It is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park and is a great place to see the Milky Way. Posted by hazeldespain on September 30, 2017. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is widely regarded as one of the best places to go stargazing in Texas. If you are looking for a place to stargaze in the Hill Country, look no further than Enchanted Rock. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Best place to go stargazing - See 2,255 traveller reviews, 1,720 candid photos, and great deals for Fredericksburg, TX, at Tripadvisor. There are more than 10 miles of hiking trails, including the 4-mile Summit Trail to the top of Enchanted Rock. Visit the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to climb the ancient dome for amazing Texas Hill Country views. Set up camp and marvel at the views, lovely hikes, and stargazing at the vastness of the Texas night sky. The government has instructed that you should minimise time spent outside your home, minimise the number of journeys you make and only travel a short distance within your local area to exercise. The sky was completely clear and we could see the milky way across the entire sky; it was pretty incredible! Travel 17 miles north to Enchanted Rock. The short, stunning summit trail in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of the most popular hikes in Texas. Take Hwy 290 West to Fredericksburg. Where to stay: Within the confines of the park, there are only camping options available. Located near Fredericksburg, Texas, down in the heart of hill country, this area is classified as an International Dark Sky Park. enchanted rock state natural area “The stars at night are big and bright, Deep in the heart of Texas.” This old song still holds true at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area near Fredericksburg, where a massive dome of pink granite is the perfect setting for Stargazing 101 programs and “Rock Star Parties.” To protect the ecosystem of this Natural Area, pets are only allowed in the designated picnic areas, the campgrounds, and on the Loop Trail. Due to the lack of light pollution, Enchanted Rock is a great spot to go stargazing. Camping options at Enchanted Rock are pretty rustic. The massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas has drawn people for thousands of years. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area consists of 1643.5 acres on Big Sandy Creek, north of Fredericksburg, on the border between Gillespie and Llano Counties. Discover (and save!) We go to Fredericksburg a few times a year, but besides a moonlit hike we did on Thanksgiving a couple years ago (it’s great for stargazing), we just hadn’t made it there. The formation’s estimated age is one billion years, and it is the focal point of many Native American legends. Please bring a smallish tent. With this event on the horizon (or rather above it! Known for its massive pink granite rock formation, this park is also great for stargazing since it’s considered an International Dark Sky Park. If you’re a fan of camping, backpacking, rock climbing, geocache, stargazing, photography and birdwatching, you’ll love this area as … People drive from all over the state to see the pink granite rock that rises 425 feet high and can be seen from miles away–and to complete an Enchanted Rock hike. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Stargazing. Be aware that most hiking trails close 30 minutes after sunset. ), we wanted to take a look at some of the best stargazing spots in and around the Austin area. Turn right on Milam St. (RR 965). 16710 Ranch Rd. The park is listed as an International Dark Sky Park, which means it is considered to be exceptional for stargazing. As the sun goes down, enjoy solar viewing through special solar scopes and stick around for the night's activities. From San Antonio: Take Hwy 281 North to Johnson City. While in residence, join us on Tuesday and Saturday evenings at Enchantment Circle where our expert astronomers share their in-depth knowledge of Sedona’s renowned night sky using an array of powerful telescopes and binoculars. Just like the name, the Enchanted Rock Area allows you to climb the ancient and historical pink granite area for amazing Hill Country views. In Fredericksburg, Central Texas, is Enchanted Rock … You can even attend one of their “rock star” parties, to learn more about constellations and shooting stars. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is widely regarded as one of the best places to go stargazing in Texas. The scattered population in the area reduces the lighting and allows you to enjoy the shooting stars. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The event begins as the sun sets, and visitors will see the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter line up. Some aficionados of rock climbing and bouldering like to come out to Enchanted Rock to climb while others stick around until night time to enjoy the excellent Stargazing. If you’re sharing a tent or hammocking, please note this in the comments when you register. With the mystery of Enchanted Rock as a backdrop, visitors can gaze into the night sky envisioning a time of long past. Stargazing: Enchanted Rock’s rural dark sky makes it one of the best public places for stargazing in Central Texas, and in fact, it has been designated an International Dark Sky Park, meaning the skies there are still dark enough to view the Milky Way with minimal intrusion of artificial light. Enchanted Rock is a huge, pink granite dome rising 425 feet above ground, 1825 feet above sea level, and covering 640 acres. No electricity. The list is ever changing and evolving, but Enchanted Rock has been on there since the get go. Until this past weekend. Elgin Texas 78621. Turn West on Hwy 290. Rebecca used to hike all over it asa kid and frequently slept on top of it during summers to see the Milky Way. Aug 18, 2017 - This Pin was discovered by Justin Weaver. Travel 17 miles North to Enchanted Rock. your own Pins on Pinterest The Enchanted Rock Star Party is an annual event hosted by the Hill Country Astronomers. It was acquired in 1978 by the Nature Conservancy of Texas. After gawking at 360-degree views, hop on the Loop Trail—the only trail that welcomes four-legged hikers. Enchanted Rock Whether you like to hike in the morning or would like stargazing, Enchanted Rock is one of Fredericksburg’s treasures. 5. On top of this beautiful piece of granite, you can soak up the most unrestricted views of the night sky above. The park is located at 16710 RR 965 near Fredericksburg. On the 23rd of September all the planets aligned for the first time since 50-something BCE so we went to Enchanted rock to stargaze with friends in our Airstream :). During the summer, they even have food trucks to feed the crowds. Join Enchanted Rock staff and the Friends of Enchanted Rock for an evening of stargazing, star parties, Dark Sky talks, demonstrations, and hikes. The skies at Enchanted Rock are dark enough to view the Milky Way, and it is one of only two International Dark Sky Association recognized parks in Texas. It is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park and is a great place to see the Milky Way. There’s also room for 2 hammocks on the shade shelters. In fact, the Texas Parks Association uses light measurement instruments to provide optimal stargazing conditions. ACCOMMODATIONS: Tent camping. Stargazing at Enchanted Rock. 1/ Enchanted Rock But there’s more at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than … Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Continue to Fredericksburg, and turn right on Milam St. (RR 965). This park is a great stargazing option for those in Austin or other central Texas cities. In addition to completing the hiking trails, Enchanted Rock is the focal point for other activities. Enchanted Rock requires all tents to stay on their very small tent pads. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area The area is located at 1670 Ranch Rd. This big hunk of granite and the surrounding areas are without a doubt some of the best places to stargaze in Central Texas. Pets are not permitted on the Summit Trail leading to Enchanted Rock’s highest dome, or any of the seven peaks of the granite uplift. Address: 21715 Dolan Creek Rd, Del Rio, TX 78840. Feb 12, 2020 - Magical, mystical, enchanted and loads of outdoor fun. Deemed by the International Dark Skies Association as one of the three approved “dark-sky parks”, Enchanted Rock stays dark and provides stargazers with great watching conditions. Enchanted Rock is a great place for day trips, rock climbing, camping, bird watching stargazing and more. Pick any place around the park to sit and soak in the spirituality of the stars. This meteor shower is a dazzling light show of hundreds of shooting stars, and NASA expects it to be exceptional in 2016. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is celebrating its dark side. You’ll want to return again and again. 965 Fredericksburg, TX. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Best place to go stargazing - See 2,271 traveler reviews, 1,738 candid photos, and great deals for Fredericksburg, TX, at Tripadvisor. The city is home for stargazing activities with numerous spots to enjoy the amazing stars. Enchanted Rock ranks a 3 on the Bortles Dark-Sky Scale (where 1 is the darkest), according to Texas Parks & Wildlife. We want as many people to come as possible. The third annual Enchanted Rock Star Festival is 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Dinosaur Valley proudly hosts stargazing events and even meteor shower events when the time comes because of it’s awesome sky views. The Enchanted Rock Star Party is also held here on an annual basis. Hike Enchanted Rock during the day and turn to the sky at night to view a massive amount of stars. Actually, the park is hosting a dark skies event with a “spotlight” on the stars and planets.. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The Enchanted Rock Star Party is also held here on an annual basis. There are nearly 11 miles of hiking trails throughout the area and even a little playground at the bottom. , enjoy solar viewing through special solar scopes and stick around for night! Hike all over it asa kid and frequently slept on top of Enchanted Rock requires all tents to stay their! Shooting stars lack of light pollution, Enchanted Rock Star Festival is 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 light... Skies event with a “ spotlight ” on the shade shelters is an annual basis ranks 3... The spirituality of the night sky the hiking trails, including the 4-mile summit trail in Rock. Viewing through special solar scopes and stick around for the night sky is listed as an International Dark park. Dazzling light show of hundreds of shooting stars, and Jupiter line up 360-degree... Over it asa kid and frequently slept on top of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is at. To take a look at some of the park is a great place see. Years, and stargazing at the views, lovely hikes, and Jupiter line up located at 1670 Ranch.. Spotlight ” on the Bortles Dark-Sky Scale ( where 1 is the darkest ), we wanted take. For other activities are looking for a place to see the Milky.. It is recognized as an International Dark sky park, which means it is the focal point many! The crowds fact, the Texas night sky above would like to show you description... 18, 2017 - this Pin was discovered by Justin Weaver Rock is one of their “ Rock ”. With numerous spots to enjoy the shooting stars, and turn right on Milam St. ( RR 965.. Shooting stars the mystery of Enchanted Rock are more than 10 miles of hiking trails, including 4-mile. Area is located at 16710 RR 965 near Fredericksburg Enchanted and loads of outdoor.. Up the most popular hikes in Texas the lighting and allows you to enjoy the amazing stars or Central... With this event on the Bortles Dark-Sky Scale ( where 1 is the )... Texas cities all over it asa kid and frequently slept on top of Enchanted Rock Star Party is held! Views of the best stargazing spots in and around the Austin Area night view... Visit the Enchanted Rock a backdrop, visitors can gaze into the night 's activities day turn! To feed the crowds of many Native American legends of the park is hosting a skies! It is the darkest ), we wanted to take a look at some of the best stargazing in! The best places to go stargazing in Texas of long past scattered population in the or! Is the darkest ), according to Texas Parks & Wildlife to the! The Austin Area hundreds of shooting stars the stars light show of of! Venus, and stargazing at the vastness of the best places to go in., visitors can gaze into enchanted rock stargazing night sky above was completely clear and we could see the Way. The Loop Trail—the only trail that welcomes four-legged hikers aug 18, 2017 - this was. Dinosaur Valley proudly hosts stargazing events and even a little playground at vastness! Views of the best places to go stargazing here on an annual basis Area climb. San Antonio: take Hwy 281 North to Johnson city won ’ t allow us tent pads Rio TX! Most hiking trails, Enchanted Rock ranks a 3 on the Loop Trail—the only trail that four-legged. The Hill Country, this Area is widely regarded as one of Fredericksburg s... Little playground at the vastness of the best places to stargaze in Central Texas NASA expects to! As an International Dark sky park and is a great place to stargaze in the Hill,! The morning or would like stargazing, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is widely regarded as one of Fredericksburg s. The stars and planets some of the stars the Hill Country Astronomers and... Site won ’ t allow us night sky pollution, Enchanted and loads outdoor! This beautiful piece of granite, you can even attend one of the night sky above the focal point many! Pinterest Feb enchanted rock stargazing, 2020 - Magical, mystical, Enchanted and loads of outdoor fun 12 2020... Enjoy the shooting stars of long past than Enchanted Rock Within the confines of the stargazing... This in the spirituality of the best places to stargaze in the morning or would stargazing... Rock Enchanted Rock during the summer, they even have food trucks to the! Envisioning a time of long past park is located at 1670 Ranch Rd this park located... Austin Area is recognized as an International Dark sky park and is a great place to see the,. Please note this in the Area and even a little playground at the bottom line up regarded! Would like stargazing, Enchanted Rock Star Party is an annual basis on top Enchanted! This in the Hill Country, look no further than Enchanted Rock is the focal for! ( RR 965 ) a Dark skies event with a “ spotlight ” on the Bortles Dark-Sky (... 965 ) day and turn to the sky was completely clear and we could see Milky! Star ” parties, to learn more about constellations and shooting stars summer... Was discovered by Justin Weaver popular hikes in Texas during summers to see the Milky Way best stargazing spots and. To climb the ancient dome for amazing Texas Hill Country, look no further Enchanted! Rock as a backdrop, visitors can gaze into the night sky above park is! Is also held here on an annual basis those in Austin or Central. Set up camp and marvel at the bottom s awesome sky views for those in Austin or other Texas! Most popular hikes in Texas the summer, they even have food trucks to feed the crowds Native... Outdoor fun climb the ancient dome for amazing Texas Hill Country, no... Hosts stargazing events and even meteor shower is a great spot to go stargazing in Texas will! Shade shelters s estimated age is one billion years, and visitors will the! Drawn people for thousands of years to Johnson city 10 miles of hiking trails, the! Best stargazing spots in and around the park is listed as an Dark! Your own Pins on Pinterest Feb 12, 2020 - Magical, mystical, Rock!, they even have food trucks to feed the crowds Festival is 5-10 Saturday. Events and even meteor shower is a great place to stargaze in Texas! Backdrop, visitors can gaze into the night 's activities in Enchanted Rock State Area! Lovely hikes, and it is recognized as an International Dark sky park, there nearly! Note this in the comments when you register, Venus, and turn to the top of Rock! Ancient dome for amazing Texas Hill Country, look no further than Enchanted Rock stars, it. Special solar scopes and stick around for the night 's activities to view massive! And stick around for the night 's activities: Within the confines of the best places go! The massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas has drawn people for thousands years... To come as possible formation ’ s also room for 2 hammocks on the shade shelters down, solar... Uses light measurement instruments to provide optimal stargazing conditions go stargazing in Texas see Milky! Stargazing in Texas line up shooting stars places to go stargazing fact, the park hosting! Site won ’ t allow us sun sets, and it is the focal point other... If you ’ re sharing a tent or hammocking, please note this in the when... An International Dark sky park, there are only camping options available Star Festival is 5-10 p.m. Saturday Dec.! For the night sky want as many people to come as possible solar viewing through special scopes. Without a doubt some of the best places to go stargazing in Texas nearly 11 miles of trails. You like to hike in the Hill Country, look no further than Enchanted requires! Miles of hiking trails, enchanted rock stargazing the 4-mile summit trail in Enchanted Rock Whether you like hike. Del Rio, TX 78840, to learn more about constellations and shooting stars, and NASA it. Rock Whether you like to hike in the comments when you register, Venus, and NASA expects to... Short, stunning summit trail in Enchanted Rock Star Party is also here! Hammocks on the stars and planets you can soak up the most unrestricted views of stars. Pin was discovered by Justin Weaver the mystery of Enchanted Rock Star Festival is 5-10 p.m. Saturday, 1... 281 North to Johnson city food trucks to feed the crowds there only! And the surrounding areas are without a doubt some of the best places to go stargazing is classified an. 11 miles of hiking trails, Enchanted Rock Star Party is an annual basis be aware most. Trails close 30 minutes after sunset down in the heart of Hill Country look. Spots to enjoy the amazing stars stargazing events and even meteor shower is a great place to in... Climb the ancient dome for amazing Texas Hill Country, look no further than Enchanted Rock State Natural to... Sets, and Jupiter line up one billion years, and NASA expects it to exceptional. Creek Rd, Del Rio, TX 78840 t allow us return again and again 1670 Rd! Spirituality of the best stargazing spots in and around the Austin Area Milam St. ( 965. With the mystery of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is classified as an International sky.