Explore Texas Hill Country's Overwhelming Beauty At One Of The State's Most Beloved Landmarks

The Texas Hill Country attracts visitors from all over for its laid-back lifestyle, unique culture, and gorgeous landscapes. And arguably the crown jewel of this region is Enchanted Rock, an enormous pink granite batholith surrounded by hundreds of acres of wilderness. Located less than two hours west of Austin, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area each year.

Many fans of the area might not know that they have a former first lady to thank for keeping this area open to the public. In 1977, Lady Bird Johnson noticed that this area just 50 miles from her ranch was up for sale. Concerned that a rock quarry developer would buy it and ruin the area, she convinced the president of the Nature Conservancy to purchase the land and deed it to the state. That is how Enchanted Rock became a landmark that Texans still get to enjoy. As of September 2024, an additional 630 acres of adjacent land has been purchased for a much-needed expansion, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Because it is classified as a natural area as opposed to a state park, there is less emphasis on recreation and more focus on preservation at Enchanted Rock. Nevertheless, a visit to Enchanted Rock can include geocaching, hiking, rock climbing, camping, and some pretty epic stargazing. There are 11 miles of hiking trails to explore, with difficulty levels spanning from kid-friendly to expert-level. Be sure to check the official social media pages for current trail statuses before heading out.

Should you decide to make this a camping trip, prices start at $14 a night (plus $8 daily entrance fee) for primitive hike-in sites to $100 a night plus the entrance fee for a group campsite. Please note that you have to make an advanced reservation if you're visiting on weekends, school breaks, and holidays. Regardless, it is recommended to make reservations any time you visit because they usually reach capacity. You can reserve your spot online or by calling the customer service center.

Once you've had your fill of enormous pink granite batholiths, you'll find that Enchanted Rock is surrounded by popular tourist attractions. Just 20 minutes up the road is couples-friendly Fredericksburg, the center of German-Texas culture and Texas Wine Country, where wine enthusiasts have over 60 wineries and tasting rooms to choose from. If bourbon is more your speed, do yourself a favor and drive another 30 minutes to the Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye. Not only is the property beautiful, the tour guides knowledgeable, and the whiskey on point, but you can dip your own bottle. Tours are $10 ($20 on Saturdays) but free if you ride up on a horse.

For more family-friendly activities, you're less than 30 miles from Luckenbach, where you'll almost always find live music, plenty of room for kids to run, a general store (more of a souvenir shop), and a dance hall. Kids will also enjoy hands-on learning about German settler life at the Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg. Alternatively, drive to Johnson City and visit the Science Mill, a STEM-driven museum where children are encouraged to explore and touch everything.