A stunning natural swimming hole formed when an underground river's dome collapsed thousands of years ago, creating a grotto pool with a 50-foot waterfall. One of Texas's most photographed natural wonders.
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a Travis County park located 23 miles west of Austin along Hamilton Pool Road near Dripping Springs, Texas. The preserve protects a dramatic collapsed grotto where an underground stream emerges into a jade-green pool, with a 50-foot waterfall cascading from an overhanging limestone ledge. The geological formation occurred when the dome of an ancient underground river collapsed thousands of years ago, leaving a natural amphitheater of layered limestone draped with maidenhair ferns and hung with small stalactites.
The 0.25-mile trail from the parking area descends steeply to the pool, a walk of about 10 minutes each way. The pool measures roughly 50 yards in diameter and is fed by the waterfall as well as several small spring seeps. The swimming area is typically open from May through September, though bacteriological water quality testing occurs daily and swimming is suspended when coliform levels are elevated—a closure that occurs several times per season. Checking the Travis County website or calling ahead to confirm swimming status on the day of the visit is essential.
The preserve's photography draws visitors as much as the swimming. The waterfall, green pool, and curved limestone ledge create a naturally composed scene that photographs exceptionally well in the morning when light angles into the grotto. Even when the pool is closed for swimming, the surrounding trail corridor through juniper-oak woodland along the Pedernales River bottomland is pleasant and worth the short hike.
Reservations through Travis County's online system are required for all visits from March through September. Slots release 30 days in advance and are typically claimed within 24 hours. Walk-in standby entry is possible if cancellations become available but is unreliable for summer weekends.
Good to know
- Hours
- 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
- Best time
- spring (March-May)
- Best for
- swimmers, photographers, hikers, nature lovers
Location
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
30.3419, -98.1260 View on map
Highlights
- 50-foot waterfall cascading into an emerald grotto pool beneath an overhanging limestone ledge
- Geological collapsed dome formation draped in maidenhair fern—one of the most photogenic spots in Texas
- Pedernales River bottomland trail connecting the parking area to the grotto through cedar-oak woodland
- Spring-fed pool with water temperatures cooler than ambient air, offering relief in Austin's summer heat
- Morning light angles directly into the grotto, creating exceptional photography conditions
Tips for visiting
- Reservations required—book weeks ahead for summer
- Swimming may be closed due to bacteria levels
- Bring water shoes for slippery rocks
When to visit
Spring (March–May) offers the highest waterfall flow from winter rains and pleasant air temperatures for swimming. Early morning arrivals capture the best light for photography before the grotto fills with visitors. Avoid summer weekend afternoons when the preserve reaches its reservation capacity.
Accessibility
The trail to the pool is unpaved, steep, and rocky, making it inaccessible for wheelchairs or visitors with significant mobility limitations. The parking area and trailhead facilities are accessible. The pool area itself has rocky, uneven terrain. Travis County does not currently offer adapted access programs at this location.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need a reservation for Hamilton Pool Preserve?
Yes. Reservations through Travis County's online system are required from March through September. Slots release 30 days in advance and fill within hours. Out-of-season visits (October–February) do not require reservations but swimming is typically closed.
Is swimming always available at Hamilton Pool?
No. Swimming is permitted only when daily water quality tests show safe bacteria levels. Closures for high coliform counts occur multiple times per season, often after heavy rain. Always check the Travis County parks website before visiting if swimming is the primary goal.
How difficult is the trail to the pool?
The trail is 0.25 miles but involves a steep, rocky descent with uneven footing. The descent takes about 10 minutes; the climb back up is more strenuous. Water shoes are recommended for navigating slippery rocks at the pool's edge.