Explore the Caves at Enchanted Rock

After driving down backroads through the Texas Hill Country, you'll come to the Enchanted Rock Sate Natural Area (theres a large sign at the entrance making it hard to miss). There's a $7 adult fee, but kids under the age of 12 are free.

After parking, follow the signs to the "Summit Trail", and begin your trek along a path decorated with cactus and wildflowers to the base of the rock. Once you actually step foot on the boulder the path begins to diminish; you find your own way to the top from there.

Once you reach the summit, continue over the rock to the opposite face. About halfway down the face there is a grove of trees scattered in a patch of boulders running along the granite slope.

Now this is where it gets a little ambiguous so bear with me...

The pocket of trees amongst the boulders is formed in a bowl-like shape. The caves begin in the center of that bowl. Drop down into the bowl and you'll find large boulders that have fallen on top of each other. The entrance to the cave lies in between these boulders. It's not hard to see.

Drop down into the cave and begin your adventure. (A flashlight is absolutely necessary!) There are several tight spots where you will be unsure whether or not the cave goes on. Continue, there is light at the end of the tunnel, I promise. At some points throughout the cave there are red arrows spray painted on the rock, they point you in the right direction. It takes myself and 3 other people around 20-30 mins to get through the entire cave. When you begin to approach the end, you'll see pockets of light beaming down from the ceiling. While you can exit the cave from some of the larger pockets, you don't have to. If you continue on there will be a final hole to crawl through that spits you back out on the face of the rock, you will be in the lower part of the tree/boulder grove. From here you can simply circle around and make your way back to the summit.

Once you make it back to the car, you might feel hungry. Fredericksburg, a quaint little town about 25 mins north, has some of the best german food in Texas. Stop by Altdorf Biergarten for bratwurst and a vice beer, or, for more American vibes, go to Burger Burger for a milkshake and a bacon burger.

Words for the Wise:

-The inside of the cave is slippery, and in some cases the footing is sloped, I highly recommend good shoes with grip.

-If you are claustrophobic, keep in mind the cave can get pretty tight at times.