- Hamilton Pool Reservations Fill Up Fast!
- You Have To Pay Twice: Online & In Cash At The Entrance
- Hamilton Pool Reservations Do Not Guarantee You Can Swim
- Besides Pool, Preserve Has 232 Acres Of Hiking Trails
- Bring Plenty Of Water With You
- Website Link
- 24300 Hamilton Pool Road
- (512) 264-2740
- 30 Miles from Downtown Austin
Hamilton Pool Reservations Are A Must If You Want to Visit And They Fill Up Fast!
Thanks to Instagram and other social media, Hamilton Pool is an incredibly popular destination despite being about an hours drive from Austin. If you want to visit this popular Texas Hill Country swimming hole, you’ll need to make Hamilton Pool reservations in advance. Hamilton Pool reservations fill up quickly, so plan ahead. Reservations are required every day of the week.
Hamilton Pool is a natural pool located about 30 miles west of Austin. It was formed thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed, resulting in a swimming hole with a 50-foot waterfall cascading into the pool. For almost 100 years, Hamilton Pool was owned by the Reimers Family, who used it as ranch land and began to charge admission to the pool in the 1960’s.
In 1985, Hamilton Pool was purchased by Travis County to preserve the unique and fragile ecosystem. Hamilton Pool is considered one of the most beautiful places in Texas and regarded as one of the most important natural areas in Travis County.
You Have To Pay Twice: Online & In Cash At The Entrance
When planning your trip, be sure to bring cash because debit and credit cards are not accepted for entry. You will also need to pay twice to enter the preserve. You pay once for your online Hamilton Pool reservations per vehicle and again per person at the entrance to the pool.Its a good idea to make Hamilton Pool reservations as far in advance as possible.
What you can see and do at Hamilton Pool depends on the day you visit. Currently, the part of the trail that goes underneath the overhanging cliff around one side of the pool is closed due to rocks falling from the cliffs above the trail. Fish can often be seen swimming in the pool including Bass and Catfish. There are also lots of turtles in Hamilton Pool.
Hamilton Pool Reservations Do Not Guarantee You Can Swim
Swimming depends on water conditions. which can vary based on bird activity in the cliffs above the pool and recent rains. Please note that Hamilton Pool reservations do not guarantee swimming will be allowed. You can call the information line at 512-264-2740 on the day of your Hamilton Pool reservations to see if swimming is allowed that day.
Hamilton Pool Reservations Offer Access To 232 Acres of Hiking Trails & Nature Preserve
In addition to the pool, there are also a trail to the Pedernales River. The preserve is part of the federal Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan and provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler. Other wildlife you might see while hiking in the canyon include fox, bobcat, porcupine, skunk, white-tailed deer, possums and various snakes.
The hike to the pool from the parking lot is a quarter of a mile and takes about 20 minutes each way. Sturdy shoes are recommended. The trail to the pool is steep and uneven. Hamilton Pool is not wheelchair accessible.
Be Sure To Bring Plenty Of Water With You!
It’s important to bring your own water because concessions are not available at Hamilton Pool. Summers in Texas can be hot, and hiking in even shaded areas can cause heat exhaustion. Be safe and carry plenty of water for you and make sure everyone with you does, too.
Making Hamilton Pool reservations is essential to ensure a visit to this beautiful natural oasis. By planning ahead and securing your reservation, you can enjoy all that Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve has to offer without worrying about being turned away at the gate after driving from Austin.