Enchanted Rock-Willow City Loop

Overview:

• Fredericksburg to Enchanted Rock State Park
• Enchanted Rock to Willow City via Willow City Loop
• Willow City to Johnson City
• Johnson City to Fredericksburg via back roads
• 99 Miles – Approx 2:10 hrs

Description:

Starting in Fredericksburg, head north on Milam St (FM-965) out of town.  Continue on FM-965 for just over 20 miles.  The road has sweeping turns and rolling elevation changed as it goes through the hill country.  After 20 miles, you have the Enchanted Rock State Nature Area.  Enchanted rock is a large bald rock/hill that many people hike to the top of, consisting of a 425 ft elevation gain.  Continue on FM-965 for another 10 miles till it ends at TX-16.  Along FM-965, in the spring, there are many bluebonnets that line the road.

Turn right on TX-16 back toward Fredericksburg.  After 4 miles, turn left onto “Willow City Loop”.  After turning onto Willow City Loop, the next 13 miles winds through the hill country with some nice views.  In the spring, this is a major bluebonnet viewing area.  When traveling this road to see bluebonnets, it can be congested as there are hundreds of people who venture here on the weekends.

Willow City Loop ends when it merges with FM-1323.  Continue straight on FM-1323 which winds through the hills for 24 miles when it intersects with US-281.  Take a right toward Johnson City for 3 miles.  When you get into Johnson City, at the stoplight, turn right on US-290 toward Fredericksburg.

Continue along US-290 for 10 miles and veer right onto “Ranch Road 1”.  This road winds along the Pedernales river and through the LBJ State Park & Historic site along the back side of the town of Hye.  After 5 miles, turn right onto FM-1623 until it runs into FM-2721 and turn left.  Continue on FM-2721 for 6 miles when it merges with FM-1631 and continue on this road into Fredericksburg.  FM-1631 ends at US-290 in Fredericksburg, where you turn right and come back to the starting point.

Road Conditions:

All roads on this route are chip-seal and pose no construction challenges, except as noted:

Johnson City:
Johnson City, Texas, is a charming town located in the Texas Hill Country, known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and ties to former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Here are a few we like.