Summer is the best time to hit into water. For Austinites and folks in Travis County, Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve near Bee Cave offers a great spot for swimming, picnicking and 'open spelunking'. In addition, the trail along Hamilton Creek features good opportunity for hiking and nature study.


Part of Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, Hamilton Pool is the home to Golden-Cheeked Warbler, Savannah oak, juniper, cypress, Poison ivy and several rare plants species includes canyon mock-orange, red bay and chatter box orchid.

Located 30 miles away from Austin off Texas State Hwy 71 west, Hamilton Pool is usually crowded during late spring and summer weekends. Arrive early as the preserve area has limited parking. It would be temporarily closed once it reaches maximum capacity of 75 vehicles. Entrance fee of $10 is collected at the gate post.

From parking lot, follow the sign post indicated to get on the rugged trail into the preserve pool and creek. It is a descending trail on the rock steps, cutting through the shrubs and diverse vegetation with occasional sight of native grass, cacti and wildflowers such as Mexican Hat, Texas Thistle and Prickly Pear. Once you hear the sound of flowing stream, Hamilton Creek is just ahead and you have arrived at a fork. Left path takes one to hike along Hamilton Creek, ending at Pedernales River. Proceed to right trail if you are going to Hamilton Pool for a dip. The round trip to preserve pool from parking lot is roughly 1/2 mile.



After crossing a little bridge, here you are at the most beautiful natural swimming hole in Travis County! The landscape is amazing. Imagine the sight of 50 foot tall waterfall plunges into a natural pool that sits just next to an open grotto! Thousands years ago, massive erosion had caused the dome of the underground river collapsed and as a result, forming the breathtaking view like what we see today. The deepest point of the pool is roughly 25 feet and one is potentially swimming with some fishes too.





Guess we were lucky to arrive before 11 am. Laying down a ground sheet, we picnicked in traditional manner at a corner on the stone patch or the so-called 'beach' area. It is not ample. In a short period, all the space was taken which led some folks to occupy the edges of the grotto.


Before heading into water, take a stroll to visit the open grotto. Indeed interesting, seeing nature at its best before ascending a flight of staircase, capture a few shots of waterfall and return to the picnic area.

Address:
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd.
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Hours of Operation: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm daily (if weather permits) & swimming is permitted when water quality meets the standard
Entrance fee: $10 per vehicle
Official website: http://www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/hamilton_pool.asp

Direction:

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