While visiting Austin, Texas in February, we knew we wanted to see Hamilton Pool located at the Hamilton Pool Preserve in Dripping Springs, Texas. The Hamilton Pool Preserve is operated by Travis County Parks. And it did not disappoint! It’s a picturesque teal, blue-green colored pool with a quaint collapsed grotto with 50 foot waterfalls streaming into the pool from above.
The area was designated a nature preserve in 1990 after years of the land having endured over use from large numbers of visitors and lack of restrictions. The surrounding land was previously used for livestock to graze. Now, let’s get to the 7 things you need to know before you visit Hamilton Pool.
1. Reservations and Fees
I’m not talking about having reservations about visiting, because this should just be an automatic Yes! on your list of places to visit in the Austin area. I’m referring to your needing to know if you will need to make a reservation for the day and time you would like to visit. It is advised you make your reservation directly through the park’s website to be certain you have a reservation. You will need to bring your reservation receipt with you.
- If you are visiting during the busy, peak season of March through October, you WILL need a reservation. The reservation fee is currently $11 dollars, paid online when you reserve. Each vehicle will have to have its own reservation. You will have to choose between a morning visit (9 am-1pm) or afternoon visit (2 pm-6pm).
- Visiting in the off season of November through February you will NOT need a reservation during the week. During the weekend or official Travis County holidays you WILL need a reservation.
The great thing about visiting in the off season is the ability to enter the property without a reservation during the week.  Also, there are less people around and the weather is cooler.   Regardless if you visit during the peak months or non peak months, you will be required to pay cash or check only entrance fee to get into the park when you arrive. Currently the fee is $15 per vehicle for up to 8 people.
2. Location (and proper shoes)
Hamilton Pool is located about 45 minutes from Austin, TX. Once you arrive and enter the park, you will park your vehicle and it will take you another 15 minutes to walk down the quarter mile rugged and rocky path to get to the pool. It’s well worth it though. Be sure to wear sensible shoes for this hike there and back to your vehicle. You can change into other shoes like sandals or water shoes when you get to the pool. You won’t be able to bring a stroller with you on the trail.
Once there, you can hang out on the sandy beach area. And, there is even a trail that takes you around the inside of the grotto, allowing you to get a good look at this beautiful location from all angles.
3. Food and Drinks
Do bring any food and drinks with you that you’d like. There is no food or beverages for sale in the park. Be sure to have some water with you for the hike there and back. No glass is permitted.
4. Swimming
Swimming is allowed all year long at Hamilton Pool provided the water is safe to swim in. However, it is not guaranteed, and will not be permitted if the bacteria levels are too high.
The pool is fed by a spring, so the water temperature can drop to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. No lifeguards monitor the pool. However, life vests are available to use for free at Hamilton Pool. There is even a trail that takes you around the inside of the grotto so you can get a good look at this beautiful location from all angles.
5. Pets
Pets are NOT permitted at Hamilton Pool Preserve. However, service dogs are permitted. The park requires a service dog to qualify as a service animal under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
6. Guided hikes
Free guided hikes are available at Hamilton Pool Preserve. Currently they are available on Saturdays at 10 am to the first 20 people who arrive. Check their website for up to date information.
7. Prohibited items and Activities
The Hamilton Pool Preserve has a list of prohibited items and activities. Such items are drones, glass, tobacco products and drinking in public. Visit their website for the complete list.
For further information:
Website: Hamilton Pool Preserve
Address:
24300 Hamilton Road
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
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