There is fantastic rock climbing at Enchanted Rock
If you happen to find yourself in central Texas with a day or two to spare and a thirst for adventure, never fear. Make your way to Fredericksburg (63 miles north of San Antonio and 67 miles west of Austin), a small, old German town and interestingly referred to as the “Peach Capital” of Texas. However, this area has far more to offer than just peaches, as delicious as they are. Just fifteen miles north of Fredericksburg you will find incredible rock climbing in Enchanted Rock.
Enchanted Rock is a magnificent, huge pink granite rock formation that covers a massive area of 640 acres and rises above the surrounding terrain to an approximate height of 425 feet. Not only is this historic landmark incredible to simply view and take in, it is also of great spiritual significance to numerous Native American tribes including the Tonkawa, Apache and Comanche tribes. The rock is believed to have spiritual powers (hence the name Enchanted Rock) and when you see this incredible structure you will understand why. What’s more, it’s not only a beautiful place to visit in its own right, but offers some of the most amazing rock climbing you are ever likely to experience.
There are several reasons why the rock climbing in Enchanted Rock is so spectacular. Firstly, the historical and spiritual significance of the area makes this an almost holy destination to climb in. Rock climbing is already a highly spiritual activity for many people, but doing it in a place such as this adds a whole new element to the journey. You will develop an appreciation of the natural beauty and age of the landscape you have become a part of, and perhaps feel more peaceful and content than you could ever have expected.
Another reason why rock climbing in Enchanted Rock is a must is because this whole area is an experience rather than just an activity. Before you climb, you can hike through the amazing wilderness and truly immerse yourself in the beauty of this area. Camping is also a must – spend some quality time with your friends in the wilderness, or enjoy a romantic getaway with your own campfire and some stargazing. The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area encompasses over 1600 acres, so there’s plenty to do and see in this area.
In terms of facilities, the park has a store where firewood and other essentials can be purchased, and basic camping facilities are available. However, it is important that you take your own water and supplies, as the area has been suffering from drought for several years and drinking water is in short supply. It is also worth noting that the park is popular and can become busy in peak season, which runs from September through to May. To protect valuable resources and prevent the park from too much damage, the number of visitors that are granted entry per day is capped, and the park is closed once this number is reached. On weekends in the middle of peak season, this can happen as early as 11am, so make sure you get in early to avoid disappointment, or be flexible with your plans. The park is open year round, so avoid peak season if possible.
When it comes to rock climbing in Enchanted Rock, there are of course some rules that must be followed in order to ensure that the sacred and spiritual nature of the formation is preserved. Pitons are prohibited, as is using any tree or plant for rappelling or anchoring, and these rules are strictly enforced and can result in fines if violated. All climbers are required to check in at the park headquarters, and a comprehensive list of rules and requirements can be found there. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with these prior to climbing to ensure you don’t unwittingly do something wrong. Extensive maps are also available to help you plan your climbs.
If you would like to visit Enchanted Park and use a guide to safely navigate the area and have alot of fun, Outpost Wilderness Adventure has a number of trips that we can adapt to your time frame and party size. Give us a call and we will be happy to take care of you. If you would like more information, you can click here or if you are ready to go and want to contact us… click here.
