The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is opening the Backcountry Area at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for expanded public day use on July 7, the first phase of self-guided access to one of the park’s newest expansions, according to a July 6 news release from the agency.
The opening follows the development timeline for the state’s Centennial Parks, which calls for facilitated public day use such as guided hikes at the 12-month mark and expanded public day use at 18 months, when visitors can explore on their own, the agency said.
“This first wave of development will be a good fit for true adventurers who want a more rugged experience than what they’ve been currently experiencing at Enchanted Rock,” said Superintendent Doug Cochran. “Future phases will see closer parking so people of other experience levels can enjoy the beauty of the Backcountry.”
There is no parking in the Backcountry Area. Visitors will enter through park headquarters and hike approximately two miles through the existing portion of Enchanted Rock to reach the pedestrian gate at the area’s entrance, according to the release. Hours for the Backcountry Area are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., which differs from the main portion of the park, and new trail maps covering the expansion are available at park headquarters and online.
The agency cautioned that, like most of the park, the Backcountry offers limited shade and rugged trails. Visitors are advised to bring plenty of water and salty snacks, plan for sun protection such as sunscreen and long shirts, hike with a buddy, make a hiking plan beforehand and carry a cellphone. Two water refill stations serve the area, with one at the entrance and a second at the center of the property at the trail intersection of Ringtail Loop and Songbird Trail, where a portable restroom is also available.
Additional phases of development will bring parking closer to the Backcountry so visitors of all experience levels can reach the new terrain, the agency said. More information about Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is available on the TPWD website.