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Hamilton Pool Preserve

4.2 (400 reviews)
Closed 9:00 am - 12:30 pm, 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM

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Hamilton Pool
Elizabeth M.

An Austin classic... it's not in Austin itself but definitely a place to check out if you are in the area. I've been a couple of times and always have so much fun. The trail is pretty easy and depending on the health of the water, you'll be informed of it's safe to swim or not. I recommend taking some snacks to picnic around there and of course, please pick up after yourself. They try to get people to make reservations before going, for crowd control and they try to be as ecologically friendly as possible. I'll be back again many more times and I can't recommend it enough for nature lovers.

from the shore how it looks
Jaqueline C.

Hamilton Pools used to be a cool gem now it's not. I came here about 6 years ago and decided to come back with my family so they can experience what I experienced 6 years ago, definitely was not it. The water wasn't crystal clear anymore it look so dirty and brown. Almost a very big chunk if not all the pool is closed off and can't swim past a square. Almost felt like we were in a fish tank with only so much to swim in. The area to the beach is very crowded with people and nowhere to sit anymore. The only square area you're allowed to swim in has debris and dirt floating everywhere they pretty much only let you swim in the nasty water. Definitely don't recommend anymore. There's way more hidden gems and better pools to go enjoy your day at with the family! Hopefully they rethink and open the pool again to how it used to be and take care of it more cause this place used to be awesome and now it isn't.

Hannah L.

Very very neat! Sad we came during the time that there wasn't a waterfall, but it was still very neat. They currently have the trail going under the falls closed, which was a bummer. But it's beautiful still and I would highly recommend!

Edbert N.

This place was nice to visit although it's about a 45-minute drive from the city of Austin. The drive was quite. Reservations are needed and they do fill up fast on the weekends. We were able to go on a weekday when it was less crowded. When we got there the workers were nice and explained everything that we needed to know. We opted to do the longer hike that led to the river. It was a short mile-ish hike that was mostly flat. At the end was a secluded river that we were able to take the sights in. We then headed back to the pool where we had a small picnic. The pool was nice and cold but the sand to go into the pool was a bit rocky. When we were here they did not allow anyone to go underneath because rocks were falling and we did hear some rocks falling and hitting the water. All in all this was a beautiful swimming pool that I would definitely visit again.

Winnie Y.

I was very happy to grab a reservation for our day out of Austin. We really lucked out with being able to swim in the water. It has been closed all week and just reopened the morning of our reservation. My husband and I arrived at the very start of our reservation and had the whole place to ourselves for a good 10 minutes before others started to arrive. It never felt crowded the whole time but there was a threat of rain so I'm not sure if everyone that had a reservation did decide to show up. There were also very few people that stayed the whole reservation time as many people came and went throughout the afternoon.

Ana P.

I have been wanting to visit this place for years and recently i had the chance to go and it was awesome! I seen pictures about this place and always wanted to and cross it off my Texas to do list and i can happily say i visited this place! For starters you have to plan in advance, the peak season for visiting is around February till about September. During these times a reservation is required, no reservation no entrance to the park and they are strict! When I went there was a car behind me and they were talking to the admission guard for a while and they were turned right back around. The park staff that took my reservation number and admission fee were nice and answer all the questions I had about the park. Go online to Travis county parks and rec and follow the links to reserve your spot to visit. Times available are from 9 am till noon and from 1pm to 5 pm. It will show you how many 'slots' are available as the parking lot is small. It is an $11 fee to reserve your spot and you will need to bring cash $15 for the actual entry fee to the pool. I reserved my spot for June all the way back in April and there were plenty of spots open for June and July. It does say on the website that swimming is not guaranteed due to high water levels or/and high bacteria etc. Next, let me tell you the email i got 3 days before my reservation. I got that dreadful email telling me no swimming would be allowed due to high bacterial level, it gave me the option to reschedule my reservation without any additional fee. It also said that my reservation was good to re-schedule up to like 150 days. If i did not use it i would get a voucher to try another day. I had until midnight the night before to cancel or reschedule but i decided to go ahead and visit the pool anyway even if I was not allowed to swim. The day before it rained heavily overnight and the water levels were higher than normal causing no swimming allowed. It is about a 45-minute drive from Austin to dripping springs and let me tell you it is a beautiful scenic drive. This is a true gem hidden in the hill country and I allowed myself an hour to get there and it was easy to get there. I arrived around 11:30 am because there was no point in going at 9 am due to the no swimming allowed. The walk from the parking lot to the pool was short and downhill. There are benches along the way to stop and taking in the natural beauty or to just take a break. They do allow coolers and food(no glass containers) into the park but I just brought my backpack with lots of water and snacks. When swimming is allowed they have life jackets available. There is a park ranger at the pool to make sure people are not swimming when they are not supposed to. Around 30 minutes before the time reservation closes they go around to inform people it is time to head back to the parking lot. There are no lifeguards on duty so swim at your own risk. When i went it was humid but there is plenty of shade. People brought their own chairs and blankets and since swimming was not allowed many were just having a picnic, reading a book or just simply walking around taking pictures. I like how they limit the number of people allowed in the park because that prevents the pool from being overcrowded plus it makes it ideal to take pictures without people in your way. I enjoyed my visit even if i did not get to swim. I spend about an hour walking the trails and taking pictures before I headed back to the parking lot. Overall I really encourage everyone who even though about visiting to just go for it and visit even if you don't get to swim in it. It is definitely worth checking out this gem deep in the heart of Texas! I can't wait to go back!

Avoid visiting until covid is over and until further notice because the county often changes the accessibility restrictions
Ms. L.

Avoid until further notice. I secured reservations over one month before going but ended up wasting the $12 reservation fee because of the ever-changing rules and restrictions. As of now you'll pay $28 for two people ($12 fee to reserve PLUS $8 each) to walk up to the pool and see it, that's it, nothing more. You can't swim and you can't walk anywhere near the waterfall. I understand not being able to swim, but when I booked the reservation there was no indication any parts of the trial would be closed. I'd avoid going here and instead, visit Jacob's Well and the Blue Hole Swimming preserve because they're both free, open, and beautiful places.

Hamilton Pool Preserve panoramic view.
Cindy Z.

Wow, this place is absolutely gorgeous! It's hard to believe it's only 45 minutes outside of Austin, TX. The minute I saw pictures of this place, I knew I had to make my way here during my visit in Austin. You won't regret it! I checked the Travis County Parks website to make reservations for Hamilton Pool Preserve the minute it was available. You get a choice of a morning (9am-1pm) or afternoon (2pm-6pm) reservation. I opted for the morning one and showed up at 9:30am to be one of the first few people there. The reservation costs $11 to book online plus an additional $15 per vehicle in cash for an entrance permit when you arrive at the preserve. The hike to the pool itself was a mere quarter mile although a bit rugged and rigid, so be prepared. Once we arrived, the view was amazing. The water is crystal clear and the waterfall falling into this grotto is just a sight to see! There are life vests provided (but no life guard), so you can even go swimming in the pool. It was too cold to go in during my visit, but I'm definitely making it a priority to come back during the summer to swim here. One of the most beautiful hidden treasures I've seen yet --love it!

Hamilton pool Preserve
Helen C.

Beautiful and pristine natural swimming pool just 40 min outside of Austin. It is a popular destination and requires reservations so definitely plan ahead. We lucked out and was able to snatch up a last minute cancellation reservation on our trip and it was definitely worth refreshing the website for 30 min straight at 1130pm the week before our trip to find those reservations. The hike up to the pool is about 0.5 miles from the parking lot so it is good for family with little kids. I guess you can even swim if the bacterial level is low but unfortunately the swimming was not recommended during our visit. There is another trail that is a bit more rigorous called a river trail that's about a mile on the other side of the pool and it was definitely worth the extra hike to reach the river. It's a pretty big area with lots of rocks to climb and the water was clean for a quick dip when you reach the river.

Overcast day, but still fantastical!
Brittany M.

Great spot to visit! We were one of the first to arrive and it made it magical. Such a classic Texas bucket list location.

No more walking behind due to potential collapse.
Robert M.

Finally had an opportunity to visit Hamilton Pool Preserve. I was meeting some friends at Commons Ford Park so I made reservations. That has GOT to be the dumbest process. Pay on-line and then pay ONLY cash in person for each person when you arrive. They have been plagued by people reserving all the spots & reselling them. Not sure this new process is helping much. Just collect all money ahead of time and only let the folks in who register. It's how practically everything else in the world works. This place is insanely popular, so it would work and reduce the # of resold tickets. Anyway, that frustration aside, it was a pleasant visit. The place is spectacular even in the dry season when I went. You hike about .25 mile down a very slick path. It's all exposed limestone that has been worn down so be very careful. This is not close to an ADA flat road, so you've been warned. At the bottom, you can go left .75 miles to the river or right a couple hundred yards to the pool. You can no longer walk behind the falls because the ceiling is now unstable but you can still enjoy the scenery. I think you can swim, but it was a no go for me in January! Definitely a place you should attempt to visit, just be prepared for a very Byzantine process and keep trying.

A panoramic view from under its cover
Wendy L.

This place is the most hidden gem of Austin, which is why reservations even on weekdays can get scarce. If you have a friend visiting town or aren't in a rush yourself, I recommend booking ahead online. I brought my friend on a weekday and it was the perfect density of visitors. We felt like we weren't walking side by side and could take in the beauty of this natural body of water. I would go back a second time, and likely carry a towel in my backpack or even a small chair. Just note walking around, the paths get tight. When you cross over to the other side of the waterfall, it's a pebble stone-like sandy area to rest at. The day that my friend and I visited, people weren't allowed in the water, but that isn't always the case - updates should be online.

Hamilton Pool in the morning
Rebecca C.

If you're visiting Austin, Texas, love the outdoors, or want something truly spectacular to share on your Insta story then a visit to Hamilton Pool Preserve is a must! Heads up: Reservations are required along with a $15 cash fee per vehicle, and spaces are limited so plan ahead accordingly. There is a bit of a rocky hike downhill to get to the pool, but the trail is well-marked. Hamilton Pool is a natural pool surrounded by large slabs of limestone. Drops of water fall into the pool from the stalactites above it, and there is also a breathtaking waterfall that hits a large boulder. The flow of the fall varies depending on the time of year and rainfall. When my friend and I went a few days ago it was late summer and the fall wasn't too powerful, which attracted a lot of people for photo ops. The spring water itself is incredibly refreshing and not too cool! I loved getting to swim under the stalactites and watch the water droplets fall in slow motion onto my face and into the water. There are also quite a few friendly catfish in the water who will swim right beside you in the shallower parts of the water. If you've never been to Hamilton Pool you are doing yourself a disservice. Make a reservation today and go take in this incredible natural beauty!

So beautiful and tranquil

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Hamilton Pool Preserve Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Hamilton Pool Preserve

How many people can be put under 1 reservation?

When you book the reservation, it's for the vehicle. This must be done in advance and paid for online with a credit card ($12). There are only two timeslots daily. A morning session (9am-12:30) and an afternoon session (14:00-17:00). Aside from the… Read more

Do you have to go through water to get to the grato or get back to parkinglocation? Also is the hike OK for seniors who can walk well?

You do not have to go through water to get to the grotto. There are uneven and rocky paths to get there (not paved). The route isn't very long so it could be doable.

When will June's reservation schedule be available?

Check their website daily.

Do you need to make any reservations to go in or can you just go?

Reservations are required. At the entrance, they ask for the unique code in the confirmation email.

Can we bring food?

Yes, food, drinks, coolers and even alcohol is allowed, but absolutely NO GLASS.

Are dogs allowed to swim or walk around there?

No, Unfortunately dogs are not allowed there. If you are looking for a place for your dog, Pedernales Falls State Park is a great place to check out!

How much does it cost?

$15 for day pass

How deep is this pool?

deep enough to drown if u can't swim.

Are there restrooms available?

Yes port a potties and they are close to the front.

How long is the hike?

The hike to the pool is a quarter of a mile long. The trail is beautiful, but it is also steep and rocky, with uneven steps.

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Review Highlights - Hamilton Pool Preserve

Make sure you've got a loose $10 bill in your wallet or purse before arriving (covers entrance and parking).

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Charro Ranch Park - Entrance sign. Small parking lot.

Charro Ranch Park

5.0(5 reviews)
12.9 mi

What a neat park so close to home that is manageable in size and interesting in, well, nature…read more Perfect for a quick hike alone to watch birds eat and bathe in a sanctuary built for them. Also great for getting the energy out of the kids with fairy doors to look for, a chimney structure created for a specific feathered friend in mine and other fun rocks and benches and more to crawl on. The path is a mix of mulch and dirt. Dog bags and can provided so it's great for the four legged friends as well. There is a small rustic pavilion and picnic benches scattered. No restrooms. The map at the trailhead definitely needs to be updated but I guess that makes part of the charm in the unknown discoveries. Wish I had more pics to share with you but you should probably see the rest of it for yourself.

This trail is so peaceful and interesting! There was no one else there on a Sunday afternoon,…read moreexcept for a deer and several birds. There are landmarks scattered throughout the trail, spaced every 10 minutes or so to encourage you to keep going. The park feels like someone's backyard instead of a regular hiking trail, but in the best way. I'm not sure how long the trail is; maybe one mile? It took about 30 minutes to complete while stopping to look at the signs and structures along the way. It's definitely worth visiting! There are plentiful directional signs around the park so you never feel lost. A very unique experience.

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Charro Ranch Park - 12-27-24 was a lovely day for a hike here

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Milton Reimers Ranch Park - Pretty lavender colored flowers

Milton Reimers Ranch Park

4.4(68 reviews)
0.7 mi

Springtime made for an excellent time to visit this park, as there were lots of enjoyable…read morewildflowers springing up out of the ground everywhere (my partner could tell you how often I paused our hike to get photos of a new flower I saw along the trail, LOL). Entry was a very fairly priced $5 per person. We were given a map, which if I'm being honest, helped guide us to the parking but didn't offer quite as much help later with the trails, LOL. Really they need some better signage up for the trails. More than half the time we weren't sure which trail we were on or if we were even on a trail that was marked on the map... Good thing the park ranger told us we were "free to explore!" Some of their plaques with information on them could use replacing too, as sun or weather damage has made them fairly illegible. (I'm one of those weirdos that actually likes to stop and read those things, haha. I especially enjoyed the one that had the history of the Reimers family on it.) Seemed to be plenty of parking, all paved too. There was a really nice station at the first parking lot with indoor plumbed bathrooms, a shady overhang, picnic tables, and water fountain (it even tasted pretty good!). The trail that runs along and overlooks the river is probably the "main event" for most visitors to this park, however it is also somewhere you can get adventurous with rock climbing, mountain biking, and riding on horseback. Pretty neat! There were also trails that led all the way down to the river, where you were permitted to swim and/or fish. Hooray for somewhere you can do unattended swimming! Sometimes that's a rarity, so I appreciate you can get in, splash around, and cool off here. =) My partner and I really only explored about half of the trails available at this park, so we may have to come back again sometime to do the rest. The big loop looked to have some good elevation changes and scenery that most parks near Austin are mostly flat or boring hills.

Came in on a Saturday for a short hike as part of a trip to lake Travis. Overall great experience,…read more10$ per person. Lots of different hiking trails as well as rock climbing for a fee as well. Saw some people in the river/beach area as well although we didn't join. Amazing nature and scenery, would come back to explore further if Im in the area.

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Milton Reimers Ranch Park
Milton Reimers Ranch Park - Hungry caterpillar!

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Dripping Springs Ranch Park

Dripping Springs Ranch Park

4.4(5 reviews)
8.9 mi

Came to Ranch Park in Dripping Springs to see the Mayhem Monster Truck show. I've never been here…read moreand it's been ages since I've seen a monster truck show. Sounded like something fun to do after work. From the main road you can see a sign that says Ranch Park. Just follow the short road to get to the parking lot. There is a small dirt area you can park. Take the stairs down to the building. In front of the building there is parking, but on the side of the building there is even more parking. So, plenty of parking. There was a long line of people waiting to get in. But the line moved pretty fast. Didn't take long before I got inside. My ticket was a QR code on my phone. Easy to scan and go through. They did offer food once inside. Hot dogs, hamburgers, frito pie, IYKYK. Basic food. Nothing fancy. There was a small area where you could buy monster truck t-shirts, and light sticks for the kids. I think when you buy your ticket on line, you can also pay to ride in the monster truck. I think it was $15.00. And you ride in the bed of the truck in the back. The truck goes around in a circle a couple times. The truck named Tantrum was giving the rides. The show was from 6pm to 7:30pm I feel like it started later than that. Tantrum was still giving rides at 6:30pm. When the rides were over the trucks came out to introduce themselves. Then the national anthem. Then, that's when the show actually started. It was 4 monster trucks and 2 jumps. They went around in a circle, hit a couple jumps, and then let the next truck go. There was a motorcycle that came out and did a number of jumps. Pretty amazing the height he got. All in all, it was entertaining. I left a little early just to beat the traffic getting out of there. Worked out great. I am glad that I brought ear protection, just what I use when I'm at the gun range. And that worked out perfectly. Pretty much everyone there including lots of kids, all wore some kind of ear protection. Fun, entertaining night. Both young and mature.

Very cool space with occasional horses and roller derby on the new year! With lemonade stands and a…read moremasseuse too! Bathrooms are a little gross though

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Dripping Springs Ranch Park
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Hamilton Pool Preserve - parks - Updated May 2026

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