Enchanted Rock Day Trip
Enchanted Rock is a beautiful pinkish granite rock formation located about 15 miles outside of Fredericksburg, Texas, in what is known as the Llano Uplift. It is also 15 miles south of the city of Llano.
In the photo above, my daughter, Tiffany Schulze, who took all of the photos on this page except for the one above, stands on top of the pink granite. Look at that view behind her. Tiffany and some of her college buds visited there yesterday and had a lot of fun. Thank you for the photos, Tiffany!
Of course, it is located in a state park by the same name. The park was inhabited at least 10,000 years ago by human beings according to archaeological evidence. Various Native Americans have lived there and consider the rock to have magical abilities, including the Comanche, Apache, and Tonkawa. They tell many legends of the Enchanted Rock. You can learn about them and a lot more history of the area by visiting the Visitor’s Center.
There are over 500 species of plants that live on the rock and it is a great place for bird watching. Other wildlife is there as well such as lizards, ringtails, foxes, squirrels, and bats.
You can hike on seven miles of trails and camp here as well. If you want to climb to the top of Enchanted Rock, there is a 425-foot elevation gain hike. Visitors can also enjoy rock climbing and biking on trails.
There are no facilities for campers but if you are into primitive camping in a tent, go for it! RVs and pop-up trailers are not allowed. Campers should make reservations ahead of time.
This park is best enjoyed in early spring when the place is covered with Texas wildflowers so try to plan your trip between April and June if at all possible.
The park is open every day from 8 am to 10 pm but fills up quickly on holidays. When that happens, they stop allowing people in so try not to plan a visit there on a holiday unless you arrive very early in the morning. There is a $5 fee per person ages 13 and up.
Bring the whole family. Wear sensible shoes, caps, and plenty of sunscreen. Don’t forget the camera because you will want to remember this place for a long time!
San Antonio to Enchanted Rock
Climbing Enchanted Rock with Kids
Enchanted Rock is beautiful, of course, with amazing views from the summit. But this particular excursion was special for me. I think my daughter felt a real sense of pride that she accomplished something by making her way to the top. With a summit over 400 feet above ground level, Enchanted Rock is pretty imposing, especially for a young child. I did have to carry her a few times, but for the most part she made the climb on her own two feet.
Climbing the huge rock formation feels a bit like walking on the moon. It’s strange to look down at your feet and see nothing but rock; no dirt, no grass. Just pink rock going on and on in every direction.
My daughter has certainly felt pride before, about a drawing she’s created or a play-doh sculpture. But this was the first time she’s felt a sense of pride about a physical achievement, the first time that she conquered something. It was just all kinds of fun!