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Written by Shirley T
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Thursday, 24 September 2009 08:40 |
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Last Saturday was our first road trip out of Austin. Being here for more than 10 days, I guess we would love to see beyond the Weird City of Austin. After doing some homework and studied with the locals, we decided for a hiking adventure at Enchanted Rock!
Located on the border between Gillespie and Llano Counties, Enchanted Rock is right in the middle between Llano, Texas (USA) on the north and Fredericksburg, Texas by the south. Both are about 15 miles away from Enchanted Rock as you travel along Ranch Road 965.
If you recall Ayers Rock or 'Uluru' in Australia, Enchanted Rock is the smaller version of that. I have been wishing to visit Uluru and guess this year, God is generous to allow me stepping on its miniature - Enchanted Rock and go back to complete my Geology lesson!
We started our journey about half past eight from Austin so that we could arrive before the park gets too crowded. According to the information we gathered, this State Natural Area (SNA) will be closed once the park reaches its full capacity and will reopen only when parking is available.
From afar, I saw a prominent pink granite dome indicating we were getting closer to our destination. Elevating 1825 feet (556 m) from sea level, Enchanted Rock covers an area of approximately 640 acres and rises about 425 feet (130 m) above the surrounding terrain. Apparently, it is one of the largest granite inselberg (monadnock or isolated rock hill) in The United States. Although of similar nature, Ayers Rock is a monolith (single rock) and Enchanted Rock is a batholith. Batholith consists of plutonic rock forms from cooled magma deep in the earth's crust. Over time and subject to huge pressure, batholith expands and manifest itself (or 'exfoliate') and resulted a massive exposure. With extensive erosion, the surface of batholith is fairly clean and usually rounded rock faces as you can see while hiking along Summit Trail.
Guess that's about it on Geology. What about the History of Enchanted Rock? According Native American tribes folklore, this place is described to possess magical and spiritual power. They believed the rock would made them invisible as they managed to escape from Anglo settlers when hiding on top of the rock. Back in 16th century, Tonkawa Indian legend said ghost-fire flickered on crest on moonlit night! And geologists argued that the creaking and groaning was attributed to the rock's contraction at night after being heated by the sun during the day. In 1970, it was declared as National Natural Landmark and later in 1984, it is opened as State Park. The origin of its name - 'Enchanted Rock' is based on the Spanish and Anglo-Texan interpretation of its legends. Some time ago, it was also known as 'Crying Rock'.
Nine and a half of us arrived at about half ten. After registering and paying for the entrance fee, we geared up for the climb. The park headquarter provides an informative map that indicates the hiking trails, picnic area, primitive camping ground and all the facilities available. Bring that piece of paper with you and rest assure you are good to begin!
Being adventurous, we opted for a dirt trail parallel to a sealed road heading into the rocky area. There are numerous trails and everywhere may look alike yet it is not easy to get lost. Following along Sandy Creek will lead you to join the popular path of 0.6 mile Summit Trail. Then, proceed in accordance to the arrow direction. Along the way, patches of cactus were prominent and some bushes were sneaking at the side of the granite path. Steepness of terrain was low at this level but as we explored into Summit Trail, it gradually turned to low-moderate.
In fact, I did not feel the gradient at all but as I walked into nowhere and turned behind, guess what - I was freaking! Oh no! Acrophobia?
Reaching the top is a must, so I kept walking ahead. As I reached the top, I felt as if I'd just gained my freedom! Nature is indeed beautiful. On the south-west, we were enjoying the view of 'Little Rock' - a slightly lower rock that appears more jagged. Towards the north-east, there are Freshman Mountain and Turkey Peak which we saw hikers were up there as well!
At the peak, there are only sun, rock, wind, nature, people and me! There was no shady area here yet I did not feel the heat as it was breezy. Being on top was fabulous. We were lucky to catch the sight of vultures roaming freely on the blue sky!
Walk around and be amazed with the impressive vistas and the surrounding flora. The patches of vegetation on bare rock or known as vernal pools are the natural habitat of some plants and animals. Sadly, these depression shelters are severely threatened. Thus, be kind and refrain from entering or stepping on them. Stay on the rock.
Due to time constraint, we had to descend. My heart was heavy though but I captured the beautiful pictures to be part of my memory!
We leave nothing but footprints and photographs.
Getting there?
Enchanted Rock - State Natural Area
16710 Ranch Road 965,
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624.
Phone: (830) 685 3636
Park Reservations: (512) 389 8900
Website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/enchanted_rock/
Suggested seasons to visit: All Seasons
Tips:
1. If time permits, try the Loop Trail of 4 miles - claimed to possess a scenic spot near Walnut Springs Camping site. Circling this area's granite domes, it offers access to Moss Lake, secondary trails, primitive camping and climbing.
2. Bring along drinking water, put on hat and keep hydrated. Wear a sturdy shoes. And don't forget your camera!
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Texas State Natural Area | Enchanted Rock and Summit Trail
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