May 02 2008 05:59 pm
Spirit of the Mountain
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
16710 Ranch Road 965
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(325) 247-3903
To Native Americans, Enchanted Rock was the gateway to the next world. They named it Gahe, meaning Spirit of the Mountain. Kiowas, Apaches and Comanches journeyed to Enchanted Rock to achieve enlightenment. There are some phenomena that keep the spirits of Enchanted Rock alive. Ghost lights, moaning, creaking and drumming are reported periodically by visitors to and residents of the area.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area consists of 1643+ acres on Big Sandy Creek, north of Fredericksburg, Texas, between Gillespie and Llano Counties. At the urging of Lady Bird Johnson,The Nature Conservancy of Texas purchased Enchanted Rock in 1978. In 1984, it opened under the aegis of Texas Parks and Wildlife. Enchanted Rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome, that rises 425 feet above ground, 1825 feet above sea level and covers 640 acres. It is only one of many batholiths in the area and several in the park.
The islands of vegetation, called Vernal Pools, on the bare granite summit of Enchanted Rock are some of the most ecologically significant and severely threatened features of this state natural area. While in the SNA, do not disturb ANY plant or animal life, geological features, or Indian or historical artifacts. No trailers or RVs over 20 feet are allowed. Some of the camping is primitive (hike in), fires are only allowed in fire rings at each site, and wood gathering of any type is not allowed.
This is a gorgeous rock and a wonderful natural area. For an aerial or walking tour, pictures from the top, and many other pictures and information, please visit the E-rock website, maintained by an Enchanted Rock aficionado. Another website that has some wonderful photographs and useful information, please visit the Enchanted Rock page on American Southwest. Enchanted Rock is a wonderful place to learn to climb. Check the ErockOnline forum for help.
Posted by CyberCelt under Camping, Day Trips, Hike/Bike/Run, Nature, Skywatching, Strange
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Saikat Bose on 04 May 2008 at 11:16 am #
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Marion on 05 May 2008 at 11:38 am #
I want to go here, Cyber. What an incredible place…thanks for the info. And I’m so glad there are restrictions when visiting it.
CyberCelt on 08 May 2008 at 5:24 pm #
@saikat-Thanks for the information. I have a contact me button on the sidebar.
@marion-Come on down to Texas and we will go there together. It is a magical place, but it will kill us getting to the top. LOL
fairgrace on 23 Jun 2008 at 5:11 pm #
I love the photo. I have not been to Enchanted Rock in, well a loooong time. I love the hillcountry. Llano River is my favorite place to play in the water. A couple years ago I was in Llano in September & it was still warm enough to swim. If a person is planning a trip to see Enchanted Rock I would recommend going when the bluebonnets are in bloom & don’t forget to get some real good BBQ in LLano. Also you will be close to Fredricksburg, Lake LBJ, Vanishing Texas River cruise, Longhorn caverns, etc, etc…. Golly I am getting homesick!
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