Out in the middle of nowhere, Texas, a few miles north of Fredericksburg, stands a gigantic batholith that reaches 325 feet above Sandy Creek which flows around its base. Until it was discovered that the creaking noises from the rock were merely the sounds of the rock contracting as it cools, the geological phenomenon was thought to be enchanted by spirits. 

This pink granite dome known as Enchanted Rock continues to enchant its visitors, although perhaps in a different way than legend would have it. On a sunlit afternoon the surface shimmers as light bounces off the feldspar crystals of the porphyritic granite. After a rewardingly difficult hike to its top, with the wind thankfully cooling your skin and the hill country horizon before you, it is easy to feel on top of the world . . .  or Central Texas at least.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a.k.a. "E-Rock," has an outdoor adventure suitable for people of varying degrees of physical condition. You can mosey along the trails at your pace or push the limits on a difficult climb, and it's all up to you. There are a few exceptions: those who require wheels to get them about may find most of E-Rock unwelcoming. For the sake of nature, bikes of all kinds are prohibited from everything but the paved roads, and unfortunately, the trails are not handicap accessible. However, if hiking or climbing shoes are your thing, it's time for a trip to one of the most beautiful and challenging sites in Texas.

What's available at E-Rock.

• Hiking. The park has a four-mile trail that meanders through the rock formations, as well as a short, steep climb to the top of the main dome. 
• Camping. There are camp sites designed for eight people or less. You can choose  sites with tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings and nearby water faucets that are only a short walk from your car and rest rooms with hot showers. For the more hardy campers desiring primitive sites, there are three separate areas along the trail for backpackers. 
• Rock Climbing. There are a number of both technical and rock climbing routes for climbers of all ability levels. The rough-textured surface of E-Rock provides great friction climbing. One of the popular routes is Buzzard's Roost, which rates a 5.9 to 5.12 and offers excellent crack climbing. The back wall of the main granite dome provides long slabs and technical climbing that rate 5.7 to 5.11. (E-Rock officials ask that you check in at headquarters before you hit the rocks with your gear. They'll give you route maps and climbing rules.) 
• Picnicking. The site contains grills and picnic tables for your dining pleasure. 
• Partying. An all-out college bash is probably out of the question, but the site does have a group picnic area complete with a pavilion. 
• Star Gazing. A relatively high point, and minimal light pollution make for a great view of the heavens. 
• Bird Watching. The park is a haven for a number of birds including Texas' unofficial state bird, the buzzard. There's even an appropriately named location, Buzzard's Roost. If buzzards aren't what you're looking for ask at headquarters for a checklist of other birds you can observe. 
• Nature Studying. Within the park boundaries exist a plethora of interesting geological, plant, and wildlife features including 500 species of plant life and animals ranging from rock squirrels to lizards. 
• Exploring.  Among the many interesting geological features of the park exist several A-tent caves and a large granite cave known as Enchanted Rock Fissure waiting for the limber and young at heart to discover. 

The usual: sunscreen, hat,  water, snacks and anything else you may need depending on the weather and the length of your stay: wind protection, backpack, food. If you plan on having a fire you'll need to bring your own firewood. There is usually wood available for purchase, but planning on this has failed more than one camper. Those camping in the primitive sites will need to either eat granola bars, cold food, or a bring containerized fuel stove. In the interest of preventing wildfires no ground fires are allowed in the primitive sites.

Call Texas Parks and Wildlife's info hotline 1-800-792-1112 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to check if E-Rock is open before you make the drive. Generally the park is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. through all seasons, however there are exceptions. During holidays and weekends it often fills to capacity and temporarily closes to incoming visitors. If you have camping reservations don't fret, you'll be granted entry at any time, but otherwise you may be out of luck until 5 p.m. Another reason the park may be closed is for controlled hunting during the fall. 

Once you arrive you'll need $5 per person to get into the park. While you're at the headquarters, let them know if you are rock climbing, and pick up any literature on routes, birds, archeology, etc. that you may want.

One of my favorite things about E-Rock is something I've hardly seen mentioned anywhere else: the caves. They're not much, --no stalagmites, tites or anything fancy-- but there's something rewarding about climbing around in the dark without the aid of handrails or guides. If you want to explore the caves of E-Rock, you'll want to take a flashlight or headlamp. Without one you may not even be able to find some of the entrances. A word of warning: the rocks are often wet and slippery so wear appropriate shoes. (Leather soles are bad.)

Inside tips

1. First, my favorite: the caves. In the interest of not ruining all the fun, by either telling you there are caves and you never finding any, or by telling you where they all are and depriving you of the thrill of the search, I'm going to show you where the most obvious cave entrance can be found. Head up the main dome to the summit. Follow the nicely placed arrows showing you the trail. Once you reach the peak, pause and enjoy, then keep going over the top to the other side. There will be a quick steep slope and a small area of trees. To the right, there will be an area that just looks like it has the potential for a cave. Conveniently from here the directions to the entrance are marked with ever-fading arrows. Follow them into the black abyss. 
2. Second, a great place to view the sunset is the formation just left of the main dome (as you're facing it from the parking lot). From here you can watch the sky change colors as the sun sets over the hill country horizon. 
3. Third, the best times of the year to visit are spring and fall because the temperatures are mild and you're not going to freeze or die of heatstroke. Also, there are bluebonnets and other wildflowers to view in the spring, and the changing color of the leaves in the fall. 
4. And last, a warning to avoid peak times like holidays and weekends. The park is more likely to be filled and closed, which puts a damper on the trip. Some campers may be well-advised to be cautious on new age holidays. Some friends and I were at E-Rock one December 23rd and the general rules of the park and polite camping were violated by some of our neighboring nature enthusiasts. The beating of a bongo kept us awake most of the night, and in the morning we stepped outside our tent to find someone enjoying E-Rock in nude natural splendor. As a group of college students, the experience wasn't all that different from normal life, but for some campers, especially those with children, this might be offensive. 

When climbing, climb clean and don't use pitons.

And as always, don't crowd your neighbors, keep pets on leashes and respect the rights of others to a peaceful camping experience.