Hamilton Pool is terrific (assuming the waterfall is flowing). We just went on a beautiful 70 degree Austin February day and the pool is phenomenal. The waterfall was really flowing and it is gorgeous. The hike around the pool is fun (a bit muddy in places) and absolutely worth it. The water was actually swimmable (if you could brave the 50 degree temperature). The walk down to the river is also worth it. There are multiple little cascades by the trail and the sound is very relaxing. It is absolutely worth the trip out there.
A 30mins drive from South Austin , this is one underestimated place of beauty most Austin dwellers have heard of but not visited :) You have got to visit this place to soak in all the beauty it has to offer. Even different times of the day bring out the varied lure of this place . Add to that the out-of-the-world , space-ship resembling topography and you are set to have the time of your life. You can have a great hike / bike session while exploring this place. The place offers the hamilton pool on one end of the trail (a quarter mile , one-way , of rugged , stony, step-y hike) and the river trail on the other end (again around a mile, one-way) - so all in all a good scenic workout trail. The entrance fee is $8 for pedestrians/cycles. and $15 for car parking . The pool trail is definitely more rewarding with the grandeur of the canyon and the breathtaking view of the close to 50 feet high, multiple-stream waterfall and the turquoise pool below .Even in the chilliest of weathers , people find the courage enough to splash around . Do remember to fill your belly up before hand since there are no food kiosks around.More details for directions, timings, contacts, attractions on offer can be found at : https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/hamilton-pool
Great place to take out of towners. Can't wait for the weather to get warm too because the water looked so enticing. Short 5-10 minute hike down about 85 steps to the pool/cavern. Very much worth the visit!
My husband and I decided to do this short hike and have a picnic on a Wednesday which was surprisingly busy! I'd hate to see what it is like on the weekends! There was a $15 per vehicle fee which was WELL worth it!!! The hike to the pool was mostly downhill and very short, but on the hike back you had to climb some short man-made "steps" made of logs and stones. It wasn't a bad hike though. The pool was absolutely beautiful! Waters were crystal clear and the waterfall was just gorgeous! There were actually several people swimming as well! There were bathrooms and picnic tables but my only disappointment was that the only picnic tables were right by the parking lot! We took our picnic lunch all the way to the pools thinking there were tables there. It was still really nice though. Will definitely go again!
My family and I recently visited Hamilton Pool Preserve on a mini vacation while in the Austin area. When we arrived, we had to pay $15 to get in which we thought was a bit high. After we visited the pool, it was worth every penny. This place is a gem. Once you park, you have about a .25 mile downhill hike to get to the pool. It is pretty rough terrain to get to the pool so don't plan on bringing children's strollers or wheelchairs. When we visited, there was plenty of water flowing from the waterfall into the pool. We walked around the entire pool and got some great photos. No one was swimming as the water temperature was 49 degrees. After we visited the pool we hiked the .6 mile trail to a river. The trail followed a beautiful creek with little clear pools along the way. We saw a bunch of turtles sunning themselves. Pretty easy hike but again, not for wheelchairs or strollers. Well worth the trip. I would highly recommend anyone near Austin make the trip to Hamilton Pool Preserve.
Our third time visiting the place, last weekend weather was perfect (65 deg.) to visit the pool and water really really flowing this time. I'm a photographer a this place is such a stunning subject, nature at its best.
fun for some light swimming in beautiful setting. usually not crowded, still pristine; nice any time of year
The preserve is located North/Northwest of Dripping Springs. Take 290 to the intersection with Ranch Road 12 North in Dripping Springs (Home Depot and Walgreens on the corner), then turn left on Ranch to Market road 3238 (10 miles point - the road is also known as Hamilton Pool Road)...the pool is located on the right about 8 miles further down the road.The pictures look very nice and enticed us to go, but we were not aware there is a $15 (per car) entrance fee. I mistakenly thought I'd get in on our Texas Park Pass if there was a fee, but no, it's a Travis County facility. We went on the advice of other hikers who recommended the one mile down and back (parking lot to the "pool")...but they failed to mention the admission fee. So, we'd have paid the price if I'd had a swimsuit or got there earlier, but it was 3pm and we'd just planned to walk the short trail to see the sights and that seemed a bit pricey for a 20-30 min walk. Looking forward to another "prepared" visit.
Beautiful and peaceful, fun to swim and go hiking. Worth the drive. Nice hiking on the property away from the pool, near the river. Always been there when the water is flowing. Very low cost per car. I enjoy going at least once a year. It can be a fun family event too.
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a bit of a drive if you are coming from the Austin area, but driving into the hill country is well worth it. It is $15 per car, and once you get past a very surly and serious park gatekeeper you'll be happy to walk into the grotto and/or the river. We did not swim, but imagined it would be pretty packed during the warmer summer months. It isn't a "hike" by any means - about .25 miles to the grotto and another .80 miles to the river. It is very accessible for a variety of folks. We would visit again in the future and recommend to others.