Trail Run Big Loop at Enchanted Rock

This 5 mile gravel loop circumnavigates a large pink granite monadnock with elevation gains up the rock of 425 ft if you choose to add the climb to your adventure.  The trail starts in a parking lot with easy access to the trail head.  Start out heading west on the trail and you'll run around Little Rock first where you'll have to navigate some small boulders through the second mile or so.  Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as we came across a fox and a number of horned lizards.   The trail provides some shade in some areas and a variety of flora - some growing in some spectacular places as plant life has adapted to grow on top of these massive rocks.  As you navigate around the backside of the big rock - Enchanted Rock - look up the rock as you'll likely see rock climbers having a blast on the steep side of this formation.  

The trail is well marked and if you get off track, well, keep circling the big formation and you're sure to get back to where you started!  As you make your way through the last 1/3 of this run you will run between Freshman's Mountain and Buzzard's Roost.  This could allure some to scramble up for some views and back down to finish the run - but wait!  When you make your way back to the start you will be able to climb the front side of Enchanted Rock via the Summit Trail - scramble it if you choose the right path - and finish your run with a fantastic reward of 360 degree panoramic views of the hill country.  At the top, you will truly appreciate the monadnock formation as you get the full view of the relatively flat lands surrounding Enchanted Rock.  Sit down and enjoy the view and relax from your run - what a peaceful reward!

Some things to consider about the rock - if you're not claustrophobic you can explore some of the small caves and crevices that exist throughout the formation.  Additionally, the granite rock gets slippery when wet.  Be careful if it's dewy out, has recently rained, or is raining.  The park will sometimes close the rock if it's raining as you can easily slip.

Be sure to read about the legends of the rock before heading out.  The area was home to Tonkawa, Apache, and Comanche Indians and the folklore surrounding the rock is interesting.  It will fill your mind with wonder and your thoughts will make the run fly by!