NEWS

1. To start with, even though they have a big parking lot, they can only accept a limited number of cars, so making a reservation as many days in advance as possible is a must, to assure you have a place for that day. No pets are allowed on the summit trail (which we will do) but are allowed on other trails. So, I would advise against bringing your pet.

2. they absolutely DON’T like it when careless people leave trash behind.

3. All Texas State parks are now requiring reservations prior to showing up at the park. This reservation must be made days in advance, and my suggestion is to make them sooner because you want to be on the list of people permitted for the day you want to go.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

 

I have had the opportunity in the past to hike with different groups of people and found that whoever leads the hike has a "philosophy" about the hike. Some people like to march through the trail and finish it in record time, and barely talk or enjoy nature. My style is a little different. I love to enjoy nature and stop here and there to take a photo or just to take in the beauty of the place. It is very important to me that everybody that participates in the hike with me has a great and memorable experience, and creates strong bonds amongst the participants. Also, very important to me, is that everyone in the group finishes the hike in a safe and caring way, I won't leave a hiker behind. We hike as a group. 

 

MEETING PLACE:

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We will meet inside the park, at the kiosk that marks the beginning of the summit trail at 8:45 am, and we will start the hike soon after, to allow people to use the restroom, and get ready.  The reason we meet inside the park is that the reservation you make will be tied to the car you are taking and to the number of people riding with you.

 

*RIDE SHARE: Flavio has a reservation for 6, for himself and 5 other people that want to ride with me from my house ( we meet at 6:30 am at my place)

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THE TRAIL:

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We will hike the summit trail, which is going on top of the Enchanted Rock summit. The ascent is very steep, so I will show you a technique to make it easier on you. At the top, you have a spectacular 360-degree view of all the park and surrounding areas.  Wind usually picks up there, so you may want to consider bringing a light jacket or windbreaker jacket.

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We will take the same route back. The trail is short in length but very steep in some areas, so wearing good shoes is a must.

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Note for those riding with me: After the hike, we will go back to Fredericksburg to eat lunch, and then come back to San Antonio. If your plan is different, then I suggest making your own reservation.

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WHAT TO BRING:

Everybody is a little different in the things they like to carry and how they carry them but let me give you a general list of items that you may find important to bring. Everything in this list is optional, except water, but follow your common sense.

 

·        WATER is very important!!!!! Bring WATER !!!!!, This is the only mandatory item on the list, the rest are optional.

·        snacks

·        Lots of good spirit, enthusiasm, and excitement

·        Hiking boots or sneakers with good traction

·        hat

·        sunglasses

·        sunscreen

·        backpack

·        light jacket

·        rain jacket

·        insect repellent

·        tissues

·        Lip balm

·        hiking staff, aka hiking poles

·        Bandana

·        Camera/phone

·        Shorts or long pants? your choice...

·        Some people like to bring flip flops or sandals to change into after the hike. up to you.... but remember, you are the one carrying it.

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WHAT NOT TO BRING:

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·        Glass containers.

·        purse (you are the one carrying the extra weight, so I am ok with it if you bring it   :)  

·        If you love your feet, don’t bring sandals, flip flops or cowboy boots for the hike. Trust me, your feet will be grateful.

 

OTHER SUGGESTIONS:

 

·        I found that having your toenails trimmed helps a lot towards your comfort and ability to enjoy a hike.

·        Hydrate well the night before.

·        Have breakfast before the hike.

·        Have a good night's sleep the night before.

·        Drink water during the hike, don't wait until you are parched.

·        Wear comfortable clothes.

·        Wear socks that stay put, as opposed to those socks that go down on your feet and interfere with your walking.

·        Wear wool socks, if possible, to help with wicking moisture away from your feet, to avoid blisters while hiking.

·        Prepare your gear the day before, so you have everything you need ready to go on the morning of the hike.

·        If you are a coffee drinker, get your caffeine fix before the hike.

·        If you are not a morning person, tape a sign to the back of your shirt that says "DON'T TALK TO ME BEFORE 11 AM" ....   (just kidding.....)

 

PARK INFO:

 

Address: 16710 Ranch Rd. 965
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Phone: (830) 685-3636

 

Latitude: 30.496033

Longitude: -98.819952