Rumors of vast gold and silver treasures hoarded by Native Americans continued to attract the Spaniards' attention. By the time settlers from the United States arrived in Texas, the folklore concerning Enchanted Rock dictated that the entire rock was a giant, gold nugget. Later, Texas pioneer Stephen F. Austin said that experiments had proven that the hill was made of pure iron. Although at first look the granite appears to be barren of any plant life, scattered shallow pools of rainwater grow wild onion and lichen. Several small trees grow near the summit.
Wildlife also is found on the rock.
Many species of birds circle the rock, and most days you'll be able to see buzzards. Keep an eye out for mockingbirds, as well as hawks, doves and bobwhites. The history behind the formation of Enchanted Rock dates back more than a billion years. At that time the Earth was in a great upheaval, and moving underground masses created the rock. When it was first formed, the giant formation was covered by dirt.