Enchanted Eagle Microbox

Enchanted Rock

Placed By: Silver Eagle
Date: 11/28/03
Nearest Town: Fredericksburg, Tx
County: Gillespie
Terrain Difficulty: Moderate (steep, 1 mile RT)
Status: reported missing (12/10/06)

Enchanted Rock, located in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, is a huge, pink, granite exfoliation dome that rises 425 feet above ground, 1825 feet above sea level, and covers 640 acres. It is one of the largest batholiths (underground rock formation uncovered by erosion) in the United States. It gets its name from the Tonkawa Indians, who believed the rock was enchanted because they saw ghost fires at the top and heard weird creaking and groaning sounds emanating from the rock. Geologists now say this resulted from the rock's heating by day and contracting in the cool night. The rock serves as a mecca for rock climbers but visitors can also enjoy primitive backpacking, camping, hiking, picnicking, geological study, bird watching and star gazing. The short, steep hike to the top is a must, not only for the scenic views, but to find this microbox. While in the park, be sure to also look for Eoghan's Enchanted Rock letterbox. Entry fee is $5.00 per adult, so plan on coming early and staying for a while to enjoy some of these activities. This is one of the best State Parks in Texas!

Directions:

Fredericksburg is about 250 miles west of Houston. Go west on I10, then north on Hwy 87, then west on Hwy 290. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is 18 miles north of Fredericksburg on Ranch Road 965.

Clues:

Head to the summit trail and climb to the top of Enchanted Rock. Look for a lone tree to the east and continue walking down the back side to the north for about 100 yards to some large boulders blocking your path. You can go under them to go to a cave but to go to the box, turn left (west) and walk between two grassy areas. When you come to the end of the grassy area on the left, turn left (south) and walk to the steep wall bordering it on the south side. Turn left (east) again and walk 18 steps along the wall with grass on your left now and look for a 4-trunk tree in front of you. The microbox is nestled within the trunks under dead leaves and rocks. Please re-cover well.

NOTE: Always take adequate precautions (such as prodding with a stick and/or wearing gloves) before reaching into dark crevasses and holes in the wild. Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.

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Last updated on 12/10/2006

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