Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, located between Fredericksburg and Llano, Texas, is a pretty amazing place to explore. This rugged landscape is part of the Llano Uplift and is comprised of pink granite. This gallery contains some of my favorite photographs from this magical area.

Enchanted Rock itself rises about 425 feet above the surrounding terrain and rests at 1825 feet above sea level. Signs of humans in the area date back 10,000 years and came from the Plains Indian culture. Legends abound when it comes to this Texas Hill Country landmark. In native tribes’ histories, Enchanted Rock has been said to be the home to sacrifices by the Comanche and Tonkawa tribes, as a holy portal to other worlds, and as a place haunted by the spirits of human warriors and by a native American princess who flung herself off the summit.

Other legends exist as well, but today the state park offers hiking, camping, rock climbing, and exploring. Sunsets and sunrises from the top of the summit provide great views of the Texas landscape, and in spring you can find patches of bluebonnets around the base of the rock. In late May, the prickly pear cacti bloom in beautiful oranges and golds. Night sky viewing can be enchanting, too. As a Dark Skies designated area, the Milky Way can be seen on clear nights, and night time photography can produce stunning photographs. And if you are out there at night, watch out for those forever wandering spirits!

While Enchanted Rock receives all the accolades, two other small summits are just as much fun to explore - Turkey Peak to the southeast and Little Rock to the southwest (in relation to Enchanted Rock). Both of these peaks offer unique areas to explore, and the wildflower blooms and prickly pear blooms in early summer present opportunities for beautiful landscapes.

The images presented in “My Favorites” gallery are available for licensing or as prints. Please contact me if you have any questions.