Everybody has a mental checklist of places they need to see. Add Enchanted Rock. Not because it is the most wonderful place on the earth, or its the birthplace of your favorite musician. Add it to your list because it's one of those sights that make you stand back and say, "Whoaa!!" It's huge. In fact, it's about 640 acres of pure rock. I'm not talking about rocks. I'm talking one big rock.

The Enchanted Rock park is 1643 acres. It's covered by hiking trails and camp sites. Typical park activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, and rock climbing.

Facilities include showers, restrooms, improved campsites with tent pads and picnic tables, primitive hike-in sites, and a 4-mile hiking trail.

AustinExperience recommends making Enchanted Rock a spring or fall trip. Although the surrounding areas and campsites are wooded, there is very little shade on your hike to the top of the rock. In the Texas heat, you're cooking if you plan to hike up the rock in mid-summer.

Enchanted Rock is open 7 days a week year round. Camping fees vary, so call ahead for more information. You can make reservations by calling 512-389-8900. For more information call 1-800-792-1112.

Enchanted Rock often reaches capacity (in terms of parking) and closes sometimes as early as 11:00 a.m. and doesn't reopen until 5:00 p.m. Get there early, or make backup plans just in case.