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Triple Cracks Sanctuary
Texas
> Enchanted Rock…
> Echo Canyon
Access Issue: Rule changes for pets and trail closures 30 minutes after sunset
Details
Rule Changes Concerning Pets at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to Take Effect March 1. Beginning March 1, new rules will take effect at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area designed to balance the need to better protect sensitive natural habitats atop the rock, including the vernal pools, and still allow visitors to continue to enjoy central Texas’ most popular destination with their pets.
Starting Tuesday, pets will only be allowed in specified camping areas, day-use areas and the Loop Trail. Pets will no longer be allowed to accompany hikers on the Summit Trail that ascends to the top of Enchanted Rock. Most trails, including the Summit Trail, are closed 30 minutes after sunset, allowing park visitors to view the sunset and safely descend to the parking lot. The Loop Trail is the only trail open after sunset to gain access to the primitive camping areas.
The Triple Cracks Sanctuary is located on the left side of the Echo Canyon area. It is home to the best concentration of moderate crack climbs in the park. It is also well shaded, making it a good summer destination. The climbs are deservedly popular, and the area is small, so expect crowds when there are a lot of climbers in the park. Owl Crack (5.8+) and Middle Crack (5.8) are the two highlights. The Triple Cracks area also provides the easiest path to the Smorgasbord Area - a small slot behind Grass Crack.
Getting There
From the base of Echo Canyon, hike up the green climbers' trail. The trail will take you to an opening between Table Top and Rappeller's Rock. Continue through this opening to a wall with three roughly parallel cracks in it.
[Hide Comment] Fun area for some quality crack climbing. Note that the only anchors in the area are on top of Grass Crack on the far left, so if you want to TR stuff you will have to build your own anchors at the top of the various lines and then deal with some shenanigans traversing over (easier the higher you go) to the grass crack anchors in order to clean your gear. Alternatively you can walk off over the top of the dome (4th class but kinda sketch).
May 18, 2013
[Hide Comment] The traditional descent from Triple Cracks was to down climb the low 5th class dihedral behind the belay alcove and then down climb the Smorgasbord dihedral and slab to the large boulder (by Rapeller's Rock) overlooking the base. Best exit is underneath that boulder though other options exist.
Jun 30, 2015
[Hide Comment] So we actually found the directions a bit confusing and got a little lost, although we did eventually find it. The trouble is that if you don't know what "rapeller's rock" is, it doesn't make a great landmark. Also, there is a fork at the second green trail sign, although both seem to get you there (I think the right one was better). Anyways, the trail basically dead ends into a big boulder (Rapeller's?), which is where you go RIGHT (downhill). I attached a photo for the out-of-town/new folks.
Jul 7, 2017
[Hide Comment] This is a great area! Owl Crack is one of my favorite routes in the park, but honestly they are all fun. The routes are all fairly well protected too, which makes it a great spot to come if your head game is not top notch that day.
Mar 21, 2020
Access Issue: Rule changes for pets and trail closures 30 minutes after sunset
Details
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