Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
4.5
6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Enormous pink rock dome that rises 325 feet above a small stream.
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- Amanda T7 contributionsBreathtaking.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.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 16 October 2023
- jeff77664Downingtown, Pennsylvania611 contributionsBest State Park we have seen in TexasSpent 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.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 13 November 2023
- lorrabellKent, United Kingdom11,220 contributionsGreat experienceLovely 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 wayVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 December 2023
- tleeEvansHouston, Texas956 contributionsGreat viewGreat 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.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 December 2023
- Lisa SHummelstown, Pennsylvania10,157 contributionsExcellent experienceOur 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.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 April 2024
- likeparty318 contributionsGreat if you can get in...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.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 May 2024
- A.VisitorAmarillo, Texas59 contributionsImpressive family hikeWe 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.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Strider185
Colorado96 contributions
Feb 2020
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.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J E
Austin, TX2,780 contributions
Jan 2021
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.
Written 14 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula G
55 contributions
Sept 2020
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.
Written 26 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel_Addict_Cyprus
Michigan1,356 contributions
Nov 2022
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!
Glad we got the chance to visit this park!
Written 27 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JLV74
McKinney, TX75 contributions
Nov 2020
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.
Written 20 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tomster5
Texas72 contributions
Jun 2020
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.
Written 14 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ceara_Nevada
Dallas, TX114 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
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!
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!
Written 6 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Florida to Canada
Edisto Island, SC80 contributions
Apr 2022
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!
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!
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ari O
Katy, TX73 contributions
Dec 2019
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.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SR-1007
Houston, TX701 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
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.
Written 17 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you need to make a reservation just to go on a hike? We are not camping there.
Written 23 November 2024
i don't have experience hiking on granite, is it very slippery? very risk and difficult? i'm 65 and has minimum hiking experience, not sure if I can get to the tip by myself
Written 30 July 2021
Hi Jeannie
In my experience it is very slippery following any rainfall. When it's dry it is ok with suitable footwear i.e with good grips. There were people in their sixties walking this peak when I was there, but they looked reasonably fit and experienced. Hope that helps.
Written 24 August 2021
Does anyone know if showers are available/open at this time? (keeping COVID in mind)
Written 27 April 2021
When we visited at the beginning of the year, the showers were open to campers but only after 5 PM. During the rest of the day, the toilets and shower blocks were locked and there were port-a-potties available for toilet use. Again, this was back in January so I'm not sure if it's still the same as of currently.
Written 30 April 2021
anissa g
San Antonio, Texas
Am I able to go on the hiking trail by myself or someone has to be with me?
Written 9 September 2020
Don’t know much about the hiking trails around the mountain but going straight up is good. Many people around.
Written 14 September 2020
Pets are allowed in certain areas (picnic areas, parking lot and certain other designated areas) but not on the trails or on the Rock itself, which is just as well because the granite rock retains heat and the surface temperature can exceed 120 degrees, hot enough to kill a dog if it's exposed to the heat for very long.
Make sure you have lots of water
Written 31 July 2019
I have camping reservations for Enchanted Rock however, the reservation system does not tell me which camping spot I am assigned to or even which area (Walnut Springs or Moss lake). My question is, how can I find out which camping spot or area I'm assigned to or, even better, is it possible to request which area you camp in? I appreciate any info you can share.
Written 3 March 2018
It’s first come first serve. When you get there you can tell them which one you’re going to.
Written 4 March 2018
My family and I have camping reservations for Enchanted Rock but I keep reading how crowded it gets (especially during Spring Break, which is when we will be there) and how they close the gates preventing entry when crowded. My question is, will those with reservations be permitted entry or will they have to wait in line / voucher system, like day visitors? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Written 3 March 2018
We did the same thing. We booked and paid for a camping spot so we would be guaranteed entry.
You might have to wait in line to get in the park and check in, but you will get in as opposed to day visitors just driving in to visit and leave.
The park is large enough and the tent camping area was large enough of a reserved area you shouldn’t feel cramped.
Don’t miss this opportunity, you’ll love it.
Written 4 March 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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