Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural pool that was created when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago. The pool is located about 23 miles (37 km) west of Austin, Texas off Highway 71. Since the 1960s, Hamilton Pool has been a favorite summer swimming spot for Austin visitors and residents. Hamilton Pool Preserve consists of 232 acres (0.94 km2) of protected natural habitat featuring a jade green pool into which a 50-foot (15 m) waterfall flows. The pool is surrounded by huge slabs of limestone that rest by the water's edge; large stalagtites grow from the ceiling high above. The ceiling and surrounding cliffs of the grotto are home to moss, maidenhair fern and cliff swallows. The Ashe juniper (cedar) uplands of the preserve are home to the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.

The natural pool and creek are not chemically treated, so water quality is monitored regularly and swimming is occasionally restricted; call ahead to check conditions before your visit. Hamilton Pool is part of the Balcones Cayonlands Preserve and is a protected environment. There are no lifeguards on duty, and drinking water and concessions are not available. Composting toilets and picnic tables are provided near the parking lot. Since Hamilton Pool is a nature preserve, the following rules apply: no fishing, mountain biking, camping, dogs or other pets. Cooking and fires are also not permitted.

History

Prior to the 19th century, Tonkawa and Lipan Apaches lived in the area. In the mid-1860s, Morgan C. Hamilton owned the property now known as Hamilton Pool Preserve. His brother, Andrew Jackson Hamilton, evidently visited the grotto while serving as Texas governor (1865-66). In the 1880s, the Reimer family, immigrants from Germany, bought the property to raise sheep and cattle. Legend has it that their eight-year-old son discovered the collapsed grotto.

Although ranchers might have considered the grotto a safety hazard for their livestock, the Reimers soon realized its value as a recreational area and opened the property for public use. Around the turn of the 20th century, only a handful of people had the transportation to come out and enjoy the cool, serene surroundings. By the 1960s, and on into the 1980s, Hamilton Pool's popularity had soared, as visitors packed the legendary swimming hole. The land suffered from sheer numbers and few restrictions.

In addition to impact from the visiting public, cattle, sheep and goats grazed the delicate ecosystem for several decades, resulting in changes to the native vegetation. In 1980, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department cited Hamilton Pool as the most significant natural area in rural Travis County. In 1985, Travis County purchased 232 acres (0.94 km2) from the Reimers family and implemented an aggressive land management plan to restore Hamilton Pool. Now, as Hamilton Pool Preserve, the lush fern-canopied cliffs are making a comeback, as are the rolling hills and meadows of the uplands.

Ongoing land management practices at Hamilton Pool Preserve include prescribed burns, prairie restoration, endangered species surveys, biological inventories and water quality monitoring.

Special Notes

  • As of August 2010, access to the pool and river requires a $10 Travis County Park entry fee. The fee allows you access to all Travis County Parks for that day.
  • Hamilton Pool Preserve has a capacity limit of 75 parking spots. Once the lot is full, the park lets one car in as another car leaves. When swimming is permitted, waits of 25 minutes are not uncommon.
  • Getting to the pool requires a steep quarter mile trek downhill. As of August 2010, it does not appear that there is any handicapped access available.
  • The preserve is occasionally closed due to flooding or hazardous trail conditions.
  • The gate is locked at 6:00 pm and all visitors must be out before that time.

Flora

The preserve is home to the chatterbox orchid Epipactis gigantea and eastern red bay Persea borbonia.

Use in Film

In the 1990 movie The Hot Spot, actress Jennifer Connelly can be seen swimming in this Central Texas landmark.

Hamilton Pool Preserve was used numerous times in the 2007 film Teeth[] as well as in the 2010 film Predators.[]

References

External links

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Luis A
4 July 2016
This place is unique. Got to be the first visitor of the day and got to take beautiful photos. It is cash only and check if you need to book in advanced!
Jei Ku
24 September 2012
OH MY GOD. This place was relaxing & beautiful!! Really romantic too if you come here with your lover ;) beware of snapping turtles & becareful of those wet rocks! Don't slip!
Hudson Sutler
19 July 2017
For earlybird-adventure type only. About a 45-minute drive from downtown, this natural limestone pool hosts a small sand bar, a waterfall, and some breathtaking views.
Tony T
6 May 2019
Bring cash for the entrance fee and pack chairs/food and drinks (The picnic tables are only located near the parking lotWear good water shoes (you'll need them for the rocky bottom pool)
PureWow
1 June 2016
Just outside Austin you’ll find this natural pool, which was created thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river eroded and collapsed.
Renee Rutherford
15 July 2018
You must have reservations. 15.00 park entry fee that also gets you admitted to all the other nearby parks. Very rocky and sometimes steep hiking. Wear good hiking shoes.
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Map
23800 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, USA Get directions
Wed 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Thu 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Fri-Sun 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Mon 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

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