parks
Enchanted Rock opens new backcountry area
By Kory Cook at Texas Public Radio (TPR)
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
A new backcountry area at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area opened Tuesday, giving experienced hikers access to rugged new trails as the first phase of a roughly 3,000-acre expansion that has doubled the size of the popular Hill Country park.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The expansion of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is likely to have a significant impact on the local community in Alamo Heights , particularly in terms of tourism and outdoor recreation. With the addition of new trails and a larger backcountry area, the park is expected to attract even more visitors from the San Antonio area, including Alamo Heights. This could lead to increased economic activity in the surrounding areas, as hikers and nature enthusiasts stop to grab a bite to eat or shop before or after their visit to the park. Additionally, the expansion may also lead to increased collaboration between local park rangers and Alamo Heights public safety officials to ensure visitor safety and manage the potential influx of new visitors. As the park continues to grow and develop, it will be worth watching how the expansion affects the local community and the natural environment of the area.
About this story
Original reporting by Texas Public Radio (TPR) . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Texas Public Radio (TPR) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: Texas Public Radio (TPR) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A new backcountry area at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area opened Tuesday, giving experienced hikers access to rugged new trails as the first phase of a roughly 3,000-acre expansion that has doubled the size of the popular Hill Country park.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by Texas Public Radio (TPR) and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kory Cook at Texas Public Radio (TPR). To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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