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| Hamilton Pool, Austin Texas |
Editor's Note (2026): We visited Hamilton Pool Preserve in 2008. Since then, visitation rules have changed. Reservations are now generally required, and swimming is sometimes prohibited depending on water quality, rockfall hazards, or environmental conditions. Always check the preserve's current conditions before making the trip.
Planning Your Visit
- Reservations are generally required.
- Check current swimming conditions.
- Bring plenty of drinking water.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes.
- Arrive on time for your reservation.
- Expect a steep hike back to the parking lot.
- Bring a camera.
Can You Still Swim?
Swimming is no longer guaranteed. Depending on bacteria levels, rockfall hazards, or weather conditions, the preserve may temporarily prohibit swimming. Even if swimming isn't allowed, many visitors still come to enjoy the spectacular scenery and hiking trails.
Wildlife and Plants
- cypress trees
- ferns
- cliffs
- creek
- canyon
- golden-cheeked warbler (seasonal)
- native ferns
- bald cypress
- limestone grotto
- butterflies
- dragonflies
What Makes Hamilton Pool Unique?
- collapsed grotto
- limestone dome
- thousands of years old
- spring-fed pool
- part of the Texas Hill Country
For Father's Day, we decided to spend the day at Hamilton Pool Preserve - A collapsed grotto (cave) and canyon that was formed by thousands of years of water erosion. It's been several years since we'd been out there and we were anxious to go hiking and swimming.
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| Steep downward hike to Hamilton Pool |
The area used to be inhabited by the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache's. The pool was named after Morgan Hamilton in the 1800's, whose brother had served as the 10th governor of Texas.
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| Hiking trail to the pool |
The Cypress trees, tropical ferns, and diverse foliage almost feel prehistoric. (Don't forget to click photos to enlarge.)
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| Beautiful Cypress Trees at Hamilton Pool Preserve |
If anyone is thinking of visiting this preserve, arrive EARLY. The park only allows 75 cars and will start turning people away. We left our house at 9:00 a.m. and tried to beat the crowds. The preserve is only 30 miles Southwest of Austin. A gorgeous drive through the hill country.
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| Creek near Hamilton Pool |
The path we took followed alongside a creek.
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| Swimming beneath the waterfall. |
The grotto, and people (the early birds) swimming!
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| The famous collapsed grotto. |
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| swimming under the grotto |
We didn't waste time jumping in...
Josh, wearing his new Hawaiian shirt that his fiancé' (and future sisters-in-law) had purchased for him. He wanted me to make sure to take this picture so they could see him wearing it. haha
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| hiking around the grotto |
I decided to hike around the grotto before jumping in the water...
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| stairs around the grotto |
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| up close to the waterfall and grotto |
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| One of Texas' most photographed swimming holes |
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| standing under the water fall |
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| Hamilton Pool is one of the most unique places to visit |
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| refreshing swim under the shade of the grotto |
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| Truly a unique experience in Texas |
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| beautiful grotto. |
50-foot cascades...
I spotted several (what looked like cave entrances) throughout our hike.
Go Cowboys!
Pamela...
Lush ferns...
Due to the drought, the waterfall had been reduced to a trickle...
After we swam, we decided to hike to the Pedernales river. This is a 1.5-mile hike that tags alongside the creek...
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| Fun hike to the river |
At the river and less crowds! More than likely we were the crazy ones for hiking in 100+ degree temps. Over my shoulder, I carried a large tote bag filled with apples, bottled water, beef jerky, camera, and everyone's wallets and keys... Yes, I'm the pack mule.
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| Pedernales River |
A refreshing swim in the Pedernales - it was truly wonderful. Every so often our feet caught the cool currents of the aquafer... What a beautiful day!
Afterwards, we lugged back up the hill and followed the trail... (For those who decide to visit the park, the trail is DOWN HILL to the grotto, but UP HILL back to the parking lot. The trail from the river and the grotto meets at a fork, but BOTH take the same trail back to the parking lot.)
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| Prehistoric trails at Hamilton Pool Preserve |
We arrived at the car, gulped down more water and blasted the air conditioner. It was around 1:30, and after a couple miles of hiking, we were ready for LUNCH! By the way, as we pulled out of the park entrance there was a LONG LINE of cars being turned away. Get there EARLY!
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| Nutty Brown Cafe |
Nutty Nathan
Every time we're near highway 290, we stop at Nutty Brown Cafe to eat. (This restaurant used to be a praline shop - Nutty Brown Mills - a former roadside attraction known for their candy and neon cowboy sign welcoming folks to Austin.)
We like going there for their live music and good food.
Modern note about Nutty Brown
One thing changed.
Nutty Brown Cafe has changed ownership and location over the years.
2026 Update: Since this trip, the historic Nutty Brown Cafe & Amphitheatre has closed, and the original Highway 290 location is now home to an H-E-B grocery store. Although the restaurant is gone, I still remember it fondly for its live music, Texas barbecue, and the giant neon cowboy sign that greeted travelers heading toward the Hill Country. It was always one of our favorite stops after a day exploring Hamilton Pool Preserve.
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| Parrot at Nutty Brown Cafe |
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| live music stage at Nutty Brown |
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| Chicken Fried steak dinner |
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| Nutty Brown Famous sign |
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| Back home to Austin |
Looking Back
Looking back, Hamilton Pool Preserve remains one of my favorite day trips near Austin. Even if swimming isn't available during your visit, the scenery alone makes it worth experiencing. Between the towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear water, and lush vegetation, it's one of the most beautiful natural places in Central Texas.
1 comment:
Beautiful!!! place.. I'd love to go there.
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