Ever since moving to Austin, I’ve heard all about Enchanted Rock– a giant, pink granite rock formation outside of Fredericksburg, Texas. On a whim, I decided to check it out this weekend.

There are all sorts of stories about the rock– from indians hiding there to avoid Anglo settlers and being drawn to its spiritual and magical powers, to “ghost fires” being lit out of thin air and a priest being swallowed up by a cave and spit out two days later. Creaking and groaning sounds have even been heard from inside the rock, which are now explained by changes in temperature.

I’m still not ruling out the possibly of it being some kind of alien spaceship…who knows.

Today, it’s very much a tourist attraction, but despite the large crowds that visit every day, it’s relatively quiet on top of the rock because of the sheer size of it.

I’m not much of a geologist, but it’s definitely fun to look around at the weathered rock and imagine all it’s been through. Here are some of my photos from an afternoon of exploring what should be called the 8th wonder of the world.

People walk up the side of Enchanted Rock. With several false peeks, the rock is actually much taller than it looks from its base (which is why it would have made a great hiding spot for indians).

A marker at the top of the rock.

A small pond can be seen from the top of the rock.

Another rock formation seen from the top of Enchanted Rock.

Even on top of Enchanted Rock, there are large rocks and caves that make for some pretty good climbing. This was shot from inside of an area that can only be accessed by climbing through a cave.

Large rocks on the side of Enchanted Rock.

The back of the rock, as seen from a trail that runs through the park.

 

(c) Lauren Pape