Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
add photosStraddling Llano and Gillespie Counties is massive EnchantedRock. The landscape here is dominated by an immense, smooth pink-granite dome more than one billion years old, the oldest exposed rock in North America. The rock, sacred to Native Americans, is surrounded withlegends and was the site of a battle between Texas Rangers and Native Americans. Visitors love walking to the top of the rock, or trying to, but other trails in the parkalso offer unusual rock formations for sightseeing and photo opportunities. Enchanted Rock has a couple offissure caves children love to scramble around. The park also has picnic and camping facilities. Be advised to arrive early on weekends between May and October, because rangers close the park once capacity is reached.Where to Eat
5 Reviews for Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
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1 family found this helpful
"GREAT place for families!"
Went here with our family and LOVED it! Great place for hiking and camping. The kids loved exploring and climbing the big rock. The view is very nice and the grounds are very clean. We brought our own food to grill and tent to sleep in and enjoyed it so much. The kids keep begging us to go back. It isn't a far drive from Austin as well so it would be a fun 2 day trip for the family. I highly recommend this. Great family times in a beautiful place!
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"Nice!@@"
Beautiful park with some great hikes and fantastic views. Lots of rocks and caves to scramble about in and on, too.
It does get a little crowded on the summit trail, but you can find some space for yourself if you go early enough, or try some of the less popular trails.
Get there EARLY! We arrived a little after 10am and the line to get in was already out onto the main street.
If you're in the area, you must check it out. Just make sure you bring lots of water and sunscreen since there aren't many trees to find shade under.
2 families found this helpful
"We love this hike"
Hiking as a family… yes it can be fun even with little ones. Our 8 month old daughter, at that time, loved being in the framed carrier (she hated slings and other front carriers so we were surprised) so much that on the way down she took a nap. Since we are from Texas we trend to do more outdoors in the fall or winter. We went in Nov and the weather was so perfect… cool enough for a long sleeve or a light jacket but the sun was shining and the hike is always as hard as you want it to be. Since we were carrying (or I should say my husband was carrying) the baby we took the general easy hike but we have been coming here since we were kids and have hiked lots of other much more challenging routes. The older kids with us also loved the “caves” at top. Makes for a great day hike. More info from their site below:
Activities: Visitors can enjoy primitive backpacking, camping, hiking, technical and rock climbing, picnicking, geological study, bird watching, and star gazing (minimal light pollution). Remember, at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, do not disturb plant or animal life, geological features, or Indian or historical artifacts. These park resources are protected by law! Bring your own firewood. Rock climbers must check in at headquarters; route maps and climbing rules available.
NOTE: The park reaches capacity (in terms of parking) and frequently closes on weekends (sometimes as early as 11 a.m.) Reopening usually occurs at 5 p.m. Call ahead or have alternate plans if you arrive at the park and find it closed.
• Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months. (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/calendar/?calpage=s0049)
• More Information on outdoor activities from the Experience Texas page. (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/calendar/?calpage=s0049)
2 families found this helpful
"Fun rock scramble for all ages"
The premier hike here is the climb to the top of enchanted rock for the spectacular views of the hill ocuntry. The climb to the top of enchanted rock is strenuous, make sure everyone has good footwear and plenty of water. Even in the cool winter months you are going to work up a sweat if you climb to the peak. We climbed in late afternoon/evening and watched the sunset ( but be prepared with flashlights for your climb down and leave plenty of time so you don't loos too much light). There are several other hikes to choose from and all suit energetic families. One warning: there are literally hundred of deer in this area both on the road in and in the park. Drive with caution, especially late/early in the day.
2 families found this helpful
"Indian Jones Style Family Fun"
Enchanted rock is fun for any sure footed kid and their parents too! The areas has tons of "caves" which you go through. Some of them have some tight spots and/or steep spots so this entering a cave is not a good idea without a flashlight, if you have a pregnant bump or are under the age of 5. The caves that are okay to enter are marked and even though you aren't the first to explore them you feel like you are!
Wildlife you will definitely come across are lizards, which some kids (and dads) love to catch and check out!
There are beautiful views of Texas Hill County from the top of the rock, but beware the wind can pick up and knock the little ones over!
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