How Long Does It Take To Hike Enchanted Rock Texas?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of

43 min

to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and rock climbing, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

Is Enchanted Rock an easy hike?

Experience this 5.4-mile loop trail near Fredericksburg, Texas. Generally considered a

moderately challenging route

, it takes an average of 2 h 4 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, birding, and camping, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Is Enchanted Rock worth it?

This beautiful art of nature is wonderful. Gorgeous hike and views. Get there early as it fills up quickly and they close the park.

Is Enchanted Rock Hard to climb?

Climbing “The Rock” is roughly equivalent to climbing the stairs in a 30- to 40-story building, and while it’s not particularly dangerous or difficult, I would label this a

moderately difficult hike

if for no other reason than to warn away non-hikers.

Is Enchanted Rock kid friendly?

Day fees are $8 for adults,

free for kids ages 12 & under

. Pets are only allowed in the designated day-use picnic areas, the campgrounds, and on the Loop Trail, but they are NOT allowed on the popular Summit Trail. Best to leave them home if you can. Bring plenty of drinking water.

Can you swim in Moss Lake Enchanted Rock?

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – Texas Parks and Wildlife

Despite how photogenic this little lake is,

it isn’t a swimming hole

. Those who dare to jump in (despite the “No Swimming” sign) get out covered with leeches!

What do I need to know before Enchanted Rock trail?

Important Details for Hiking Enchanted Rock


Enchanted Rock is considered an exfoliation dome, which means it is constantly eroding and changing to this day

. Make sure to watch where you step especially if you go down different sides of the rock, to help keep you and your family safe.

What is there to do in Enchanted Rock?

Visitors have been coming to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for centuries and it remains one of the most popular things to do in Fredericksburg. It offers

park camping, picnicking, 8.4 miles of hiking trails, a nature trail, interpretive exhibits, rock climbing, cave exploration, watchable wildlife and a park store

.

Is Enchanted Rock closed?

The park is are

open daily at 6:30 AM and closes at 8:00 PM

. Day use visitors may use the park until 10 PM, when all day-use permits expire.

Can you see the Milky Way from Enchanted Rock?

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area mesmerizes with its geology, legends and natural beauty. Its rural dark sky also makes it one of the best public places for stargazing in Central Texas.

The skies here are still dark enough to view the Milky Way, but they need protection from encroaching city lights

.

Can you take a stroller to Enchanted Rock?


Strollers don’t work here

– Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

Where is the cave at Enchanted Rock?

The Enchanted Rock Cave is situated within Fredericksburg’s Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, located at

16710 Ranch Road 965

. The park is open daily from 8am-10pm.

Why do they call it Enchanted Rock?

Folklore of local Tonkawa, Apache and Comanche tribes ascribes

magical and spiritual powers to the rock

(hence the name Enchanted Rock).

What is the incline of Enchanted Rock?

The slope is steep—on average it’s

greater than 30 degrees

—but don’t be put off. Granite has a high coefficient of friction, and even the most inexperienced of hikers can make it to the top with a little friendly encouragement.

Who owned Enchanted Rock?


The Nature Conservancy of Texas

purchased the property from Charles Moss in 1978. It later sold the 1,640.5-acre property to the state of Texas. The state bought an additional three acres to add to the park. Enchanted Rock opened as a state natural area in October 1978.

What time does Enchanted Rock Open?

Campsite Details – Morning Entry –

8:30 am – 10:00 am

, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, TX – Texas State Parks.

Can you stay overnight at Enchanted Rock?

Primitive Campsites (Hike-in)

No ash-producing fires are permitted in this area. You may use containerized fuel stoves that can be turned off for cooking.

Minors (under 17) who are not camping with a sponsored group must provide a written consent form to stay overnight

. No hammocks allowed in primitive camping areas.

Can you camp at the top of Enchanted Rock?

All trails, including the Summit Trail, will close 30 minutes after sunset, except the Loop Trail. The Loop Trail will be accessible after sunset for visitors to navigate and view dark skies.

Tent camping only

. No RV’s, Pop-ups, or vehicle camping.

Can you ski on Moss Lake?


Boats, jet skis and wave runners are allowed

. All State of Texas Laws apply to any vessel operating on Moss Creek Lake. Nothing may be towed or otherwise pulled behind a self contained skiing unit.

Do I need hiking shoes for Enchanted Rock?


For hiking to the top, definitely wear tennis shoes for the incline; however for the loop (which is mostly crushed rock), you almost need hiking boots

(unless you don’t mind getting the rocks in your tennis shoes). Very popular place & reasonably priced.

Can you take food to Enchanted Rock?


You are allowed to take in your own food and drinks

(we did) too. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. We loved climbing Enchanted Rock and doing all the trails, it was a blast!

Can I drive Enchanted Rock?

My favorite part of Enchanted Rock was the

drive to the Park from Fredericksburg

. It was absolutely gorgeous! It is 100% scenic & one of the most beautiful drives I have been on. You drive past ranch after beautiful ranch.

Can you get married at Enchanted Rock?

I love Enchanted Rock, it is such a cool and accessible location great for any adventure wedding!

Whether you want to get married just the two of you or bring your closest friends and family members along

. Enchanted Rock is a great location to make it happen!

Can you swim at Enchanted Rock?

You can hike, backpack, camp, rock climb, picnic, bird, study nature, geocache and stargaze. (

You cannot swim here

or ride bikes on the trails.)

Do you have to make a reservation for Enchanted Rock?


The park closes to visitors without reservations when we reach capacity

. Guarantee your entry into the park by reserving a day pass up to 30 days before your visit.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.