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Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve
Rating Details »
Categories: Swimming Pools, Parks [Edit]
24300 Hamilton Pool RdDripping Springs, TX 78620
(512) 264-2740
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
27 reviews for Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve
Hamilton Pool is my heaven on Earth.
This 50-foot waterfall trickles from a mammoth limestone grotto and into a sea foam green pool--a cold pool at that. But with a quarter-mile hike through rocks and trees and carrying a cooler to get to this sweet paradise, plunging into that chilly water feels phenomenal.
For any traveler or person hosting out of towners--or co-eds looking to skip class on a scorching day--Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve is a must-see and do. Though there is no lifeguard on duty, swimming is sometimes not permitted, so call ahead before you go. And as others mentioned, go early because there is a 75-car max 'til they start the "one car out, one car in" system. And don't forget your cash, because there's an entry fee: only eight dollars a vehicle
Wear comfy tennis shoes for the hike, but don't forget your flip-flops because the rocky sands are too tough for even the manliest feet. And maybe the taking the cooler isn't the best idea. I mean, you can do it, but did you really go down there to eat and drink? I say take light snacks, drinks (maybe a beer or two, or mimosas in a plastic container, ahem) your portable folding chair, some tanning oil (or sun block) and just wear yourself out swimming.
On another note, the water was murky and brown this past visit my sisters and I made, which was disappointing because I promised that it was such a sight to see. It still was, but I think the rain waters put a damper on this view, literately. I guess it wouldn't hurt to call and ask about that too before you go. And if you're with someone who needs special assistance getting down that trail, they do have a paved driveway that goes all the way down and if you call ahead they can help make arrangements to accommodate him/her. Restrooms are on site, and they also do guided tours and hiking (I've never gone down that trail, yet.).
For more historical information, check out the official site on the 8000-year-old gem. http://www.co.travis.t...
havn't been here in several years. I wonder if it's changed much.
While living in Austin you should go here -
Nice nature setting, for a picnic or maybe a swim, depending on water quality.
NOTE: This place closes kind of early and they won't let you into the park after 5pm.
OTHER NOTE: Call ahead, if the water quality is bad, they will close. This is no fun if you go out without calling.
First of all, it's stunning here: I mean, absolutely mind-blowing on some level that this spring (and the giant rock formation that encompasses it) exist, hidden in the corners of the Central Texas Hill Country. It's a sight to behold, and if you've not been out there at least once, I recommend a trip. Go, now. Be happy.
The oasis moniker is fairly well earned: the place will sneak up on you if you let it, and my recommendation would be to head out there as soon as they open when the sun is high in the sky in the summertime, cause the area fills up, and otherwise the water can be, well, a little bracing upon first entry. Also good to know, and this kind of thing is pretty rare from what I gather, but stay clear of the weeds at the polar entry. There is some wildlife that camp there minding their own business that don't do quite as well with being disturbed as you might think. That aside, bring your noodle and keep your cold one on the downlow....you'll be up to your neck in fun in no time.
This place is absolutely stunning. It's like you're in a fairy tale. On the way to the waterfall, the water is this clear light green color and it's flowing along gently making that cool babbling sound. The backdrop is white rock that goes straight up to the sky. The trail is well marked and it's just a short walk to get to the waterfall where it gets even better. There's a giant pool of more green water, where the waterfall empties into. You can go swimming but it's super cold. It's better to just walk around and take pics. If you go to Austin, you must go here. You won't regret it.
Everyone has to check it out at least once! This place rocks I usually try to make it out here at least once a year to enjoy the hike, the cold water on a hot day and view. I would also suggest calling the park before making the trip out... cause they do close it, do to weather and if the water isn't up to par. Also they limit the amount of visitors who can get in to avoid over crowding. Just remember to take all your trash with you and stay on the designated trails!
Oh, Hamilton Pool...How I love you. Now, I never thought I would find myself writing such a positive review for a body of water because, a) I do not enjoy sitting still, b) I hate the sun and c) I do not enjoy cold water, but this cold sunny body of water is perfect. I highly recommend making the trek out there to take in the one of a kind scenery.
Unfortunately, I had to take one star off for the whole parking lot thing. I recently took a friend from out of town with me all the way out there. I immediately turned the car around upon seeing the monstrous line of cars. I agree with other reviewers in that you should head out early if you want to avoid waiting (or going home due to fear of waiting)!
I love Hamilton Pool but to get the most of it you should know 1) it's quite a trek to the water so really think about how much you need to bring your heavy, bulky cooler (i.e., you don't!), 2) the water's a little chilly (last time I went the water was 70 degrees on a 104 degree day), 3) it can get VERY crowded on the weekend. They only let a certain number of cars in, I've waited 1.5 hours before - word to the wise, GET THERE EARLY! If you take all this into consideration, you won't be disappointed - it's a beautiful little pool and a great way to spend a hot, summer day!
It's how I imagine Atlantis to be, or where Neptune would like to live - it is SO beautiful. A pristine, lush, green grotto covered in ferns where you can float on your back in clear, cool water and simultaneously watch clouds drift by, take in the mossy ferny greenery of the overhang and watch the teeny warblers fly in and out of the grotto to feed their babies...and while you're floating half-awake, half-dreaming, you can still hear the waterfall feeding into the pool. It's a little surreal in the very best way possible.
Just be sure to get there EARLY. If you try leaving at 3pm, you are going to be stuck in a long line of cars if it's a hot day. And what fun is that? Bring a picnic and dine on the little rocky and sandy 'shore' and make an afternoon of it. Even when there are plenty of people around, you still somehow feel like this is your little hidden oasis, so enjoy it.
This place is BEAUUUUTIFUL! After a short and quite a rugged 1/4 mile hike with flip flops, you come across this huge grotto with teal colored water and depending if it had rained recently or not, you might have a decent waterfall.
When we arrived around 1pm, there was a line to get into the park. We were the 12th car in line and since the lot was full, they were only allowing cars in as another left. After about an hour, we were finally in! It wasnt too crowded, but there was a good number of people there.
The water was very cool and refreshing. I'd definitely recommend water shoes for this place since the "beach" doesnt really have any soft sands (more like lil' rocks) and if you want to climb out of the water onto some of the rocks, it helps to have some traction since they're slimey and slippery.
I havent made the 1/2 mile trek to the other river, but probably will check it out next time I visit. Definitely go and go early!
Gorgeous. We went early in the morning and were at the gates when the park ranger opened them up. Couldn't swim that day because of bacteria levels, but still a great experience.
Quarter mile hike to the pool, make sure you bring some water and shoes with good traction. There was no one else there so having the entire grotto to ourselves was wonderful.
This is my favorite place to lounge in the water on a blow up raft under a waterfall. The water is clear enough to see any turtles headed in my direction so I can pull my toes out of the water in time - yes I am scared of turtles biting my toes.
Be sure and pack a picnic lunch. The grotto is the perfect place for a picnic.
Parking is 8.00 and the hike form the parking lot is easy but not stroller friendly; but, it is beautiful with abundant native plants.
Water quality is tested regularly and posted on the park's telephone recorded message. So, call before you head out. I appreciate their dedication to testing the water - no dip in this beautiful water is worth a Vagi infection.
This is one the most beautiful places in the Hill Country, if not in all of Texas. It's close enough to take a day trip to very easily (or half day even maybe a long lunch :) )
The pool is gorgeous and a great place to swim year round as long as the water is flowing (when it's slow moving bacteria levels can get high, and they will tell you no swimming)
Fun to go on the weekend with the kids (if your in possesion of podlings) but can get crowded (often with said kids) or if your prefer some solice like me head out during a weekday for hike and swim.
The waterfall is fantastic to sit under and get a theraputic pounding. :)
Glorious in so many ways.
Those who understand how nature and her weather patterns work know when to go, and are rewarded with few if any people at one of the Earth's finest swimming holes.
The rest line up and bring boomboxes and cases of Miller Lite. Too bad they stopped the cliff-jumping, it was thinning that herd a bit.
I've had some perfect moments here and plan to have some more as the decades roll by. Thanks to the pool staff for being cool.
I'd mention the sweet little secrets in the surrounding area but only those who seek deserve to find.
It's easy being green at Hamilton's, and enjoying the greenery there only makes it sweeter.
Go before the condos show up on the cliff.
Hamilton Pool is beautiful.
I just wish people knew how to respect it. Seems most times I've been when the weather was nice, the place is filled with loud drinkers. Why do people want to drink beer and smoke cigarettes and shout in the middle of such serene natural beauty? And their yelling echos off the wall, which makes it even louder. It's a shame so many people here act like they're at a loud bar, and not a place where one can quietly commune with the wonderment of nature. The park should have "quiet days" once a week or something. I have been there a few times when there were no loud drinkers about, and it's magical.
For the obnoxious humanity, 0 stars. For Hamilton Pool itself, 10++.
Aqua-colored swimming hole with trinkling waterfall curtain. Think Jurassic Park.
Hamilton Pool has been one of my favorite Austin experiences. After seeing all the beautiful photos posted on the net - I knew I had to make the trek out here. But it is oh so much more beautiful than any picture can descrbe.
You take a 1/4 mile hike through some rocky terrain & then you land in huge grotto that is Hamilton Pool. There is a small rocky beach for laying out or you can hike onto the huge boulders under the cave part and keep cool. The water is awesome & the ground of the water is gravel - it's not slippery/slimey. Take a picnic for eating, tennis shoes for the hike, & a nice raft/lounge. I floated on my raft bed for atleast 2 hours, it was so relaxing.
I was thinking about taking a road trip to a Mexican beach, but now I'm contemplating staying home and driving out to Hamilton Pool - it's that nice.
This is a little oasis. While the lake and other hot waterspots are suffering, Hamilton Pool has water. It's a spring and creek fed grotto wonderland. You can sit on the sandy, pebble beach and enjoy a picnic or sunbathing or sit under the shade of the cavern. It's $8 per car, you must, must, must get there early or bring something to keep you entertained at the gate while you wait. Although it might seem like an inconvenience, once the parkinglot is full, it's one car out and one car in. This is great so there isn't overcrowding at the natural "pool." There is a bit of a walk to the pool, but the park rangers will drive people who are physically unable to make the walk. The water is chilly (but not as cold as Barton Springs). For girls like me who gets chills walking across a mossy, muddy swimming hole, no fear! The bottom is covered in pebbles. Ahhhh. It's absolutely beautiful and interesting and a must see if you're ever in the Austin area or live here. My son said floating in the pool while gazing up at the mossy, waterfall seems like being in a movie; it doesn't seem real.
When I think of summer in Austin, I think of Hamilton Pool. Just a short 30-45 minute drive from Austin, the nature preserve is one of the best ways to spend a relaxing afternoon. The parking lot can fill up fast, especially on weekends, so either come early in the day or be prepared to wait. There is a parking fee of $10, which isn't such a big deal if you're with a carload of friends, and the fee is spent towards keeping the area beautiful. Bring a few towels, some friends, and things to snack on while you dry off after taking a swim in the pool, and your afternoon is perfect.
When I went to Hamilton pool, it was a little too cool outside for swimming, but that meant the park wasn't busy at all. We had a nice (and quite easy) quarter mile hike to the pool and then about a 3/4 mile hike to the Pedernales River. I didn't see any of the beavers or raccoons that apparently live in this nature preserve, but I still enjoyed the scenery. The river is beautiful and the swimming hole is unique. There was quite a bit of water pouring down, so it was neat to go into the grotto/cave area and look out. It's worth the drive and $8, so I'll definitely go back when it warms up.
Oh, I hear bacteria levels can be a problem though, so swimming isn't allowed all the time. Might be good to check in advance before you go all the way out there.
Best waterhole in the world. Combines clear water, sandy beach, and giant cypress all in one place. Granite cliffs. Big boulders to climb on. Cool trail to hike down.
We used to go there at night (before the fences were put up). I just watched as the drunken idiots jumped into the pool from the very top. Idiots! I think someone broke their neck at least once a year. The rope swing was pretty fun, though.
Don't pooh-pooh it just because you are no longer able to risk your life there. Daytime is a perfectly lovely time to enjoy Hamilton Pool! In fact, the sunshine is part of the draw.
Just do it.
It's no surprise that this place gets five stars. The water is beautiful, cold, and absolutely refreshing on a hot Texas day in the summer. Plus, it's not overly crowded because they put a limit on how many cars can be in the parking lot at one time.
At first I thought it was a little silly to limit the amount of cars, but I can definitely understand why. If they allowed anybody and everybody to go in, then this place would lose its pristine beauty in a heartbeat.
Whether it was having a picnic, laying out in the sun, or going for a dip (did I mention the water is surprisingly cold??!) and basking under the pressure of the waterfall, you won't regret making a trek to Hamilton pool. I only wish I had the insight to plan more trips out there when I was at UT!!
One word of advice - definitely come in the morning as early as possible. As I mentioned in my first paragraph, they do have a limit to the amount of cars they let in...so you don't want to be sitting there waiting for your turn while the happy and content pool go-ers before you take their sweet time.
Blast! Ah well. Just another thing I have to do when I visit Austin again....
Hamilton Pool is not close, it ain't cheap ($8), it can be crowded and it's a good steep 10-minute walk from the trail head to the water.
HOWEVER, it's not only the most beautiful place to swim in the Austin area, it may be the best swimming hole IN THE WORLD. The 50 foot fall of water, falling right in the middle of the pool, is almost surreal.
If you can go on off days when the crowds don't flock, go for it, if not, don't bother..they're just going to ruin your good time.
Go early (9 AM sharp, or at @ 4PM (they won't let you in after 5:30), and the park closes at 6 PM.
This place was on my list of "Places to Visit Before I Leave Austin" and I had the opportunity a couple weeks ago, on a Wednesday to make a trip out here. I was not at all disappointed!
Granted, it is quite a trek to make to go swimming for a couple hours (during this trek, I had the t tops of my car down and got sunburned...more from the ride, than from at the pool itself). So, thirty-ish minutes, $8, and a short hike later, my usual Wednesday lunch buddy arrived at this awesome grotto.
It wasn't too packed, in fact there were maybe 30 people there, besides us...which made for ample swim/lounge space. I was a little concerned about the rocks at the bottom of the pool, so I wore my cheap flip flops in...I'd suggest water shoes or strappy hiking sandals. The water was slightly chilly upon getting in, but we'd been in the scorching car heat for a while, so it was refreshing.
The waterfall was warm, but pummelling, I couldn't bear it for too too long and the walk behind/around the pool was pretty neat(!). The beach area was nice as was the hike to the pool and back (once again, I'd suggest water shoes or hiking sandals).
Downfalls, they close relatively early...5:30 this particular day. It gave us a little over an hour to frolic and play in the water...although I did most of that. Your admission to Hamilton Pool also gains you access to the state park area a couple miles before you reach the pool. We migrated over there after the pool closed and endured a cactusy, bug-filled, itchy hike. It's all good, though, we had a good time.
I'll definately be back!
An absolutely perfect spot for a day trip. If you have a free day in the heat of summer, grab a few friends and a picnic lunch and head to Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve. It's a good 45 minute drive outside of Austin (take HWY 71 west to FM 3238), but if you're in the mood, there's plenty of Hill Country scenery to see.
Hamilton Pool is a beautiful, giant, natural swimming hole in the middle of the woods. A preserve for over 15 years now, it's the drop-off point for Hamilton Creek, which is fed by the Pedernales River. For $8 (per vehicle) you can spend a day swimming in the sun-filled, blue-green water and walking carefully over the slimy rock that surrounds the water and gives the pool its shape. A 50-foot waterfall puts the finishing touches on a gorgeous backdrop.
A few notes: 1) call ahead to make sure swimming is allowed on that day...occasionally the bacteria levels are such that you can't get in the water. 2) There is a rocky, quarter mile trail to get to the pool. 3) Go early. They only let 75 vehicles in at a time. After that - one car out, one car in.
Suit up for Hamilton.
It's hard to explain its beauty to someone who hasn't been there, let alone recreate the visit after you've gone. It sure as hell doesn't feel like Texas, more like a magical oasis in the dry scrubs of hill country. It would not be hyperbole for me to say that Hamilton Pools alone is enough to give me cause to pack up and move to Austin on a whim (though of course there are myriad other wonderful things about the Austin area to boot). But if you like swimming, or just the enchanting notion of relaxing in the coolness of a cave while the air cooks at 100 degrees around you, consider coming here. Part of me wishes fewer people knew about it, but another part desires everyone to know how beautiful Texas can be.
I love, love, love this waterhole. It's a bit of a drive from Austin, but sooo worth it. It's only about eight bucks per vehicle (someone else said ten, if so it was raised), and you can spend the whole day hiking, sunbathing, or swimming. The walk down to the waterhole doesn't take very long ('though I would advise people to bring something other than flip-flops for this, since it wouldn't be that hard to trip). The waterhole is pretty large and very pretty. Part of it is under a small cave, with rocks that you can climb at your own risk. There's a nice amount of space to sunbathe, but make sure you bring a thick and large towel because there isn't sand, but sharp pieces of rock that will dig into your skin if you're not prepared. There's also a waterfall you can go under and I've even seen a cute little turtle swimming among the visitors, which by itself makes Hamilton Pool a winner in my eyes.
Catfish and waterfalls. Hiking and Swimming. Heaven and Earth.
