As early as junior high, maybe high school, I recall people talking about Enchanted Rock and wanting to take road trips to visit this giant rock. Even though it’s a well-known place to many in the Austin area, the first time I visited the rock was two years ago on New Year’s Day. It was a short trip with friends that included a xican@ lunch at the top of the rock before coming back down and heading back home. It was cold, it was windy, but it was sunny and I was there with friends, which made it all the more beautiful. Side pro tip: I have made it a point to travel with Tajín* whenever I go on road trips. It never fails me. Fast and delicious flavor? Bam.
My partner’s been in Austin for about 5 years now and had never been able to go to the magical rock because of work, life, etc., so it seemed like a natural pick for one of our travel destinations. We went on the eve of Christmas Eve and it turns out that a whole lot of people had the same bright idea! Can’t blame them though – it was a sunny, cool day, perfect for being outdoors.
A lot of times I tend to have a running tally in my head when it comes to how many other poc I see out and about in spaces / places that are regarded as white. When you’re one of few, you long to see and be around other people who look like you. Parks are places that I consider white spaces. In some ways, they’re a luxury. Visiting state & national parks, forests, etc. requires a car, time off, money to pay entrance fees, and proper gear and attire to hike and explore safely and comfortably. If you come from a family that has lived at the margins of society in various ways, your knowledge of these spaces and how to access them is even more limited to begin with.
Going to a park seems like a simple thing, but it can be a little more complicated than many would assume. But I digress…the journey to the top of the rock was very white, though there were a handful of Asian families and maybe one brown family too. The numbers really stood out to me this time because the line to pay the entrance fees to Enchanted Rock at the park headquarters was quite long and quite white.
The first time I visited Enchanted Rock we weren’t able to stay for long because someone in the group (don’t remember who) had to be back at work by late afternoon. This time around, I was able to check out a couple of the trails and truly take in this magic rock. We decided to start off with the most challenging trail – the Summit Trail – since it would get us to the top of the famed rock and reward us with a remarkable view. After a brief but challenging trek up the rock, there we were.
We sat down to catch our breath, we stretched out on the rock, we soaked up the sun, we had some snacks – all mostly in silence. When you’re surrounded by beauty of this magnitude, you don’t really need to say anything, you just shut up and experience it. At least that’s what I do!
After the requisite rock climbing and exploring and picture posing, we continued onto the Echo Canyon Trail, which is considered a “Moderate-Challenging” Trail. The trail loops around Moss Lake and takes you in between the giant boulders, providing peaceful and shaded areas to stop and rest. From there, we connected with the Base Trail, the Turkey Pass Trail, and the Front Side Trail before eventually looping back to where we started.
December 23rd was the kind of winter day that’s warm if you stay out in the direct sun for long enough, but turns chilly once you retreat to the shade. Enchanted Rock has a food truck parked out by the main trailhead and offers everything from sandwiches to frozen yogurt. While we were incredibly tempted to get fro-yo after spending hours in the sun, we opted for a German restaurant in Fredericksburg before heading back home to Austin. A gorgeous winter day in Texas spent well!
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
16710 Ranch Rd. 965 , Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Adult entrance fee: $7 daily // Kids 12 and under: free
