Hamilton Pool

Nature's perfect pool

What makes it fun

Picture this, a dome of an underground river enduring monstrous erosion thousands of years ago collapsing and forming the most prestigious and tranquil natural pool. That's Hamilton Pool Preserve. Situated in 232 acres of land is a shimmering, jade green pool with a towering waterfall flowing into it from 50 feet above. It's the perfect place to make a romantic splash.

Google Reviews

Hamilton Pool Preserve

4.6

Based on 1927 reviews

Elisa Valdez

19:14 31 Jul 23

There is a long, paved trail for bikes. The out and back is just over 6 miles.There are many non paved trails that double as mountain biking trails. For anyone not familiar with bikers, listen for bikers yelling “on your left” or “on your right” and announcing how many additional folks behind them.If you meander through the trails stay aware of where you are.

Michael James

07:03 14 Jul 23

I never took the chance to go when I lived in Austin. I just had to see it! Reservations are a hassle...and of course when I went the bacteria levels were not good. I should have known that was a risk early in the season with water levels being low but I was there at the end of May and just had to go. Anyways, because of the water levels the waterfall wasn't as powerful. Since I moved they stopped allowing people to walk under the falls as well due to the chance of rocks falling. The amount of 'beach' area is not very big but bring a float when you are allowed to swim and just relax the whole time in the water! One thing I really enjoyed was getting to take photos of an empty pool area. I would have never been able to get shots without a ton of people in them if it hadn't been a day when people weren't allowed to swim. Just hope one day I get something better than a $60 phone to capture the beauty. Nothing will ever compete with going and exploring these places yourself though.

Clenia Luna

16:43 08 Jul 23

No permit to go on the trail inside the cave. You can stay just in front of the cave. In the past was allowed.Take care with snakes. We saw a poison one. Omg!!. It's usual on the trail. Specially close the pool. So, several rules to entry and you can go inside the cave. I don't recommend it so much.

Ellie McGriff

23:34 11 Jun 23

I am sad to leave this review, but we were extremely disappointed by Hamilton Pool Preserve. We visited from out of state on 5/29/23 with reservations. The pool was closed to swimming and rightfully so, because it looked like a dirty pond, nothing like the pictures I had seen. There is no waterfall whatsoever. The hiking pathway that goes around the perimeter of the pool is closed with no apparent plans for repair. I would recommend against stopping here in summer

Natasha Blackmore

14:31 07 Nov 22

Heads up. The path underneath the cliff overhang is closed. Nonetheless a beautiful natural area. We mostly hiked towards the river. About an hour there and back.

Bernardo Engelke

22:10 19 Mar 22

It is a short hike to the pool. View of the pool is very beautiful. It is quite relaxing to just hang out there. Unfortunatly, at the moment walking behind the pool and swimming are not allowed due to the risk of rocks falling. But it is still a great day activity. Landscape is stunning. The color of the water is very impressive. I highly recommend a visit. And don't stay just in the pool, it is also worth walking to the other side where you will have a 0.75 mile hike by the creek to get to the river. The walk is also great and with wonderful views of the creek. You can also find fish swimming at the creek. At the river, you can swim. The only negative point about it is the price. Apart from a 8 dollars fee per person to be paid in cash when you get there, there is a 12 dollars fee to make the reservation (I guess for the car parking). A bit pricey in my opinion. Specially because you cannot stay the entire day there. You get either the morning ticket (from 8:30am to 12:30pm) or the afternoon ticket (from 1:30pm to 5:30pm).

Kimberly Orellana

18:03 13 Mar 22

Reservations are needed and an additional payment once in the park per a person. Only cash in person. Beautiful. Nice hike. The hike itself is short and easy-medium. Nice park staff and clean park area. Bathrooms were closed but they did have portable bathrooms (I did not use them).

Beyond The Shore Vacations

02:55 13 Mar 22

Absolutely stunning. I'd love to go back. Don't just hike to the pool, also take the longer trail to the river. It was worth it!

Vijaylakshmi Rana

04:54 10 Oct 21

After a long time being in Austin, I finally visited this place. It was beautiful. The water is very pretty and there were some fishes swimming close to the shore that was a good sight to look at. The grotto area hike and swimming is closed as of now. But there was hike to the river which was a good workout. The beach near the river is nice and the water is shallow and clear. Overall a good visit.