These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. We Austin has a number of attractions in and around it. It should be noted that water access is never guaranteed with a reservation. Although the spot is extremely beautiful, you have to reserve ($11). There is a reservation fee to be paid online, but entrance to the Preserve is paid onsite with either cash or a local check. You can enter the water from the beach, but the trail that goes under the overhanging cliff is closed for safety concerns. While you may have immediately started thinking of tacos and BBQ, which of course are staples in Austin's cuisine, the city is also home to incredible restaurants serving food from all around the world. I'd classify this hike as moderate. 1. Between 1960 and 1980, Hamilton Pool gained popularity and, as a result, the land suffered from the visiting public. The well-marked hiking trail leads from the parking lot to Hamilton Creek. He was hired at the company before it launched in the fall of 2011. Luckily local government intervened in time, and today much of the environmental damage has been restored. I enjoy flying with them but one thing that makes Southwest Airlines a little different is their no assigned seating rule. Then when you get there, they charge you per person ($8 per adult) and tell you that due to Covid19, you cannot swim.So you are being charged to look at a pool. I can see why the reservations are so scarce here. Find his full bio here. Finally there are no water or concession stands at the pool, so you will need to bring food and drink with you into the park. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I welcome your comments. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The actual "pool" was a very quick hike to get to. Here is how you go about planning your trip: there are two time slotsfor which you can claim your spot, 9 a.m. 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Book your trip to Hamilton Pool, visit Travis County Parks to make an online reservation. A few of these other swimming hole areas are listed below. We went down and looked at the pool which was beautiful, but we could not swim due to high bacteria levels. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Neither are visitors allowed to leave pets in cars while they hike and visit the water fall. Hamilton Pool Preserve in Travis County Texas has long been touted as one of the most Instagrammable spots in Texas. Texas Outside 1997-2023 All Rights Reserved, About UsAdvertisePrivacy PolicyWork With UsContact Us, Coupons & SpecialsSite MapWhat's NewOur Rating ScaleYour Account. Swimming is allowed only when the water quality meets safe standards. Customized by Krizzy Designs. Half of the pool is dedicated to lap swimming, and the other half of the pool has a beach entry. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. . We hiked all available trails at Hamilton Pool 1.8 miles in about two hours. Thanks for sharing your story, and for your kind compliment about my blog posts! To be sure, it's a gorgeous spot and definitely worth a visit, if you manage your expectations. But lets be honest, to make the most of your travels, you need the cash to fund your dreams. CAUTION. . You definitely need sturdy shoes. bring a lifejacket or water wings if you are not a good swimmer as there is no lifeguard on duty, good footwear as the trail from the parking lot to the pool is quite rocky, dont bring your pets with you as pet access inside the preserve is forbidden. The ban is due to fears of falling rocks and instability in the rock in the grotto. If youre interested in having me write for your publication or website Im happy to send you clips or writing samples. You might also like: Your guide to Texas Bluebonnets, Whether you are a regular at Walt Disney World, or planning your first vacation to the most magical place on earth, you probably are aware of the multitude of various dining options that await you. Located just a short drive from Austin, this natural swimming pool is a must-visit destination for any nature lover or outdoor enthusiast. 00 pm to 5. Pace Bend Park. Pets are not allowed, even on leashes. Guests can still hike down to the pool and view, although your pictures will probably show the sections of trail roped off to keep visitors off the section of trail that goes under the cliff overhanging the pool. Read my full disclosure .) Make sure you have photo ID, your reservation number, and cash before you set out to visit Hamilton Pool. The water temperature can drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and spring. On our way down to the pool the hike to the river had been closed, that was annoying as well. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Drinking water or concessions are not available in the preserve; chemical toilets are provided. Just beside the pool are two lovely trails that lead you to an adventure around the Hamilton Pool area. It's even more stunning in person. We stopped a few times to take pictures but mostly kept it moving. What a funny and bizarre moment you witnessed at Hamilton Pool. Come learn about garden design from the experts at Garden Spark! Admission is $8 per person and $3 for seniors 62+. Hamilton Pool is one of the things one should know before visiting Austin. Alfonso split his time at the Leadercovering breaking news and combing the internet for Kentucky-specific content; such as the story on one of Eastern Kentuckys most iconic imagesand how one heroin addict used social media and scienceto cope. The hike down to the pool is about 1/4 mile each way. With the right planning and savvy budgeting skills,, Read More Cheap Places to Travel: Get Your Bang for Your BuckContinue, You wouldnt be wrong if youre thinking of New Orleans as an adults-only fun spot. From East Texas pines to West Texas mountains, he calls North Texas home but is always ready to float a river in Hill Country or go fishing on the Gulf Coast. The pool is breathtaking and very worth the entry free. Barton Springs Pool, Austin, TX. theYear=now.getYear() Although the spot is extremely beautiful, you have to reserve ($11). theYear=theYear+1900 Michael Holp of Holp Photography gives us captures thatfeeling with his photography, giving usa whole new perspective on Hamilton Pool Preserve with his use of ariel video. Im glad they are protecting it now. Day 7: Fort Worth to Austin - drive back to Austin, see any last minute sights & make your way home . Between July and August, when its warm enough to swim and free of the bacteria that comes with heavy rain. He is passionate about traveling and opening up the world for other intrepid explorers. Too many people and many that dont respect nature. In the summer, Texans love to relax and partake in tubing and swimming in these water holes so its always a good idea to get as early a start as possible if you are heading to any of these places. Note that there is one reservation per vehicle. CAUTION. So popular, in fact, that you need reservations to get in. Absolutely. Best for: Experiencing the old . The cost is $12 per vehicle (for up to 8 people), or $8 per adult (children are free). Simon loves camping and road trips as well, whether it's cruising Highway 287, 82, 69 or 281, that's the true way to see what Texas is all about! Mansfield Dam Park. If youre looking for swimming holes, then you need to check outThe Best Swimming Holes in Texas Page. 24. Travis County Commissioner's Court declared the pool a preserve in 1990. County Parks information (512) 854-7275, Hamilton Pool information (512) 264-2740. Dirt-under-the-nails types and armchair gardeners alike will find plenty to enjoy here. I really enjoy and look forward to them. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. As previously mentioned, Hamilton Pool is popular with local residents and frequent visitors to the Hill Country, so it can become very crowded in the summer. Simon loves Texas and the Great Outdoors. Hamilton Pool called my name last month, and I answered by scheduling a visit through the state's reservation page. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews.