Last weekend we took our Scout troop to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area just north of Fredericksburg, TX. It is a long way from East Texas over to Central Texas. In fact, we left at 5:30pm and didn't get to our destination (Canyon Lake Corps of Engineers campground) until 11:30pm. Unfortunately, the park closed at 10:00 and we didn't want to wake the host to let us in. So, we found some sheltered areas outside the gate, spread out our tarps and grabbed a few hours of sleep. We got up very early, broke camp and set out for Fredericksburg where we could grab some breakfast at McDonald's and head on over to the park.

We arrived at the park around 9:00am and there was already a line (opening weekend of spring break). We left a couple of the leaders at the check-in station to pay and register while we parked the bus and got ready to hike "the Rock". The weather was beautiful with temps in the mid 70's and sunshine. We left the parking lot around 9:15 and started the climb to the top of the rock. It's about a 20-30 minute hike to the top and the views are great. It's hard to take in exactly how big this dome of granite really is. There were several boulders on the rock that are bigger than a house. Just how did they get there? Once we got to the top, the Scouts went off to do some exploring of various caves and chutes in the rocks.

There were other groups of rock climbers there so it was interesting to watch them climb the various formations and do some rapelling.

Makes me wish I had a few days there with JimShaw to teach me some rock climbing.

Here's a link to the state park website:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/enchanted_rock/

and here is the link to the rock climbing area:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4507_119d.pdf

We left the summit around 1:30pm and made our way around the back side of the rock to the parking lot (30 minute hike). Along the way, we saw more interesting rock formations, took some great pictures along the streams and did a little bushwacking. Once we arrived at the parking lot, we found an empty table and set up for a relaxed lunch. We finished lunch and left the park around 2:00pm. There were cars lined up outside the park for 1/2 mile both directions waiting to get in.

The park has areas for remote camping and I think you could spend a long weekend hiking some of the other trails and exploring areas of the Rock. In fact, I would love to be able to spend the night on the Rock and watch the stars and see the sunrise.

On Sunday, we spent a few hours at the Museum of the Pacific War (aka Admiral Nimitz Museum) in Fredericksburg. They were having re-enactments that weekend but we did not get to see them. Fredericksburg is a great town to spend a weekend.

Here are links to pics of the park and some of the museum.
http://tango61.shutterfly.com/248

Enjoy,
Tango61

It's a great place, kind of a miniture Ayres Rock. Too bad about the crowds. There are a lot less people when it's not a holiday or spring break. I live about 55 minutes away.

That place is packed on Spring Break. Constant line of people walking up and down the big rock. The other domes aren't so bad.

E-Rock is a fun place to go and pretty unique. I've done two rock climbing trips down there several years ago and had a great time. Lots of rattlesnakes as I saw two in one day the last time I was there. One was way too close, both the snake and I were scared stiff for a second or two.

So, did you go in the cave on the back side? I think it is on the east side. You enter from the top of the rock, and it goes down. That is the best part. Anyways, according to my wife, I have spent way too much time there (especially when I went with her brother for 3 days when she had an ultrasound of our 2nd kid). We tried backpacking and climbing for 4 days, but ran out of park. When I was in high school, we would take dates there for the day and explore all the caves. It is a great place.

finallyME,

I didn't go down into the "caves" but the boys did. I was told that one ends up coming out the side.

I think I could easily spend 4 days there exploring all the various areas. If I had some rock climbing skills, I could spend a lot of time there.

The museum in Fredericksburg was really cool too. Your ticket allows you to tour the museum for two consecutive days.

Our camp one night with Enchanted Rock in the background:



On Turkey Peak with Enchanted Rock in the background:



And on top of Enchanted Rock: