| History: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area consists of 1643.5 acres on Big Sandy Creek, north of Fredericksburg, on the border between Gillespie & Llano Counties. It was acquired by warranty deed in 1978 by the Nature Conservancy of Texas, Inc., from the Moss family. The state acquired it in 1984, added facilities, & reopened the park in March 1984, but humans have visited here for over 11,000 years. Enchanted Rock was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1970 & was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The Rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome, that rises 425 feet above ground, 1825 feet above sea level, & covers 640 acres. It is one of the largest batholiths (underground rock formation uncovered by erosion) in the United States.
Tonkawa Indians believed ghost fires flickered at the top, & they heard weird creaking & groaning, which geologists now say resulted from the rock's heating by day & contracting in the cool night. A conquistador captured by the Tonkawa described how he escaped by losing himself in the rock area, giving rise to an Indian legend of a "pale man swallowed by a rock & reborn as one of their own." The Indians believed he wove enchantments on the area, but he explained that the rock wove the spells. "When I was swallowed by the rock, I joined the many spirits who enchant this place." The first well-documented explorations of this area did not begin until 1723 when the Spanish intensified their efforts to colonize Texas. During the mid-1700s, the Spaniards made several trips to the north & northwest of San Antonio, establishing a mission & presidio on the San Saba River & carrying out limited mining on Honey Creek near the Llano River.
NOTE: The park reaches capacity (in terms of parking) & frequently closes on weekends (sometimes as early as 11 a.m.) Reopening usually occurs at five p.m. Call ahead or have alternate plans if you arrive at the park & find it closed.
Activities: Visitors can enjoy primitive backpacking, camping, hiking, technical & rock climbing, picnicking, geological study, bird watching, & 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 & climbing rules available. |
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Campground Web Site
Driving Direction GPS Coordinates:
30.488809, -98.822302
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Campground: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredericksburg Texas *