Enchanted Rock - The Right Way

North face of Enchanted Rock

Copyright © Justin W. Moore See more photos at OutdoorPhoto.com

The past couple months have been hectic for Justin and myself, so today's visit to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area was an especially welcome treat. We arrived at the gate around 10:30 AM and hiked until 1:30 PM. The weather was absolutely heavenly -- picture perfect, as they say -- although by 10 AM the lighting was too harsh for the landscape photo opportunities Justin hoped to explore. Nevertheless, we were simply grateful to be outdoors and on a trail once again.

Unlike our previous visit to Enchanted Rock SNA, this time we arrived prepared and with a plan of attack. We hiked eastward, following the Turkey Pass trail, with Enchanted Rock on our left and Turkey Peak and Freshman Mountain on our right. As usual, turkey and black vultures roosted on and rode the thermals above the rugged east face of the Enchanted Rock dome. We spotted the rock squirrel in this vicinity on a previous hiking trip.

We proceeded west, skirting below the north face of Enchanted Rock -- a prime rock climbing area. We paused briefly to watch a small group of climbers as they worked to scale one of the park's fifty designated and rated climbing routes.

The gorgeous weather made the hike especially pleasant, as Justin and I frequently remarked to one another. We are accustomed, but not partial to, the high temperatures and humidity of South Texas which exist during much of the year. Fall is a welcome respite and reward for surviving yet another blistering summer.

We saw a greater diversity of wildlife during this hike than on most of our previous Enchanted Rock visits. Six to twelve white-tail deer, an armadillo, Monarch butterflies, several frogs, and various lizards all made appearances during our visit.

With a bit of off-trail travel (planned, this time!) added on to the route described above, we hiked about 2.5 miles each way, making for a rejuvenating 5-mile hike.

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