Hamilton Pool Preserve – Austin, TX

10.09.18

Trips

I’m so grateful to my friend Matt who lives in Austin for sending me loads of helpful recommendations and tips for our trip. Of all the things he clued me in to, Hamilton Pool Preserve was an absolute gem. Hamilton Pool is a natural pool surrounded by a collapsed grotto and it is an amazing place to explore! Swimming in the pool is often possible but the day of our reservation, bacteria levels were too high and swimming was prohibited. Even so, it was a really fun place to explore. We had a blast!

The important thing to know is that you need a reservation to get into the preserve, and they fill up quickly. You can reserve for the morning or afternoon in four hour time blocks. I made mine more than a month ahead of time and even so, all the dates of our trip were full or nearly full by the time I secured my spot. Read on below for more details and lots of photos.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

24300 Hamilton Road
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
website

Hamilton Pool Preserve - stunning natural beauty

Hamilton Pool Preserve - pretty waterfall

01/11

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Ready for a hike! Oh, this isn’t your typical hiking attire?

Hamilton Pool Preserve

I loved that the plant life was a combination of cacti and more lush greenery. It was so different than what I am used to at home.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

I totally envision this being a future highlight reel photo for the kids.

Hamilton Pool Preserve - stunning natural beauty

We all gasped when we reached the pool from the trail. It is a pretty amazing sight to behold.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

While the kids were initially disappointed that we wouldn’t be able to swim, it ended up being just fine because they spent so much time climbing up and down all the rocks surrounding the pool. It was nature’s jungle gym and they loved it.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Like I said.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

I really enjoyed looking at all of the different textures within the grotto, from moss, rock formations, etc. I could have spent a lot more time taking it all in.

Hamilton Pool Preserve - pretty waterfall

The waterfall was at more of a trickle when we were there given that it was very hot and the middle of summer, but I have seen other images of it running with much more force.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Aside from seeing the pool and climbing on rocks to their hearts’ content, these ducks were the other highlight for the kids. After visiting the pool we hiked in the opposite direction down to a river which was quite still, muddy, and not at all picturesque. While the views left much to be desired, these silly ducks chasing us down the trail had us giggling like crazy!

Hamilton Pool Preserve

They were clearly hoping to get some sort of treat from us but we did not oblige.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

The views on the sun dappled trail surrounded by ferns were really lovely. I hope I am able to hike this trail again someday.

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Hamilton Pool Preserve
Ready for a hike! Oh, this isn’t your typical hiking attire?
Hamilton Pool Preserve
I loved that the plant life was a combination of cacti and more lush greenery. It was so different than what I am used to at home.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
I totally envision this being a future highlight reel photo for the kids.
Hamilton Pool Preserve - stunning natural beauty
We all gasped when we reached the pool from the trail. It is a pretty amazing sight to behold.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
While the kids were initially disappointed that we wouldn’t be able to swim, it ended up being just fine because they spent so much time climbing up and down all the rocks surrounding the pool. It was nature’s jungle gym and they loved it.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Like I said.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
I really enjoyed looking at all of the different textures within the grotto, from moss, rock formations, etc. I could have spent a lot more time taking it all in.
Hamilton Pool Preserve - pretty waterfall
The waterfall was at more of a trickle when we were there given that it was very hot and the middle of summer, but I have seen other images of it running with much more force.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Aside from seeing the pool and climbing on rocks to their hearts’ content, these ducks were the other highlight for the kids. After visiting the pool we hiked in the opposite direction down to a river which was quite still, muddy, and not at all picturesque. While the views left much to be desired, these silly ducks chasing us down the trail had us giggling like crazy!
Hamilton Pool Preserve
They were clearly hoping to get some sort of treat from us but we did not oblige.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
The views on the sun dappled trail surrounded by ferns were really lovely. I hope I am able to hike this trail again someday.

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