All Locations > Texas > Enchanted Rock… > Little Dome

Buffalo Boulder Climbing

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Elevation:	1,596 ft	486 m
GPS:	30.50311, -98.83251 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	345 total · 8/month
Shared By:	Robert S on Jan 1, 2023
Admins:	mattm, Matt Richardson, Kathy Farmer, Vincent P, Jim Day, Joanie Mars Page Updates (admin only)

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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.

For more info:
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/…

830-685-3636

Description

This large boulder is not in the O'Grady guide or in the Dome Driver's Manual, but a reliable source told me it is in the out-of-print Little Dome Driver, and he shared pictures from it that revealed the names and grades of the routes.

Buffalo Boulder is right off the Loop Trail just a couple minutes from the Loop Trail Boulders. LDD lists several bouldering problems, and there are a couple that go as short trad routes of 25-30'. It seems to get little attention despite the ease of access, which includes a low-angle slab one can walk up to reach the "summit."

The name comes from the formation's resemblance to a buffalo at rest in the grass, which you can see in one of the pictures here.

You might find additional useful information on my SummitPost page.

Getting There

From the end of the campground hiking area, just pick up the Loop Trail and follow it 20-30 minutes until you see the boulder on the right side of the trail. I'm not sure how accurate the coordinates are, but if you have the pictures here, you can't miss the rock.