City: San Antonio, TX

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (830) 685-3636

Address: 84 miles north of San Antonio

Description: This park features a huge, pink granite dome that rises 425 feet above the ground and 1,825 feet above sea level, covering 640 acres. It is one of the largest batholiths (underground rock formation uncovered by erosion) in the US, second only to Georgia’s Stone Mountain. Humans have visited here for more than 11,000 years, notably the Tonkawa Indians, who believed ghost fires flickered at the top. The Tonkawas heard weird creaking and groaning, which geologists now say resulted from the rock’s heating by day and contracting in the cool night. Enchanted Rock was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1970 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.People of all ages in reasonably good physical condition can enjoy a climb up Enchanted Rock. The walk takes about an hour, and hikers are rewarded with a magnificent view of the Hill Country. Those interested in technical rock climbing can practice their skills here as well; rock climbers must check in at park headquarters.Consider planning your visit to Enchanted Rock on nonpeak weekends because there is a limit on the number of cars allowed in the park. Admission is $6.