If you’re seeking an escape from city life in Austin, Texas, look no further than the breathtaking Hamilton Pool Preserve. Tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, this large open cave with a natural pool is a geological wonder. Located in Dripping Springs, Texas it’s the perfect blend of peacefulness and adventure only 23 miles west of Austin, Texas.

What Is Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool Preserve is one of Austin’s most popular sites to marvel and experience an amazing creation of nature in Texas. It was formed thousands of years ago after an underground river collapsed exposing an open cave and natural pool.

Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve also has one of the tallest waterfalls in the area. After seeing a large amount of rainfall, a stunning 50 foot waterfall appears falling off the right side of the roof of the grotto.

Getting To Hamilton Pool Preserve

At the bottom of the hill, the trail follows alongside a narrow and quiet creek with towering cypress trees at it’s edge to provide excellent shade. A small wooden bridge ends the trail revealing a sandy beach bordered by Hamilton Pool swimming area across from the grotto.

When To Visit Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. Each season will provide a different experience or challenge between cooling off in the natural swimming pool or having a harder time making a reservation to visit.

Visiting In The Warmer Months

Between April to October, Hamilton Pool Preserve reservations are in high demand due to the inviting waters, perfect for swimming and cooling off from the extreme Texas heat. However, it’s essential to make reservations as early as possible due to the preserve having limited capacity and filling up quickly. To reach the Hamilton Pool swimming area, it is a .5 mile roundtrip from the parking lot. Bringing extra water is highly advised.

It is also very important to visit the Hamilton Pool Preserve website to get swimming updates. Throughout the year, bacteria levels fluctuate which cause swimming restrictions. There is a trail to access the Pedernales river to swim if Hamilton Pool swimming near the grotto is not available.

Visiting In The Cooler Months

Making Hamilton Pool Preserve reservations in the cooler months is much easier between November to March with its milder temperatures and fewer crowds. To capture striking Hamilton Pool Preserve photos, the fall is the ideal setting for photographing the vibrant foliage. Late November is the perfect time to see beautiful fall foliage while exploring Hamilton Pool Preserve. The trees on the trail and around the grotto change into shades of reds, oranges and yellow.

Waiting until the late fall into the winter season to hike is highly recommended. After walking to the grotto, explore the River Access Trail so see more views of cypress trees and the Pedernales river. During the hotter months of the year, it is unlikely to see the waterfall at the grotto due to the area typically experiencing a severe drought. Seeing the waterfall is never a guarantee, but there is a higher chance in the cooler months.

Important To Know Before You Go

1. Hamilton Pool Preserve Reservations are Required: To manage crowd sizes, the preserve requires reservations for entry. Reservations are by carload and there is a max of 8 people per car. Reservations fill quickly, and are morning or afternoon timed entries.
2. Entrance Fee: Only cash is accepted at the front gate for each visitor to enter the park.
3. Swimming Is Not Always An Option: Due to bacteria levels, swimming is not a guarantee. Visit the Hamilton Pool Preserve website to know before your visit.
4. Exploring the Cave: After a severe winter storm in 2021, the trail under the grotto is restricted. Viewing the grotto is only available on a side viewing area, and while on the beach.
5. Bathrooms: There is no running water at the swimming area. The nearest bathroom is near the entrance gate, at the start of the trail. Drinking water is not provided, so bring extra for each person.
6. Pets: No pets are allowed at the preserve, including service animals
7. Wheelchair accessible: Due to the location, the grotto and swimming area is not wheelchair accessible.
8. Pack It Out: Visitors love to spend time on the trails and swimming, but you will not find many trashcans. Anything you bring in, make sure you take it back out with you.
9. Ecological Diversity: Hamilton Pool Preserve is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the golden-cheeked warbler and the canyon wren. Bring binoculars for possible bird watching and seeing wildlife.

Things To Do In Hamilton Pool Preserve

1. Swimming: Take a refreshing dip in the emerald-green waters of the natural Hamilton Pool swimming pool. Look for large catfish that like to come close to shore. The water temperature, in the deepest parts of the pool, have reported to reach as cold as 55 °F.
2. Hiking: Explore the trails of Hamilton Pool Preserve around the pool and to the river and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

Insider Tips For Hamilton Pool Preserve

1. Book in Advance: Secure your reservation online, especially during weekends and holidays.
2. Only Bring What You Need: The trail to the swimming area and cave is a .5 mile roundtrip, and part of the trail is steep and rocky. Only bring essentials that are not too heavy.
3. Capturing the Cave: The trail behind the cave is restricted. Areas to view the cave is allowed on the beach and a side trail. To photograph details of the cave, bring a high quality zoom lens with a tripod. Also, if you reserve a morning visit, arrive asap. After 10 am on a sunny day, the cave is then backlit until the late afternoon.
4. Swimming: The swimming area is not always permitted due to the bacteria levels. However, you can swim in the Pedernales River via the River Trail.
5. Pack Essentials: Bring sunscreen, extra water, snacks, and sturdy footwear for hiking.
6. Respect Nature: Help maintain the preserve’s beauty by leaving no trace and following park guidelines.

Reservations & Entry Fee

Reservations	$12 per vehicle, no more than 8 people. Make reservations ASAP!
Entrance Fee	$8 per person (Seniors: $3, Children 12 and younger: $0) Cash only when you arrive to the entrance gate.

More To Do Near Hamilton Pool Preserve

While exploring the area, visit more parks for swimming or hiking. Also, experience some tasty Texas Hill Country treats and drinks.

More Hiking

Visit these nearby parks and preserves to experience more breathtaking Hill Country gems.

Nearby Parks	Address
Milton Reimer’s Ranch Park	23610 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center	24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX 78663
Pedernales Falls State Park	2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636

Where To Eat Near Hamilton Pool Preserve

Check out some of these places nearby in Bee Cave, Texas for nearby dinning.

Nearby Dining	Address
Mandola’s Italian Kitchen	11905 Bee Caves Rd, #100, Austin, TX 78738
Maple Street Biscuit Company	3944 S Farm to Market 620 Rd Bldg 1, Suite 130, Bee Cave, TX 78738
Maudie’s Hill Country	12506 Shops Parkway Bee Cave, TX 78738
Toss Pizzeria & Pub	11905 Bee Cave Rd #100, Austin, TX 78738

Parks That Offer Free Same Day Entry

After paying the entry fee into Hamilton Pool, the fee for the following parks are waived.

Milton Reimer’s Ranch Park	Pace Bend Park
Mansfield Dam Park	Tom Hughes Park
Sandy Creek Park	Bob Wenz Park
Selma Hughes Park	Fritz Hughes Park

Popular Distilleries In The Area

The distilleries in Dripping Springs and surrounding towns are very popular for grabbing a drink at their tap room, and grab a bite to eat.

Revolution Spirits Distilling Co.	Desert Door Distillery
Deep Eddy’s Vodka	One Shot Distillery and Brewery
Dripping Springs Distilling	Twisted X Brewing Company
Island Getaway Rum	Treaty Oak Distilling

Whether you seek a serene day by the water or an adventure through captivating landscapes, Hamilton Pool Preserve promises an unforgettable experience. Plan ahead to embrace the beauty to create lasting memories in this Texas gem.