted Rock State Park offers a variety of easy to challenging hikes. The loop path around the rock showcases the scenery around and away from the central Enchanted Rock. The rock is a unique dome rock that is massive underground and makes for a tough hike straight up. The views from the top are well worth the climb. At the base of the hike, my son and I had fun hiking through narrow rock paths prior to taking the elevation up to a slightly lower peak. Tennis shoes work fine for these short, day hikes. Reservations recommended in advance as on seasonally appropriate weekends, they fill up and stop providing entrance passes. Some areas are prone to flooding and may eliminate some hiking options. Located close to Fredricksburg in beautiful hill country, Enchanted Rock is near a vibrant community with lots to do!

What’s Enchanted Rock Like?

By Mr.S Travel Quest |

if your near Fredericksburg, Texas. The summit trail a must for first time visitors. This park gets packed quickly so reserve in advance. Hydrate and wear comfortable shoes. Once on top of the summit enjoy the beautiful views.

Very cool place.

By Destination814890 |

Great hiking, scenery and camping with nice facilities. Interesting geology and foliage. Walking/hiking trails range from easy to challenging. We will return.

Awe inspiring views

By Robert M |

Pictures don’t do this place justice. A massive rock rising above a small stream below. The trail up is challenging but I saw people of all ages making the trek up and back down.

It’s gonna be hot this time of year because there is NO shade once you get on the rock. Our family of three went thru 5 bottles of water - be prepared.

We got to the top and got to enjoy a nice breeze and were surprised to see lots of vegetation and pools of water up top. The views of the surrounding area were spectacular.

We only did the Summit Trail but the Echo Canyon Trail looked appealing. Just to hot to make a 3hr hike in the middle of the day.

Love Enchanted Rock!

By Florida to Canada |

I had not hiked this mountain for 20 years and I was still pleased with the experience all these years later! We took the summit trail and it was worth the hike. The regular bathrooms were closed due to water issues, but they had port-o-lets. There was also a snow cone truck at the base of the mountain, a nice treat on a hot day.

I recommend downloading the Texas State Parks app and buying an annual pass. The app charges you by the car, but you are supposed to pay by the person. If you have an annual pass, it gets your car full in with no extra charge. When you register to go to the park, they ask for your license plate etc; however, I was told that was just a formality, as we were using a rental car and didn't know the info when we booked the visit. They do ask you for your confirmation number when you get to the park, so have that info ready!

Great day trip or overnighter.

By James |

This place is a must-visit in Texas. They have car camping and primitive camping. The hiking is interesting and if you're brave enough you can explore the caves.

Too Crowded

By Jack_B |

NOT the forest primeval ! Get there early or you will stand in line, or on weekends you will be turned away.
Be careful of where you park or you WILL be towed.

Get a Reservation!!!!!!

By Bryan P |

Lack of planning on our part left us without a Reservation to enter the park. Next reservation is Monday and it’s Saturday.

We were able to see the entrance and then had to leave.

Great place to spend a beautiful day!

By FellowTraveler8196 |

Anyone can enjoy the hiking and climbling. Views are spectacular. Try a picnic to enhance your stay and bring plenty of fluids.

Great View fro the top!!!

By Melinda812 |

Last year we went on the Loop trail in the hot summer - (not a good idea in my opinion), this year decided to come at a cooler time of year and went up the summit trail ( loop trail closed) a lot better experience this year. Drink lots of water staying hydrated will help keep your heart rate down !! We stopped to take pics when we made it through the summit trail but decided to continue to the top!! Worth it!! It is beautiful looking out to this beautiful scenery God created!! It felt so good getting to the top and my heart not feeling like it was coming out of my chest!!! Lol like last time!!!

⚫️PARK RANGER⚫️

By Lauryn Ward |

Today my boyfriend and two of our close friends wanted to go the Enchanted rock to have a good cardio session and see a beautiful view. Upon arrival my boyfriend and I waited in his car until our two other friends showed up. 20 minutes later they showed up and we got out of the cars and started putting on our weighted vests, sunscreen and hydrating before we hiked up. Not even 3 minutes later a park ranger got out of his car and walked up to us and introduced himself. After the introduction he randomly said, “ I have word that y’all were talking about getting high on the mountain!” All 4 of us were surprised and dumbfounded by his accusations. We just got there and we never spoke about any kind of drug paraphernalia. All we were discussing was our plans for the day and how awful the weighted vest hike would be. Upon rejection to his claims he then he proceeded to say that he had “Video recording” of us saying such things. My boyfriend then asked if he could see this “Recording.” The Officer quickly said No, then kept asking if he could search our cars and person. We told him that we had nothing to hide and won’t find anything and to go ahead. He repeatedly asked “Are you sure?” All of us are college athletes, 2 baseball players, rodeo rider and track athlete. We told him this and told him we wouldn’t do drugs and never would. All of sudden all accusations were dropped, he was trying to joke and relate to us but of course we didn’t want to hear it and didn’t want our day ruined more. He finally told us good day and went our separate ways.

• Please DONT make false accusations
•Please have ACTUAL evidence
•Please DONT seek teens out!

We DID NOT enjoy this visit and hope that Park Rangers focus on ACTUAL suspicious activity!!!

Big Rocks

By culaugh2012 |

These are really big pink granite rounded rocks in the middle of nowhere...nice drive and history with Indians...

Excellent views

By rcrao1 |

Excellent views of Texas hill country, There are number of trails, both small & big, you can easily spend half a day here, if you are visiting Fredricksburg, this is a must see place, plan for atleast half a day or more

Beautiful views

By RHtravels |

It was a relatively easy steep walk to the top of the rock, with beautiful views all around. We didn't have a lot of time to spend here so we took the Summit trail up to the top of the rock. We enjoyed all of the different rock formations that could be seen. Next time we will allow more time so we can explore more trails.

First time to this beautiful place

By Baybug2 |

Make reservations for sure——it was not crowded but everyone was covid friendly. Weather was windy chilly and overcast so that was not awesome. Bring water, sunscreen, lip balm and first aid kit——lots of slippers rocks and thorns.

Pretty in Pink

By Michelle M |

Enchanted Rock is a short, moderate hike to the summit. It can get windy at the top. Nice views from the summit and it is peaceful when you are not near a tour group. Reservations are usually needed but if you call ahead they will let you know if a reservation is necessary. We did not need one on Feb 17. There is no water available at the park which means bring your own and they only have port a potty bathroom facilities. Also, bring a hoodie, hat and sunscreen, it is Texas so you never know what the weather will be doing. It is always a great lead at way to spend the day in the nature of The Texas Hill Country. Have fun!

A magical hike with unforgettable views

By Tiffany F |

We had an amazing time hiking the Summit Trail at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The climb was fun and rewarding, and the views from the top were incredible. Definitely a must-do hike for anyone visiting the park!

A Nostalgic Return to a Perennial Favorite

By CestJacque |

What a gorgeous place to spend a warm spring afternoon in the Texas Hill Country! We arrived the morning after a line of thunderstorms came through the night before and the sky was a deep blue, the sun shining, the air clean, everything freshly washed, the birds singing, and the bluebonnets blooming...a Texas version of a Disney movie...PERFECT!!!

Great hike!

By Dream615446 |

Beautiful area with some quick, steep hikes to lookout points. Go early... it’s less crowded. Worth it!

Well, a bit overrated

By MB_SU_Germany |

Nice place but a bit overrated, not too much special. Too many people there, even in the morning. Nice hike.

So beautiful and impressive

By ginafoodie |

We were thoroughly impressed by this rock. Climbed to the top, wasn't too hard and definitely worth the effort. It was quite windy up there, so don't underdress. The view was amazing and it was great to think how massive the rock is underground.

Gorgeous View

By SR-1007 |

Tip #1 is make a reservation way ahead of time, even for a weekday visit. Tip 2 is be there early for your photos to catch the best light just after sunrise and to avoid crowds. Beautiful 360 degree views from the top. A enjoyable collection of hiking trails around the hills.

Great visit

By PNG81 |

Very nice place to visit. Just make sure you make reservations as the crowds are big. The staff is very friendly and helpful.

Morning hike with my xc kids.

By ohernandez22 |

We had a lot of fun hiking this awesome place near Fredericksburg. Bring water and and snacks they had snocones at 10am, the wind was blowing so it was cool at the top,( 8am) but I could tell as the day goes on the granite gets really hot.

Happiness Hike

By Laura D |

Glorious! Get a pass early, plan ahead. Not a long hike but elevation, yes. Start early, before it heats up. But enjoy. You will feel better after!

Majestic Adventure

By BatchFam |

I’ve had a hip redone and my hubs 3 knee surgeries and we did this! We’re late 40s. It’s overwhelming at first. The middle is the toughest. Take lots of breaks. We got the 8:30-10 ticket and I’m so glad. It had rained and was really cool. In the heat, I think it would be tough. I felt like a gold medal winner at the top. It’s unbelievably beautiful!

One of Texas' Most Iconic and Dramatic Natural Areas

By boudin |

When I first visited Enchanted Rock over 50 years ago, it was privately owned and there were no discernible rules or regulations about camping and/or hiking there. If it had stayed in private hands, it would probably be overbuilt and overrun by now. Instead, the State of Texas purchased this incredible place and designated it as a Natural Area, so the beauty and majesty I remember from my youth has been saved. If anything, it's even better now then when I first snuck on the property to camp out with my friends. It is one of the crown jewels of Texas' state parks and is very well run and very well protected.

Hike to the top!

By LaceyTaylor83 |

Not a whole lot to do here, other than hike to the top of the Rock for the view. We're not pro climbers, but we cycle ans are in oretty good shape. The hike was relatively moderate for us. Many around us were having a hard time. Some stayed at the lower level.

Wear good shoes.

A must when going to FBG

By Dungaree96 |

I have been to Enchanted Rock a few times over the last 30 years and it never ceases to amaze. This latest visit was June 2019. The State of Texas does a great job maintaining the park--great signage, bathrooms, and instructions. The natural beauty of the Hill Country is unparalleled. My 10 and 11 year old were able to hike to the top so the park is good for older / pre-teen kids.

A real work out

By luvcarrib |

Hard work, but worth the challenge for the views. Reservations online assured a quick smooth entry. Had a shaved ice truck that hit the spot upon return.

Well worth it

By Mick |

Well worth a detour if you are near the area. It’s a steep climb up, but there is no need to hurry, and the view from the top is worth the effort.

We set off in the morning which turned out to be a very good idea as it was cool and breezy. I really wouldn’t want to do this in the heat of the day.

It’s fair to say it does take some effort, but inside the range of a casual walker.

Bring water with you!

For the the Love of Texas!

By Reveca A |


I love all things Texas, so I needed to check this off my Texas Bucket List. It was an amazing experience from being at the bottom to exploring and climbing all the way to the top. The view is just beautiful and there is some caves and wildlife worth seeing when you make it up there. I made my reservation online for a particular time slot, which I hear is recommended especially on the weekends, when the park gets full. As we were leaving around 12, the line to get into the park was long. Wear good supportive shoes and bring lots of water. Awesome views of the Texas Hill Country!

The View and Majestic Rock are Mind Blowing

By j-mMemphisTN |

The View and Majestic Rock are Mind Blowing there are trails for everyone, picnic sites and camping. The Park is magical and full of wild flowers and creatures.

Beautiful steep climb

By inFlightFun |

Reservations are required even for only a day use pass. This is a popular place however it does not feel crowded because there is a limit of day passes that they give out. There are several different hiking trails. Beautiful scenery. Hiking, climbing and camping. Young children might have a more difficult time climbing and hiking here.

Book an Early Reservation Slot

By Ceara_Nevada |

In the heat of summer, I suggest booking the first reservation slot. We booked the 10:30-12:30 slot, but I wish we could have arrived even earlier. Book early as tickets sell out in advance. Once that happens, you cannot buy tickets at the park.

Enchanted Rock is considered a "stress free zone". I had no idea what that meant until we arrived. In this age of the pandemic, I didn't think about it once while hiking....maybe I was too focused on the steep Summit Trail ahead of me ;)

I highly recommend Enchanted Rock!

Beautiful views

By Sara F |

Beautiful scenery and the coolest climb to the top! Camping was nice but without electricity and bathrooms were only ok.

Great Hike

By Toby |

Went there for some great fall hiking during our weekend stay in Fredericksburg. We brought our dog. Dogs are not allowed on all trails but the one that we went on were awesome. Nice views

Great views

By globetrotter51_10 |

This is a very nice park with plenty of hiking trails of all levels. The summit trail is not as hard as they make it sound if you are reasonably fit. The view from the top is spectacular and well worth the effort. There are toilets and plenty of picnic tables. We spent a couple of enjoyable hours. My only (small) complaint - they have a little shop at the visitor centre but don't sell any bottled water; so come prepared!

Minus five stars

By Eco_Travel_Explorer |

To make a limited parking over a 62 square miles like the website says is a big shame.
Limiting a visitors during a crowded holidays is not a good idea.
We were there but could not get in - so plan your trip ahead - or just avoid this place.

The climb

By Pamela M |

Climbed the Enchanted Rock. Strenuous climb but well worth the view. Best to go in the summer morning when the Rock is still cool

Stunning views.

By AmandaAguilar77 |

Beautiful park and even more beautiful views from the top of the summit trail. My husband and I hiked the summit trail in the evening to watch the sunset. A must see if in the Fredericksburg area.

Worried about COVID? Clearly the Park isn't

By Sarah A |

Honestly, we were completely disappointed, not in the beauty of the site which is undeniable but in the cleanliness and management of crowds during a global pandemic. If you care even an ounce about not getting COVID, this is not the place for you. Even though you have to make a reservation, hordes of people arrive at the same time you do and there is NOT ONE MASK IN SIGHT. I guess people think just because they are outside you can't get COVID? Public picnic crowds packed with non maskers and Bathrooms were completely overcrowded and FILTHY. Feces covered on the ground 5 plus non-masked people shoved in a tiny bathroom. Thankfully, we had our masks and were able to meander our way around the Park to avoid the crowds. The park could do a much better job of crowd control and cleanliness. Would not recommend during a pandemic.

Go to the Top!

By SeekerofSun |

This is a special place in Texas that is worth making an effort to visit. The trail to the Summit of Enchanting Rock is moderately challenging but well worth the effort. The hiking trails in the Park are well marked and present good views of the rock formations. We have been here before and will return again.

Worth visiting but go midday off season.

By Phil |

It was a beautiful day to hike! Sunny and 68 in January. Trails well marked. Not crowded because it’s Tuesday. Varied terrain so good for beginners or those who want a challenge.

Wow! for nature seekers and hikers!

By julie b |

We did not know of this State Park and glad we stumbled over it. Amazing to see. You need to be fit - I think - to hike to the top but what a view you will get of the Texas Hill Country. Park has many trails of various levels, camping (tent only) but was very busy the week day we went (April 2, 2019). We were told if you come on a holiday or weekend you will need reservations to get in they are that busy! I never knew Texas had their own "Stone Mountain". What a wonderful surprise!

Beautiful

By Anushree Bhattarai Poudel |

We visited on Christmas day. It was a bright beautiful sunny day with 34 F degree. The top of the rock is a relatively short hike but the 360 degree view of the Texas Hill Country is amazing. The difficulty level to climb up is moderate depending on how much you do hiking. On our we did not take the conventional route so it was difficult but still had fun. The trails are equally amazing and you get to see a lot of cactus along the trail. It is a must visit.

About an hour and a half drive from San Antonio.

Fun family hike before we headed home...

By Holly972 |

We woke up and hiked in the morning before our way home. It was great. My kids were 11 and 6 and did great. I'm glad we did it before it got hot! Take water and don't rush. We thought we were at the top - we weren't, so be prepared for that. We up and back in under an hour - but we sorta moved quickly to beat the heat.

Day hike

By Chad |

While staying in Fredericksburg for July 4th, booked a reservation for a day hike at the park. Hiked the west loop, passed by the lake, and up the rock. About a two hour hike for three and a half miles, finished on top. Beautiful views and rock outcroppings, a must see in west Texas!!!

An amazing spot!

By Carole B |

We visited with family. We’d booked and arrived early as we thought it would be busy. It wasn’t crowded at all and we were very pleasantly surprised. Interesting vegetation and a comfortable climb up the rock. Amazing 360 degree views of the Texas hill country. Well worth a visit!

Emchanting

By Lynn B |

If you like to hike and see unusual rock formations this is a place for you. Very interesting area. Be advised, it may be a difficult hike to the top if you aren’t in good shape. However, even if you don’t go the top, which I didn’t, you will find it interesting too.

Good light hiking, excellent spot to take a break.

By xHECKx |

Late July it was hotter than the 3rd level of hell, but had excellent shade trees over the picnic table I stopped at, so I skipped the plethora of light hiking trails. Was $8 per adult when I went. There was a free potable water fill station st the front gate, but the severe drought had the restrooms closed, porta-potty only. There was a food trailer there selling cold drinks and snow cones too.

Great view

By tleeEvans |

Great time to go when not as hot and humid. Had a very pleasant weather with clear blue skies. If it has rained recently they may close the summit trail due to getting slippery. Wear good trail shoes with good soles and the sandy areas on trail can also cause you to slip. Great views from the summit, and does not take that long to hike. Take some water along with you and take time to enjoy the views while climbing as well. There is bathrooms at the trail head and a store to buy some water.

Pink granite is spectacular

By Jennifer J |

Took the 2 mile hike on a very hot and humid day to see some views that I had heard about. Views were just ok from this view point that the trail led us to.Would have liked to see better views but the trail was closed due to a wash out.I guess thats why we were the only ones hiking.Would go back again if I get to that area again.

Beautiful and wonderful view

By Joel M |

The beautiful openess of it all. It was a great hiking experience which was easy to navigate and enjoy. It is a wonderful secret in Texas

Enchanted Rock

By Kay Eaton |

For the outdoor enthusiast the park is a "must see" when in Fredericksburg. The park has 11 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing areas, along with camping sites. In contrast if you prefer a slower pace then simply bring a picnic lunch, find a table or grassy area and take in the views.

All things considered, I chose to hike a couple of trails and then headed up Summit Rock. At 425 feet this granite rock gives spectacular visibility to the amazing landscape. If you choose to hike here just remember to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated.

Great outdoors experience!

By Paula G |

We came on a Tuesday around midday. You have to get a reservation and pay online. There are three entry times available throughout the day, but they give you about a two hour window to arrive. The park is easy to find, and some of the trails were closed due to recent rain. However, it did not diminish our experience. We took the Loop trail, which is not flat. There are some rocky spots, however we had no problems going uphill/downhill on this trail. We saw people of all ages on this trail. It’s a beautiful park.

Hike To The Top -- Just Do It !!!

By trollerk |

We researched a number of attractions and things to do on our first trip to Fredericksburg. Enchanted Rock immediately jumped out as something to do; always need to challenge the body with a hike, jog, or in this case walking up the sheer rock face of Enchanted Rock to the summit. We paid our $7, found our way to Summit Trail, appropriately named, and I have to be honest, I didn't think much of the challenge that lay ahead. Looks can be very deceiving. After passing through some early switchbacks, we cleared the trail and looked ahead to climbing the rock to the top. It's a whole lot steeper than it looked, and we stopped often to view the surroundings. OK, we stopped to rest and catch our breath. It took about 45 minutes to reach the top; rest, take some photos, and another 30 minutes down. We felt great having accomplished the challenge. Next time we'll try some of the other trails; but for our first visit, I'm glad we reached the summit on Summit Trail.

Wildflowers were beautiful in April

By Joanne |

Liked the place so much my husband and I came back here again to celebrate another birthday weekend of birding and hiking in the Hill Country. It was a great time to come because it had rained a day earlier which allowed all the vernal pools to fill and the wildflowers to bloom. Saw some good birds and enjoyed the hike. It was even nicer than last year which was pretty darn hot. The earlier the better at this place since there is not as much shade when the sun is high in the sky. Bring lots of water.

Got there early and avoided the crowds.

By dramady |

Even on a cloudy day, the views from the top of the rock were gorgeous and the trails are nice. Well worth the visit! Get there beteween 6:30 and 8:30 to avoid the crowds.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

By jimfowke |

Great area for hiking with family and friends. Camping is nice, although sites are very close together with no privacy or separation. Make reservations months in advance if planning on camping to secure a site. Best to arrive early if not camping as the park will get to capacity and you could be turned away at entry.

Great Climb

By Andrew Grove |

Just drove through with the family and did the climb to the top. Harder than it looks but worth it. Did not plan well and ended up in the line on the highway waiting to be let in. Google how to visit before going. Beautiful view

Gorgeous views but not so firendly rangers...

By Marjie L |

On our way to Fredericksburg, as part of our Bluebonnet Trail, we visited the Enchanted Rock. We were looking to the visit as I have read very nice reviews here in TA.

Indeed, the views are spectacular, made more memorable because it was a very cold morning/week-end in Texas Hill Country on the week-end we visited...and the bluebonnets blooms around Marble Falls/Burnet/Llano were astounding.

However, I found that the rangers at the entrance and inside the visitor center where guests pay the entrance fee/buy souvenirs were quite unpleasant/unfriendly. I have the impression that they seem to be overbearing. Maybe it is just me, but it marred our experience at the Enchanted Rock. The women staff (2 particularly) were not ENCHANTING at all!

Good hiking places

By Tyke555 |

Went to the top ,was well worth it, I’m 72 years old and it was not too strenuous for me, lots of other choices for hiking, worth the visit

Lots of fun and great trails for all ages

By BARBARA N |

This is a great place to visit. There are several trails to walk for all levels. The view from the summit is superb. The echo trail was my favorite after the sunny trail. It is perfect for children (my 5-years old loved climbing in rocks and walking in the nature). It is best to visit the park in winter and spring but not in summer because it may be too hot. Currently a reservation is required to enter so don’t forget to book one!

Hiking at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

By RichardSTexas |

The hiking trails are moderate, several ones of different lengths available. The scenery was excellent. Must make reservations in advance.

Great Exercise and Great view - visited twice

By Ray M |

We went early before the park got crowded or the day too hot, did the Summit and the Loop trail. The many rocks, crevices, angles and shadows are amazing A highlight was a hummingbird flying into a cactus flower as I photographed it.

Beautiful and fun!

By Alan Michael |

My wife and I came to hike the summit trail. Enchanted Rock is beautifully tucked in the Texas hill country, and the park rangers were very helpful and informative. We needed to make reservations beforehand online to go, but it wasn’t difficult.
Hiking up to the top, you’ll definitely get some beautiful views.

Good hike

By naughtypancake |

Me and my girlfriend hiked it yesterday. I’ve been hiking my whole life and I think this was her second one ever. It’s steep, but it’s easy. It’s about 40 minutes up using the summit trail. Make sure to hydrate!

Absolutely Beautiful

By Funfinder |

Loved this hike! Explored very inch, found an awesome cave. Went around sunset, very pretty! Definitely would do it again!

Dome Repeats

By JasonGanzer |

Came here to train for a 100k race. The elevation gain did not disappoint. The morning sunrise just under cloud cover was beautiful.

On of the pretties summit views I have seen here. And I’ve seen many.

Gorgeous scenery!

By 4n6geekette |

A beautiful state park and a great place to spend a few hours hiking. Even if you don’t want to brave the summit, there is an amazing selection of trails. While they aren’t well marked, there are many places to turn back and most are dog friendly.

Nice, but not challenging or spectacular

By paul y |

Easy hike to the summit if you are fit and have some experience hiking. Plenty of trails on well marked paths. But it really isn't anything spectacular. Worth a stop, but don't think I'd pay again.

If you like weird rock formations, you will love it.

**Beware - if conditions are wet then this would become slippery and dangerous. It had rained on the morning I went and the park was late opening because of it. You will not be allowed to walk if it is too treacherous.

Stunning

By Jill |

How hard can it be to walk up a rock? Harder than you think! We only went up and down Enchanted Rock, and loved every step of it. The views are stunning, and the wind we had pushed us up the steep ascent and nearly blew us away at the top.

Next time we'll stay longer and walk further.

Sure felt spiritual to me!

By KathyJo |

We loved walking through the rock paths—my husband climbed to the top of the Summit Trail. Very cool! I walked halfway up & enjoyed the wide view. The Native Americans believed this was a portal to unknown worlds. There is something uniquely mystifying about it!

Great view!

By TravelingGranny3 |

What a surprise to see this climbable granite outcropping of 1825' elevation. Totally beautiful. The hike was relatively easy. Make reservations ahead of time as thisi park fills to capacity early.

I made it up Enchanted Rok

By Kelly R |

This experience was amazing. If you are in the area you should climb up Enchanted Rock. There were many times I didn't think I would make it to the top. But, with my husbands encouragement and many breaks I made it. The view of the hill country is amazing. So don't miss this opportunity.

Pretty hike!

By AllD13 |

Very dramatic rock for a hike! We really enjoyed the hike up to the summit and around. Definitely a must do if you are in the area, though watch the weather. We needed to make reservations on 2 separate days because the weather forecast for our initial planned day was wet, and they close the summit trail if it gets wet.

Unique Rock

By Vakation101 |

Second try to enter park & were successful this time. Unfortunately, wind factor was SE 23mph in town so much stronger on summit. Wind was continuously fierce on way up & down. Was a struggle to keep upright or steady camera for photos as wind whistled thru clothes & backpack. However, made trip more challenging & memorable.
Also hiked Echo Canyons & Moss Lake trails. Personally, Echo Canyons was more challenging than Summit bc required scrambling over rocks & a few tight squeezes. Moss Lake was not impressive but trail offered a different view in back of park.

Beautiful park

By blkostick |

Great hike and scenery. Lots of trails to take depending on your needs. Cool rock formations and well marked for hiking

A very warm day but still a pleasant experience

By leirachelle |

We went in June 2023 on a weekday afternoon and the park was very uncrowded. We didn't have a reservation. We hiked both around the base and up the summit. It was a very warm day but still made for a pleasant hike. I am from Utah, so I wasn't super impressed by the whole natural area, but in central Texas I think hiking opportunities can be limited, so I understand why it seems to be popular with the locals.

Nice view from the top.

By PhillyGlfr |

My brother and I hiked up the Summit trail and I'm glad we did. We needed to burn some calories after a big lunch and the trail makes you work a little bit but worth the climb. Take some water and a good camera for the views. There's even an ice cream truck at the foot of the trail in case you need something cool to drink or eat. Wish we had more time to explore.

Challenged hike!

By Lisa Z |

The pink mound comes out of nowhere as you get closer to the park entrance. Even when in the parking lot and on the beginning stages of the trail you don't get a good feel for just how high and how long the summit trail will be. It all worth the time, take time for breaks and enjoy the breeze and the view from the top. Stunning!

Wow! The views are worth the climb!

By radleygirl57 |

This is not an easy walk if you are disabled or unfit. Some areas are steep and sloped. However, when you do make it to the top of enchanted rock its spectacular.
There is a 360' panorama for you to view and appreciate.
You must take water and wear comfortable shoes. There are basic bathrooms but limited refreshments available.
Please note you must book in advance. [Its $7 per person I think] They limit the amount of visitors each day. You may get turned away and its a long drive out there.
Check their website!
Don't miss this amazing natural state park.

High Point for Fredricksburg, TX

By lovecotton2 |

This was a fun & beautiful adventure all while getting one' exercise in for the day! If you are in good to great shape you can make it to the top in about 20 - 30 minutes. And you'll need that time to descend as well. It's a big rock, basically. But, not so steep that these two grandparents couldn't do it! Bring water and spray with bug spray or wear long pants. The view from the top is amazing. Plus, there are little pools on top teeming with life! Great time!

Great view!

By Jennifer |

Loved the view. Hill was somewhat steep to hike but once you're at the top the view was worth the hike. Definitely would come again.

Campsites lacking. Visitor's Center Closed

By Teresa R |

Arrived at campsite and had to hunt to find a spot to pitch the tent that was not on ants super highway. I understand nature but there has to be a better way. Enjoyed the hike to the top but was concerned by the lack of ANY park personnel. Bath house had 4 stalls, 3 out of order. Showers had a nasty scorpion in residence. Guess that was as close to a park employee as anything we saw.

Worth the walk for the views

By St_Matty |

Great place to visit. Just ensure you have plenty of water with you as it can get very hot during the summer, and you will definitely get dehydrated when walking up.
I've been there a few times but was with a friend and it was his first time there. He thought it was fantastic.
If you follow the general route up, albeit steep, it is not too bad to climb up.
One of our party did the walk around the dome, as we had a dog with us, and they are not allowed to walk up to the summit. They were not prepared for the heat, but luckily, one of the rangers was very helpful and picked them and drove them back to our car.

Nice strenuous hike

By peggysueillini |

Unique hike up a huge steep rock. Good views at the top. Good to go on a cloudy day. Best to zig zag your way up on the steep part and take a break if you need to!

Great birthday hike

By Terrie L |

I spent my birthday hiking with my husband and our dog at Enchanted Rock over Thanksgiving weekend. Dogs can only access certain areas but it still worked out. Great place for folks of all ages. Relaxing and a great way to unwind and absorb the beauty of our great state of Texas.

day parking

By tmym |

day parking was not allowed after 3 pm, which is when we arrived. several car loads of people arrived at the same time and were disappointed.

The wild flowers were beautiful.

By Charlie R |

It was cool and very pleasant seeing the cactus and wild flowers blooming. This visit we took the interpretive trails. When we were here at the end of March we took the longer trail around.

Picked a Bad day

By art b |

My daughter and I arrived at 3:30 December 14. There were 2 police cars at the entrance ( I should have turned around) . They were traffic control . Because of the traffic , It took 15 minutes to get the the entrance . We were told to park and walk in to pay our entrance fee. 20 people were in line . Another 15 minutes. Restrooms were not working at the entrance. After paying I went to the water vending machine and it was out of order . The ranger said I could buy a Nalgene bottle and fill with tap water. The cost was over $20 . I passed. We headed to the Rock for a short hike. NO parking anywhere near the rock. A beautiful place, poorly run, be careful when you arrive.

Big rock climb

By Paradise733637 |

Great day hiking on enchanted rock! We go back every few years to climb to the top and enjoy the views. Go online in advance and book your time reservation so you can secure your spot when you arrive. Arrive early before it gets busy and hot.

Must see to experience, and to appreciate!

By Preston |

Been visiting here since it was privately owned. I'm never disappointed.

Reservations are required for camping. Great for day exploration, and hiking.

Bring water, and something to eat.

Wish it was like 1997 again.

By Danny |

This place used to be amazing. Nowadays; you are pretty much on your own. First went rock climbing here in the 90’s. Time happened, kids happened and for some reason they stopped patrolling like they used to. Never saw a park ranger and conditions were dangerous at best. We literally barely made it out of the park.

Never disappoints! What a view

By AN6pack |

We went on Tuesday and got a late start. I called ahead to make sure we wouldn’t be turned away, but it was not even close to being full. We found a parking spot close to the front and had a beautiful hike up Summit Trail to the top! We started coming here when our youngest was just one- its much easier now that he is a teenager!

Day with my Son

By DeeGalando |

My son and I decided to hike up Enchanted Rock. At 62 yrs old I wasn’t to sure about it. I’m glad my son talked me into it. Meet lot us of friendly people and it’s not that difficult a hike.

Won't forget it

By 120Debra |

Enchanted Rock was on our big driving loop for our 8 day Texas trip. The day before we planned to go, I called to be sure they were open on Sunday & found a reservation is needed for hiking there! We did so online & returned on another day. It was so worth it. It's a gorgeous area w/ amazing 360 degree views from the top. It was fun watching others enjoying it too. We are 63 & 69 in pretty good shape. It took us 1 1/2 hrs total. Looking at it on arrival we wondered what we were thinking. Afterwards, we felt such a sense of accomplishment. We rested several times & brought a protein bar to eat while resting on top. Bring lots of water & sunscreen. I wished I had a visor.

Fun time

By Callielyn83 |

This park is neat. We took the summit trail which is 0.6 miles of steep incline to the top. It’s very hot out. I suggest making a reservation the the Texas Parks website. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Bring lots of water. There is a snow cone stand as well.

Nice hike for that area

By rygentry |

The price to get in was $7 per person, and seemed a little high. There were lots of picknick tables so you could have lunch there. There are a few trails there, but as for the main attraction we were up to the top and back down in a little over an hour taking our time. There is conveniently a kona ice stand at the bottom of the trail and is hard to pass up after the hike. We had some other things to do that day so we didn't stick around and maybe the fee wouldn't have seemed so steep if we had stayed longer, but for us it has been marked off the list. No need for a second trip.

A Hill Country must-do!

By Jay C |

My first/only other visit here was as a Boy Scout 50 years ago. Had a blast both times!

We reserved a Park Pass for our early weekday visit. At 8:30 a.m. the parking lot had just 2 dozen cars or so (the top had no more than 4-5 groups/families while we were there). Cloudy skies, cooler morning temps and a slight breeze made for an enjoyable climb. The long-range views were terrific.

A few things to note: Winds on/near the top are quite strong so secure your hats/gear! Also, you really will need a healthy supply of water, especially as the day warms-up. And good quality/condition shoes are a must...we saw some folks wearing sandals that clearly struggled in both directions .

Final word: the facilities are very clean, the trails are clearly marked, and the rangers are super friendly/helpful.

Very interesting!

By seashell1205 |

It was too hot (135F) to hike to the top, but the area was well-maintained and safe. Beautiful area and views. Restrooms needed updating.

Great hike to the summit of Enchanted Rock

By Rita J |

I loved the hike to the summit of Enchanted Rock. The views at the top are amazing. I hiked in the evening so it wasn't too hot. The elevation gain is only about 400' but it is straight up so I did rest a bit along the way. We saw our first tarantula in the wild here. That was exciting also.

Piece of heaven

By teknref |

Made reservations for 8:30 am due to being July and extremely to. Glad I did. If coming from Fredericksburg the drive is beautiful. The park rangers were friendly and helpful. There are multiple trails to choose from and being my first time here, I did the summit trail. I am not in good shape by any means, but I made it to the top and was really glad I did. The view was outstanding and the breeze was refreshing. The trek down was much easier and it took roughly 45 minutes each way. This is a must do in the Hill Country

beautiful and amazing

By hipntrippy |

First of all, you need to make a reservation to go here due to the popularity. secondly, it is best to go October through May, and preferably in the mornings. If it is wet outside, then a trip to Enchanted rock would be quite dangerous. If it is hot, well...does a hike through an oven sound like fun? We have been going to Enchanted rock for years. Take lots of water and an easy picnic; stop by the bathrooms and take you camera. You will be walking up a great big smooth bald chunk of granite. There will be a lot of people there, but the rock is so massive that the crowd size does not matter...it's the parking that can get to be difficult. We plan out a 4 hr window for our time there and then like to go walk around Fredericksburg afterwards along with a nice dinner.

Fun experience-will be back

By Brittany G |

You must book a reservation, especially on a weekend. As we are gearing up into summer, bring a lot of water and go as early as possible. We climbed the rock first, which is challenging but fun and can be done by people of all ages and sizes. There is not much shade cover so remember sunscreen. We then hiked back down and decided to do some trails around the rock. The interactive park map app really helped us when we would get a little lost. Their park trail markers are good but at times you lose the trail through rock and the map helped us know we were on the right track. Overall, we hiked for about 3 hours and covered about 4 miles of terrain and 12 bottles of water. It is absolutely beautiful and definitely a must see experience. The view from the top is gorgeous.

Unbelievable Long Views Of The Texas Hill. Country

By Fisher327 |

We visited enchanted rock on a whim … just to see what it was all about and were totally blown away by the size of the rock. Our. Hike around it was around 4 miles. On our hike we encountered falcons and hawks, mockingbirds, cardinals, lizards and snakes.

The hike just to the overlook is shorter and if you are prepared (water and hiking shoes or boots) is well worth your time. When we were hiking the temperature was around 90 degrees and there is precious little shade. The views out over the hill country from the overlook are totally awesome.

The hiking paths are wide and extremely well marked.

We saw a number of rattlesnakes (of course) and a few rat snakes. The path is clear and should provide an easy view of any snakes (on the path). If you venture off the path watch where you put your feet … especially if you are in the tall native grass.

If you are in the area and fond of outdoor activities we highly recommend Enchanted Rock.

You can make it!

By Valerie S |

Beautiful day! Amazing views from the top! Under an hour, productive exertion worth the effort. Time to enjoy good health, the achievement, awe-inspiring nature, and picturesque landscape.

A hiking park.

By Larry R |

Stopped by hoping park would be a drive through experience. It's not. Park is noted for it's hiking trails and a chance to hike to the top of Enchanted Rock. Fees are &7.00 per person.

Great view

By Nelly B |

The view of this park was amazing, but when we came the bathrooms were not working. They had portable bathrooms. And the trails were confusing and no clearly defined. We enjoyed the hike but we were expecting for the trail to be more clearly defined because we had a toddler we us and didn’t want to venture out without guidance. But other than that the view was amazing.

Great Experience

By Ari O |

Make Reservations beforehand. We went Friday around noon and they were booked up until 4pm, so we ended it coming back Sunday since it was out of the way. Great Experience and much higher than it looks in pictures. It gets pretty steep towards the top.

Hiking

By Debbie N |

Beautiful pink rock .Many different levels skill for climbing 8 different points of intetest.We only did to small trails but the were breath taking. Would of loved to of claimed to top you can see 360 view,your up1823 ft on enchanted rock. Would recommend this place if coming to Fredericksburg tx.

Great experience and worth the trip up for the views

By TABristolUK |

If you can be in this part of hill country it is strongly recommended for the views atop are breathtaking. On practicalities do make a reservation online - we went on a Sunday and they turned folk away, it is seven dollars for adults and kiddos are free. Bathroom and visitor facilities are meagre but there are a few different trails to try not just the enchanted rock. As for the rock hike the usual advice of sturdy shoes, water and sunscreen apply. It took us about 20 minutes to reach the top but one of our party who suffers from vertigo stopped half way. The rock material is quite sticky so although it looks at times as if you might roll off the side, you're very unlikely to do so. Sitting on top whilst a very windy day was a fantastic experience. We didn't but I regret not doing some other trails to see the rock from different angles. If Texas State Parks are reading this one change I'd suggest for your reservation system is not insisting on entering a licence plate on booking since when hiring a car this isn't known so I was unable to reserve our spot until the night we arrived in Texas meaning slots for the next day had already gone for some times of day. Also your convention for phone numbers doesn't allow international numbers, only US / Canadian visitors. Just some things to be more helpful to overseas guests.

Refreshing Hike easily accomplished in a couple of hours!

By FabFamFive |

It is worth the drive with lots of trails for different levels of ability. It was a little cold in January so bring a coat as it can be breezy at the top.

very difficult to walk

By terry m |

The half mile loop starts out with difficult large steps down and then rocks which were impossible for me because I've had double knee replacement surgery. The beginning of the regular trail was even worse. We spent $15 and did not walk very much.

Beautiful place

By WildHaireAdventures |

Stopped here while visiting the area and had an amazing time. There are numerous trails and hikes to do and we enjoyed a few of them. Unfortunately, it was raining so we were not allowed to go up on Enchanted Rock itself but we still had a great time and we will return.

Hot, slippery, but amazing views

By Nodoubt46 |

Enchanted rock is really cool, but also very hot. The views were gorgeous. The summit trail is rated as challenging, but that’s only because there’s not really a clear path.

The rangers were super weird about the temperature and making sure we had water. My recommendation would’ve been to check people had good shoes on. There’s no true hiking trail and this experience was most similar to climbing on the roof of a house.

During the current drought there aren’t any pools on top of the rock, but you can see where they were.

Great hiking!

By HutchinsK2021 |

Amazing hike & views, so much to see
Looks like great camping as many were set up, tons of picnic benches, seating, water streams, walking, wear good shoes
Bring water , backpack , even on a cooler day
We did summit trail (steep )& Echo Canyon (rocky )
Take your time & watch the rock climbers

Excellent experience

By Lisa S |

Our friends we were traveling with had been here 15 yrs ago and highly recommended we all return. So we went on a Friday. First we stopped at the welcome station, however the bathrooms were closed. There are flush toilets near the base of the rock along with port-a-johns. Also there was a water refilling station.

Off we went up the rock on a sunny but very windy day! It was quite busy with people of all ages. Wear closed toe shoes, a hat/sunglasses and sunscreen.

The rock is steep looking in a few places but when you are actually on it it’s not as steep as it appears. It is not an easy climb up nor would I say it’s challenging but it is a workout. There are no loose pebbles but you will find areas that are not level so you must mind your step. It took us about an hour up and back and we sat and had a snack at the top.

We also did the Loop Trail at the bottom.

We returned at night for a Star Party at the base of the rock held in a parking lot. 3 rangers had telescopes and showed us various things in the night sky. If you’ve never attended such an event I recommend it.

Challenging Hike to majestic views of Hill Country

By Chris S |

Enchanted Rock is a pink granite mountain located in the Llano Uplift approximately 17 miles north of Fredericksburg, Texas and 24 miles south of Llano, Texas,
What a fantastic hike. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or good running shoes that grip. Parts of the uphill hike are a straight incline up the rock. Definitely carry a small pack with snacks, water and a baseball cap. Make your reservations online to avoid the crowds through Texas Parks and Wildlife.
The Granite Gripper is an annual rock climbing competition that acts as a fund raiser for park conservation through the Friends of Enchanted Rock.[24]

Great hike!

By larmer2017 |

Beautiful weather in n 60s fairly easy hike with just enough change in terrain to keep it interesting. Beautiful views up top. Really enjoyed walking up into the trees on the back side and enjoyed the solitude and coolness. Not too busy on a Wednesday morning but would probably get crowded on a w/e.

Beautiful outdoor area close to town

By Tinkerbelle77381 |

If you are visiting Fredericksburg, this park is only 25 minutes to the north. There are may beautiful expansive views on the road to the park. Climb the rock as far as you like. We visited recently and the bluebonnets were really visible on the roadside!

Backpack -Rock

By Tomster5 |

We backpacked to The Moss Lake primitive campsite and stayed in site #126. It had a great view of E-rock and the stars with good afternoon shade. No early shade. Site #128 looked like it had shade all day. Those appeared to be the best two spots there. The hiking around the trails was great and we logged about 11 miles over our weekend there. Echo Canyon was the most fun hike but not with a big pack! Carry extra water and explore the place, not just the top of E-rock. Enjoy a meal at the Hungry Fryer in Llano before or after your visit to E-rock.

Might want to brace yourself

By blessedmomma30 |

I would recommend going prepared for this excursion. Bring a backpack and some good gripped shoes. Try to go when it isn’t too hot like early in the morning. They do have vending machines on site if you forget to bring water. A selfie stick wouldn’t be a bad idea if you want to take multiple shots and not continuously ask strangers to snap a photo. It’s definitely a must do when in Fredericksburg! Glad we can say we conquered the Enchanted Rock! Side note the Rangers outside we friendly just inside they were more business not rude just doing their jobs.

Looking forward to a return trip

By Ed S |

We didn’t have much time to hike the area but our short look around was enticing and we most definitely plan to return for a day trip. The wildflowers we’re wonderful Albeit a little less than anticipated because of the cold winter weather.

Update! On The Rock

By J W |

If you are planning to head to Enchanted Rock for a day of hiking, especially on a weekend or during spring break, make sure to get there early!!! We went this past weekend to do some technical rock climbing and barely made it in. We arrived at 9am and sat in line for 25-30 minutes. They closed the park 2 cars be hind us, Whew!! Just realize that with the mild winter weather we have had here in Texas, people are wanting to get out and enjoy the sun. So make you plans accordingly.
I have been asked about getting into the park to watch the sunrise from on top. Since the time is going to be changing pretty soon you might be able to be on top when the sun comes up-check the local calendar for sunrise/sunset times. Sunset is just as beautiful from on top-it may be warm during the day, but if you are on top as sunsets you will need a jacket or something. If you hike up later to see the sunset or the stars take a blanket to sit or lay on or cuddle under.
If you are really wanting to see the sunrise-camping in the park is your best bet. Just realize there are only primitive campsites (tents only). If the weather is warm-spring or summer- we have gone w/o a tent and just slept in light bags, sometimes mosquitoes are bad-so plan accordingly. (we have also slept in the back of our pickups with a blowup mattress

Disappointing

By gr8ful4222 |

After seeing all the warnings about the park being closed on weekends when it gets full, and having to book in advance, we thought it made sense to visit on a weekday instead. Unfortunately it turns out that the park also closes on weekdays for hunters. They really are making it difficult to visit! I suggest checking the web site for Park Alerts before driving out here.

Amazing place

By Skyler2005 |

This state park is beautiful !!plan to go early or late in the day because it is really hot during spring specially at the top

Happy Surprise

By Tonya M |

The area was still blooming with wildflowers! We bought our entrance ticket ahead of time and had no problems with getting into the park. An early time slot worked well, plus the temperature was perfect for all of the hikes. Bring a picnic and stay for awhile to enjoy the surroundings!

Go climb a Texas mountain!

By Sherpa224672 |

A great place to get out and stretch your legs. Scramble up the summit trail to the top of the rock and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views. The first part you’ll be hiking around small rocks, but then the climbing gets easier.

Great State Park!

By aesElPaso |

About 20 minutes away from Main Street in Fredericksburg. When we got there, we were asked if we had reservations. Not sure what they would have done. So drove in and parked - huge open areas with restrooms. Lots of people in tents. Walked the Loop Trail with our dogs. That's the only one you can take dogs on. Beautiful scenery - fairly easy hike. When we were leaving there was a line of about 10-15 cars to come in (about noon) but maybe because it was spring break time. Highly recommend this if you are in the area.

adventure awaits

By Alisa C |

fun place to hike, not just to the top of the rock but the canyon, around the rock and all the trails that lead to lakes and caves. take time to see it all! take lots of water and a map

Pink Mountain

By gwen k |

There were several walking trails. Had a picnic area. Weather wasn’t conducive today for too much hiking. Rainy. Still enjoyed seeing it.

Must see!

By Dennis N |

I highly recommend climbing Enchanted Rock. The view is worth the effort, but don’t try it in hot weather. It’s a great geologic feature that is unspoiled by tourists.

Nice view

By Alex Solis |

A nice visit. But, I expected more; probably because of the name...
Cool view at top, with extreme winds.
You must be in relatively good shape to climb these mountains. Several people appeared to be having difficulty on their way up.
Due to water shortages, portable toilets were available.
Our trip was a day-trip, so I can't comment on overnight accommodations.
No food or drinks sold on site. So, if you think you'll get hungry/thirsty, better take food/water.

Sunset hike

By Jet55002728243 |

We booked an evening time slot for our hike to the top of the rock . We had the rock to ourselves and enjoyed the short moderate hike to the top. Good views and photo opps at the top . We saw the small shrimps in the puddles and vultures resting on the rock. We spent about 2 and a half hours there in total .

Moderately Difficult but worthy hike .

By jamusaba |

Challenging attraction for me and my wife but that just made it that much more memorable. We took the Loop Trail on the advice of the park guides . This trail is moderate to difficult but we arrived early AM with cameras in tow and wanted to do some birding. We saw a lot of birds along the first mile but perhaps in error stayed on the 4.5 mile trail too long. We tried to return by taking the Moss Lake and later Echo Lake trail which is even more difficult involving some rock climbing . but this trail did in fact get us back to the park entrance. All in all a comedy of errors - all ours of course. But we had a great time none the less.

Stunning views - nice paths

By savytraverlor43323 |

Absolutely gorgeous area. I am so glad we went to this park. We are fortunate they let us in as we didn't have a reservation and apparently you need a reservation for parks in Texas even if all you are going to do is walk around. I don't understand why buy hey it is Texas. There was only one trail open when we went, the loop trail. The woman at desk told my husband it is about 3 miles, but map says 4.6 We only went a little past the scenic overlook and turned around because we were both getting tired and hungry. It was a fantastic day and place. We wanted to go back but can't make a reservation again before we leave. But honestly, this is a must see place if you are in the area.

Wonderful hike, be sure to plan accordingly

By GSchunicht |

We dd a great hike up to the summit mid-morning, thankfully before it got hot, then went around through the canyon trail and back around base trail. All told it was close to 3 hours. Be sure to have a pack and plenty of water, maybe a snack. Some great views all around.

Beautiful Views at Enchanted Rock

By SN |

Enchanted Rock State Park is definitely worth seeing if visiting Fredricksburg/Hill Country. We hiked the summit trail and although they say its a more difficult one, my whole family (who are not avid hikers) was able to climb the rock just fine. Beautiful views as you near the summit. Recommend folks go in the morning because once noon hits the sun really beats down - even in December. We started our hike around 9/9:30am and that was probably the latest I’d start. Can’t imagine doing the hike during the summer where I expect the temperatures would be much higher! Overall a wonderful experience.

Beautiful!

By todd c |

Visited for the first time in late Nov. weather was perfect but windy at the top of the summit. We had lots of steep grades descending but took our time and zig zagged our way down. Arrived at 9:30am on Sunday with reservations and only had moderate company. Leaving at 2pm we noticed most all parking was taken. Lots of great trails with scenic views. Worth the 2 hr drive from Austin area!

Visited Fredericksburg for a late lunch to cap off a great day!

Amazing place to hike and feel the wind

By Slythe777 |

Before going, be prepared for a strenuous hike! The incline on that rock is very steep and you can easily fall to your death if you don't pace yourself AND have appropriate footwear. When you get to the top however, the rewards are striking. You see such a beautiful 360 view of the area and feel an amazing breeze as well. Worth going in the morning and during sunset!

Wonderful Place

By Aubrey T |

A bit of a hike to get to the top, but not too bad. We are both 68 and made it in under half an hour, and we're not workout freaks. Little eco-systems that have formed in indentations in the rock were marvelous. Make sure you see this place if you're in the area. On weekends or holidays you'll need reservations.

Best hiking in Texas

By Izaakj |

Don’t miss any opportunity to climb Enchanted Rock. Always an incredible and inspiring day!!!

Bring plenty of water and sunscreen!

A not to be missed hike

By quiltingtraveler68 |

Really a fairly short hike to the top and worth it. Just take it slow and you can do it. The view up top is awesome

Hill country scenery and views

By Michael Womack |

Most people that visit the park go straight to the top of the granite dome, and that does afford nice views, but the real interest in the park is found out on the trails that go through rocky passes, hill country vegetation and views, and go through creek beds and other nooks and crannies. The granite dome also provides an interesting sight from these trails. They are less crowded, important to consider in this park. They are also not so dependent on the weather conditions.

Be sure to make a reservation during busy times and go early or late in the day to have more peace and quiet.

Beautiful spot

By Rosemarie R |

This is a beautiful area to hike and relax , the only drawback is that dogs are only allowed on a small part of the park

Great view from the top.

By Texas_USA_traveler |

Came with the family and hiked to the summit. Even with kids in tow it was a slightly difficult climb but well worth it once to the top. Several different trails with various difficulty levels. Only port a potties due to covid. Lots of picnic tables around parking lot area. Come prepared as there is nothing close by and no cell signal in parking lot area.

Simply Gorgeous!

By shinerbock71 |

If hiking and nature are your thing, you must not miss a visit to this beautiful hidden gem in the hill country. While your wining it up in Fredericksburg, just take the 20 minute trip. I would suggest getting there early though as it can get crowded quickly!

Gorgeous!

By Lee 49 |

This place is magical! Friendly Rangers and magnificent views. A relatively easy climb but be sure to take water! Stay hydrated!

Lovely afternoon among the wild flowers

By Suzan F |

Enchanted Rock is a nice spot for a lazy afternoon or for a hike. For those who are able the climb up to the top provides a wonderful view of the Texas Hill Country. There are picnic tables for eating or relaxing too as well as restrooms.

t's okay IF they'll let you in

By Judy C |

I was raised in this area and climbed all of these trails when I was a kid. Now my husband wants to go out so we travel 2 hours from home and get turned away because you need a RESERVATION to WALK.....really?! We were only going to be there for a couple of hours and there's 17 miles of trails. Yep, not going back.

Book reservation early

By Dana K |

It's incredible to see something like this in Texas! All ages can visit as there are paths of all skill levels. Sunsets are amazing - just make sure you make your way back quickly - it gets dark fast!

First time there

By Tony C |

Great to see how a giant batholith has been formed. Granite from the magma beneath the crust. Lots of natural fracture lines, granite veins, plantf life.
A hike not for the faint hearted. Worth the trip to the summit.

Breathtaking!!!

By 688martieb2017 |

Enchanted Rock is just a short drive from Fredericksburg. The scenery is incredible! The wildflowers are beautiful this time of year. You will need plenty of water and comfortable shoes if you plan to hike to the top. But even if you don't want to hike, you can walk a short way down the trail to enjoy the beauty.

This is a MUST DO for all Texans!

Great day hikes near Fredericksburg

By Rick H |

Lots of great hiking trails from easy to challenging. Some primitive (tent) camping sites if you want to stay a while. As they suggest be sure to bring water.

We Did It

By Dennis10_51 |

We did it. My wife and I made it all the way to the top. Climb is fairly steep on a big solid rock, but nothing a person in good health cannot accomplish. Great views from the top with its own unique ecosystem. If you like hiking this is a must for you while you are in the area.

If you are going again things have changed

By Jared |

I have been to Enchanted Rock numerous times, but some things have changed so beware! You must now make online reservations. Not doing so could get you turned away after a 3 hour drive there. Also they would not let me turn into the entrance coming from Fredericksburg. Numerous cars were turning around in the road just to come in from the other way. That’s not safe.
It’s still a great climb and great hike. Great view. If the hill country from the top, and it’s a good workout. Make sure you bring plenty of water, good shoes, and sunscreen. I will go back for sure, but 4 stars mainly just because the entrance won’t let you enter from both sides and it’s unsafe to turn around in the middle of 965.

Of course

By texaskdog |

Everyone nearby needs to check this place out. Always fun and the climb is a good workout. The other trails are great too check them out (preferably not in summer)

Walk to remember

By KandiBag |

Make a reservation as the park can fill up. Choose this hike on a cool day. It is beautiful but the rocks reflect the sun. Stunning views from the peak. Bring water and sunglasses then enjoy the beauty.

Enchanted rock closer.

By Kyndra B |

So the park last entry was at 12:30 today. We were 5 minutes late to get into the park and they wouldn't let us in. We drove 3 hours to get here. So it was a waste of time. I checked the website before coming.

360 view

By Debora Z |

Your steep climb, helped by a bit of zigzagging, is rewarded by a beautiful 360 degree view. It is amazing to see the vernal pools with a reflection of the sky or hardy plants growing in the breeze. There is plenty of room up there to get away from the crowds. Be sure of the correct way down before you start your decent. We went down slightly off the track but managed to find the loop trail and wind back to the front.

The snow cones were the highlight!

By Tami C |

If you want to throw up when you get to the top or have a sugar melt down because you chose to climb this mountain in July during a heat wave with temps of over 100 then yes, go ahead, do it.

Or you can wait until the temps are much cooler and actually enjoy the experience.

I would not call this a hike up a mountain but more like a "climb up a mountain" experience. We did not find the trail that casually wrapped around the mountain but literally climbed up the mountain.
If we do it again, it will be cooler temps and we will look harder for the more casual trail.
The snow cones at the end of the hike after you hike up and then back down helped restore the moods of everyone in our family.

Be prepared for Enchanted Rock

By George H |

This was a late add, and almost didn’t happen! The park requires reservations!!! Luckily they had a couple cancellations on a week day, but they assured us, we would have been turned away if it were the weekend.
Bathrooms out of service at entrance but work at campground and base of climb. No water was available, as the refill fountain was inop. The best part of the whole experience was Kona ice after a very hot hike. It wasn’t overly strenuous, but the heat was pretty tough! Beautiful views, fun family time, bring water, hat or shade device would have helped a lot! Good breeze in spots!

It's a typical state park

By Stephanie M |

We enjoyed a short hike on the loop trail with our dog. It is the only trail that dogs are allowed on. Bathrooms were closed with port-a-johns nearby for use. Many hikers taking advantage of the summit climb.