We heard a rumor there were beautiful flower gardens and ponds on top...
...so we hiked the summit trail, gaining 425 feet in elevation in just over half a mile...it was one steep trail...
...and we were not disappointed.
Click to enlarge the photos.
Enchanted rock is a batholith, a mass of molten material that rose to the surface and solidified. The pools of water and mini gardens are vernal ponds. There are tadpoles swimming around in them that we saw, and tiny shrimp that are said to be in them that we didn't see. It is a very strenuous hike, but well worth the effort. There is not much shade on the summit trail so wear a hat and carry plenty of water. Pack a lunch to eat at the top while enjoying the view.
There is an easier, 4-mile loop trail which circles the rock. We hiked 2 miles of it, and I even found a geocache while most of the others were taking a break.
It's been a long time since I did a Travel Tip Thursday. I still have lots of travel stories from this summer and I thought I'd link up. I looked, and Pseudo hasn't posted since 2010? Has she left the blogosphere?
I'm posting more pics to the Starting Over Facebook page. The link is in the sidebar. You should not have to "like" the page to view them. Feel free, if you are so inclined, as it is not a profile page so liking it does not give me access to any of your profile information that is not public. It simply prompts FB to post updates to your home page and allows you to comment.
11 comments:
I miss Travel Tip Thursday! Beautiful place there!
nice...very cool...sounds like a great place to visit...hike...
Looking at that pic of the rock I'd have put money on there being nothing at the top worth seeing..I was way wrong.Thats a hike I'd have gladly made.
That is wonderful, thanks for sharing, you'll never see me on top ;)
Great pictures! That looks like a great hike to take. Thanks for sharing. :)
It's a beautiful place to visit even if you don't hike to the top. There is a place to practice technical climbing with ropes and gear, there are easier trails, and there are campsites. It's supposed to be a great place to birdwatch. There is even a cave to explore.
I was surprised by all the vegetation at the top, too. I never thought there would be frogs and tadpoles.
What a beautiful treat to find waiting for you at the end of your hike! (or in the middle, I guess, since you had to hike back down!!)
Beautiful Jen! Thanks for the pics so I could enjoy the trip!
Beautiful Photos!
John
Looks like a good trip.
What amazing pictures. My husband loves backpacking. I will definitely have him check out your blog.
oh god im so jealous.
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