Some would say TPWD ('the evil government', if you must) is protecting the park. Due to increasing use, restrictions are placed on many parks -- not just Enchanted Rock or other Texas State Parks, but national parks and and recreation areas as well. It's the same reason concerts and baseball/football games only sell a certain number of tickets, even though MANY OTHERS want to participate in those events on that date/time. And just like those events,
a small but growing contingent of stupid/lazy visitors trash up the place and expect a cleaning crew to come in behind them regardless of if they're within 2 feet of a trash bin.
In regards to your memories, the park is still open and very much accessible. It's not spoiled, except by those who do things like blow up/ruin the Balanced Rock, paint graffitti or etch their names in every tree within ten paces of their campsite.
It's always easy to look back on the past with rose-colored glasses, but many families still camp, hike and explore Enchanted Rock. Would it be better if the government just issued lottery numbers every year and you were out of luck entirely from visiting? Or if the park were allowed unlimited visitation and, as a result, its facilities became increasingly decrepit and over-used, including the rock and vegetation itself? For me, the decision of TPWD is the least of all evils and helps keep the park around for when/if I have children, not just for me in the here and NOW.
Regards,
- Shannon Moore