Stargazing 101

Join a Park Ranger as we learn about the importance of dark skies while learning to navigate the stars above.

From finding constellations to specific stars. From myths and legends about these celestial beings to scientific facts and figures. We’ll spend our time looking and learning.

As an International Dark Sky Park, Enchanted Rock boasts some of the darkest skies in this part of Texas, which means the stars at night ARE big and bright deep in the heart of Texas. We will be bare eye stargazing. Feel free to bring your own telescope or camera.

'Gazing Location Lower Parking Lot (1st parking lot past HQ). There is no hiking as part of this program. Limited Parking parking available in Lower Lot; additional parking available be in the Summit Parking Lot. Let us know if you need any special accommodations!

Bring 

• Lawn chair or stargazing blanket (optional)
• Dress for the weather
• Flashlight (preferably with a red lens; mainly for walk back to vehicle/campsite)

Please no flashlights or cell phones during this event (it can take 20-30 minutes for our eyes to adjust from bright light to darkness). Red-tinted lights are permitted.

Entrance fees: $8/adult; children 12 and under are free; no additional fees for this event. Entry is free with an active Texas State Parks Pass. No registration is required for this event. All are welcome!

All programs are weather dependent -- if it rains, the Summit Trail and all elevated trails and areas of the park are closed. Also, if it's cloudy -- stars will not be visible.

IMPORTANT: Reservations are required to enter Enchanted Rock on weekends, holidays and/or during school breaks. You can check day pass availability and make reservations online at TexasStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. The latest available entrance permit is 4-8PM - all visitors must be in the park prior to 8PM when the entrance gate closes.

Check for additional stargazing dates on the park events page and/or below.