5. Until this past weekend. 1/ Enchanted Rock This big hunk of granite and the surrounding areas are without a doubt some of the best places to stargaze in Central Texas. You’ll want to return again and again. To protect the ecosystem of this Natural Area, pets are only allowed in the designated picnic areas, the campgrounds, and on the Loop Trail. Where to stay: Within the confines of the park, there are only camping options available. The formation’s estimated age is one billion years, and it is the focal point of many Native American legends. The city is home for stargazing activities with numerous spots to enjoy the amazing stars. Hike Enchanted Rock during the day and turn to the sky at night to view a massive amount of stars. Set up camp and marvel at the views, lovely hikes, and stargazing at the vastness of the Texas night sky. Elgin Texas 78621. Camping options at Enchanted Rock are pretty rustic. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Continue to Fredericksburg, and turn right on Milam St. (RR 965). Join Enchanted Rock staff and the Friends of Enchanted Rock for an evening of stargazing, star parties, Dark Sky talks, demonstrations, and hikes. We want as many people to come as possible. No electricity. Travel 17 miles North to Enchanted Rock. From San Antonio: Take Hwy 281 North to Johnson City. 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. Enchanted Rock is a huge, pink granite dome rising 425 feet above ground, 1825 feet above sea level, and covering 640 acres. The third annual Enchanted Rock Star Festival is 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. Rebecca used to hike all over it asa kid and frequently slept on top of it during summers to see the Milky Way. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. 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 is celebrating its dark side. This meteor shower is a dazzling light show of hundreds of shooting stars, and NASA expects it to be exceptional in 2016. ACCOMMODATIONS: Tent camping. 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. 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. ), we wanted to take a look at some of the best stargazing spots in and around the Austin area. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. There’s also room for 2 hammocks on the shade shelters. Feb 12, 2020 - Magical, mystical, enchanted and loads of outdoor fun. The event begins as the sun sets, and visitors will see the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter line up. The scattered population in the area reduces the lighting and allows you to enjoy the shooting stars. 16710 Ranch Rd. In addition to completing the hiking trails, Enchanted Rock is the focal point for other activities. There are more than 10 miles of hiking trails, including the 4-mile Summit Trail to the top of Enchanted Rock. But there’s more at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than … On top of this beautiful piece of granite, you can soak up the most unrestricted views of the night sky above. Take Hwy 290 West to Fredericksburg. In fact, the Texas Parks Association uses light measurement instruments to provide optimal stargazing conditions. Enchanted Rock ranks a 3 on the Bortles Dark-Sky Scale (where 1 is the darkest), according to Texas Parks & Wildlife. The park is located at 16710 RR 965 near Fredericksburg. The sky was completely clear and we could see the milky way across the entire sky; it was pretty incredible! The list is ever changing and evolving, but Enchanted Rock has been on there since the get go. Travel 17 miles north to 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. Stargazing at Enchanted Rock. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is widely regarded as one of the best places to go stargazing in Texas. As the sun goes down, enjoy solar viewing through special solar scopes and stick around for the night's activities. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Enchanted Rock Whether you like to hike in the morning or would like stargazing, Enchanted Rock is one of Fredericksburg’s treasures. 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 :). your own Pins on Pinterest There are nearly 11 miles of hiking trails throughout the area and even a little playground at the bottom. The Enchanted Rock Star Party is an annual event hosted by the Hill Country Astronomers. The short, stunning summit trail in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of the most popular hikes in Texas. 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. In Fredericksburg, Central Texas, is Enchanted Rock … It is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park and is a great place to see the Milky Way. Address: 21715 Dolan Creek Rd, Del Rio, TX 78840. The park is listed as an International Dark Sky Park, which means it is considered to be exceptional for stargazing. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Visit the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to climb the ancient dome for amazing Texas Hill Country views. With the mystery of Enchanted Rock as a backdrop, visitors can gaze into the night sky envisioning a time of long past. 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.” Please bring a smallish tent. Turn right on Milam St. (RR 965). 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. Enchanted Rock is a great place for day trips, rock climbing, camping, bird watching stargazing and more. 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