Smack in the heart of Texas, Enchanted Rock turns out to be the perfect way to spend a Texas October Saturday

Throughout the summer, Chris and I kept talking about how we needed to hike up Enchanted Rock. However, with the weather constantly lingering in the upper nineties or worse, we decided to wait until fall. And somehow with the crazy way time works, fall is here. So we decided yesterday would be the perfect day to visit Enchanted Rock and enjoy this beautiful Texas October weather.

About fifteen miles North of Fredericksburg, Texas, Enchanted Rock is just as it sounds – it is a humongous pink, granite hill of solid rock. The entire Enchanted Rock State Natural Area includes several formations and hiking and camping areas.

Squeezing in the short trip between a night in Gruene and a game night back in Austin, we opted to just climb Enchanted Rock itself. With trail mix, Lady, and water, we began our journey up.

I’ve been to Enchanted Rock two other times, while this was Chris’ first experience with the beautiful pinkish rock, so he wasn’t too sure what to expect. Although a rather quick hike of about thirty minutes or so, it is no cinch. Almost necessary to climb on all fours, the hillside is quite steep and rounded.

Once we made our way to the top, we couldn’t help but gasp at the sight of miles and miles of Texas hills unrolling before us. All three of us gulped down water and then stretched our bodies on the warm rock. We listened to the excitement of boy scout troupes exploring and watched the birds swimming in the blue sky. What a breathtaking moment of accomplishment.

After a good while of relaxing, we explored a small cave on the other side of Enchanted Rock. A little nervous that it may collapse, we didn’t spend too long in this ancient-seeming hideout.

Only six dollars a person, Enchanted Rock was well worth the two-hour drive from Austin. I couldn’t have asked for a better day or better company on such a short and sweet hike that will always have a special place in my Texas heart.