What Happens If We Have Rain Or Poor Weather During My Reservation
The preserve will almost always be open for hiking through the canyon and to the pool every day, even on rainy days. We cannot guarantee good weather during your reservation period. If the preserve is open for hiking during your reservation period then your reservation is active and cannot be refunded or rescheduled on the date of your reservation. Prior to the day of your reservation, you can go online and reschedule or obtain a Credit Voucher, but the deadline to do this is midnight before your reservation. See the FAQ questions about rescheduling for more information. On rare occasions, we may close the preserve to all visitors for public safety reasons, such as flash flooding in the canyon. In those rare cases, people with reservations will receive an email with instructions from us on how to reschedule. We strongly advise you to call our Public Information Line to hear a recorded message that contains the most updated information about the status of the preserve. The message is updated daily by 8:30 am, and when extreme circumstances cause us to change our status during the day.
What Type Of Bacteria Causes The Problem With Swimming
Although we test for E coli bacteria, the most serious threats are a multitude of other bacteria that are associated with E coli. It lives in the intestines of warm blooded animals, along with lots of other infectious agents. We test for E coli because both the State and the EPA suggest testing for E coli.
Do I Get A Refund Or Get To Reschedule If Swimming Is Not Allowed During My Reservation Time
Swimming is not guaranteed with your reservation. Hamilton Pool Preserve is a scenic nature preserve in the federal Balcones Canyonlands Preserve system and we do not manage it as a swimming facility. Since the water is not treated, bacteria levels can occasionally become too high for recreational swimming and water contact. On days when swimming is not allowed, we are almost always open for hiking to the pool and through the canyon. Your reservation fee is not refundable. To make sure customers are informed we require them to click I Accept to the list of policies before they make their reservations. At the top of the list are the policies that state that fees are not refundable and swimming is not guaranteed. You can, however, reschedule your reservation or obtain a Credit Voucher if you decide not to use your reservation at your scheduled time. The deadline for rescheduling or obtaining a Credit Voucher is midnight before your reservation. See the FAQ questions about rescheduling for more information.
Read Also: Above Ground Pools Little Rock Ar
Swimming At Hamilton Pool
If youre hoping to swim, then check the Travis County Parks website or call 512-264-2740 ahead of time to see if swimming is currently allowed. The area is surrounded by farm land, so when it rains a lot of bacteria ends up in the water and the pool is closed for swimming. You can still visit, you just cant hop in the water.
The preserve tests the water in Hamilton Pool regularly and updates the swimming status. If it has rained recently, then it will likely be a few days until you can enter the pool.
We visited in January and lucked out that swimming was reopened on the day we went. The water felt freezing it was 58°F. Ive read it can get down to 40°F. Im sure the water warms up by summer, and it probably feels pretty refreshing when its hot out.
Do You Need Reservations
You need a reservation every day of the week to visit the Hamilton Pool Preserve.
The morning reservation period is between 9 am and 12:30 pm, while the afternoon reservation period is between 2 pm and 5:30 pm.
Youre not allowed to remain in the preserve after your reservation period ends. It is recommended to arrive no later than an hour before your reservation period ends in order to fully experience the preserve.
No entry is allowed after your reservation time period ends.
You can make reservations online, typically only a month in advance.
Recommended Reading: Can You Enclose An Above Ground Pool
How Do I Make A Reservation
Go the Travis County Hamilton Pool Preserve web page, read about the preserve, and then click on the link to enter the reservation system. Choose a date and time, morning or afternoon, and pay for your reservation by credit card online. Youll later pay again with cash when you arrive at the preserve and purchase your Day Use permits.
Hamilton Pool Preserve: What To Know Before You Go
The Hamilton Pool Preserve is one of Austins best satellite nature spots although its all the way in Dripping Springs! It says a lot that Austinites are still willing to travel the 23 miles between the Hamilton Pool Preserve and Austin.
The Hamilton Pool Preserve is one of the most unique places in Texas for its jade green pool, nested in the basin of a limestone grotto. Thousands of years ago, the preserve was home to an underground river. It collapsed into its current shape due to erosion, leaving an upper shelf that forms the 50-foot waterfall present today.
Theres a pebble beach on the edge of the pool, and swimming in normal times. There are numerous species of flora and fauna living in the preserve, which is carefully monitored to keep the endemic species healthy.
The whole of the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve encompasses 232 acres, purchased in 1985 from the rancher family that had owned it since the 1880s. Legend has it that their eight-year-old son discovered the pool.
The Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve has been cited by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as the most significant natural area in Travis County. The preserve is a part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, which holds over 30,000 acres of endangered species habitat.
You May Like: How Much Chlorine To Add To Pool First Time
Things To Do In The Park
Swimming is obviously the main activity, but the park encompasses 232 acres of largely undeveloped land, so hiking and bird watching are also popular. In fact, youll have to take a quarter-mile hike over uneven ground just to get to the swimming hole. Birders often arrive early at the park to catch a glimpse of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and other species that either live in the park year-round or pass through during migration. Other animals you may spot in the park include deer, fox, skunk, possum, porcupine, and bobcat.
Hamilton Pool Preserve is also home to a wide variety of rare plants and trees. The most photogenic specimens are the delicate ferns that grow in and around the waterfall. Beyond the pool, along Hamilton Creek, youll find towering cypress trees with knobby roots that poke up out of the water. This is one of the trees survival tactics for surviving when the base of the tree is submerged under water.
Creation Of The Sunken Pool
The pool rests below a huge grotto. The collapsed cave and canyon were created by thousands of years of erosion caused by water. The canyon cliffs have lush vegetation, and many species of birds call the area home. While swimming below, you can look up and be under some of the cliffs that cover part of the pool, and this is also where the waterfall descends from. It is a spectacular landmark, and one of the few natural grottos created that most will ever see. Nowadays, fancy homes with pools try to create their cave, whereas the Hamilton Pool Preserve gives you a glimpse at one nature has defined and created.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Pool Phosphates
How Many Vehicles And People Can I Bring With One Reservation
Each reservation allows you to bring a maximum one vehicle and a maximum of 8 people. If you are bringing more vehicles or more people then you will need additional reservations. If you are bringing a group of pedestrians or bicyclists, then you can bring a maximum of 8 people with one reservation. Each person will still need to pay the per-person Day Use Fee in cash.
Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Hamilton Pool
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a must-visit spot for any Austin visitor or resident. Its located in Dripping Springs, about 23 miles west of Austin as the crow flies, and its open year-round to visitors with reservations.
Nate and I drove out there last weekend for a morning of swimming and relaxing, and we had so much fun! Ive been meaning to visit it for several years now, actually.
We loaded up the car with drinks, snacks, towels, and a chair and stopped at Bougies Donuts for breakfast on the way out Hamilton Pool. Breakfast of champions, in my humble opinion.
After spending the morning out there, I opened my stories to any questions yall had about Hamilton Pool, and there were a bunch of them! Ill make sure I answer all of those in this blog post.
You May Like: What Lowers Ph In Pool
How Did The Pool Form
Hamilton Pool is known as a collapsed grotto. The overlying limestone is more resistant to erosion than the underlying rock. During flood events the lower rock gets eroded more than the rock above. Eventually this causes a large overhang that is immediately obvious to visitors at the pool. As the erosion process continues, the overhang will eventually collapse and the process will begin again, with the waterfall moving upstream a little with each collapse. This erosional process has been occurring for roughly 100,000 years, with the waterfall moving up the canyon roughly three-quarters of a mile in that time.
Hamilton Pool Preserve History
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole which was designated a preserve by the Travis County Commissioners Court in 1990. Located 3/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Pedernales River, Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50 foot waterfall as it plunges into the head of a steep box canyon. The waterfall never completely dries up, but in dry times it does slow to a trickle. However, the pools water level stays pretty constant, even during periods of drought.
The preserve is home to the Golden-Cheeked Warbler, and a great variety of other birds. The diverse vegetation of Hamilton Pool ranges from semi-arid species in the uplands to riparian species in the canyon. The uplands of the preserve are a juniper and oak savannah with a variety of native grasses and wildflowers. Several rare plant species including canyon mock-orange, red bay , and chatter box orchid are known to occur in the canyon areas along Hamilton Creek.
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve . The BCP is a 30,428-acre system of endangered species habitat owned by Travis County, the City of Austin, The Nature Conservancy, the Lower Colorado River Authority, Travis Audubon Society, as well as privately owned lands. The BCP represents a regional effort to balance protection of endangered species habitat with economic development. For more information about BCP, call the Travis County BCP coordinator at 854-9383
Recommended Reading: Is The Pool Open On Memorial Day
Is Hamilton Pool Open
Hamilton Pool is open, with specific rules and recommendations based on current events.
Because of Covid, it is recommended to wear a mask and social distance. Vaccination is also encouraged. Capacity is reduced so less online reservations are available.
In addition, there is no swimming allowed and the trail beneath the overhanging cliff is closed due to falling rocks. Geologists are investigating the situation and working with Travis County to find a solution.
Despite all of this, the pool is still open for visitors to enjoy.
Tips For Visiting Hamilton Pool
Here are a couple tips for visiting the Hamilton Pool.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Hard Water Stains Off Pool Tile
Why The Hamilton Pool Is A Great Spot To Cool Off
Lets start with the temperature the river-fed pool reaches 50F in some places.
Its fed by Hamilton Creek about three-quarters of a mile upstream from where it meets the Pedernales River. In dry times the creek slows to a trickle, but the pool maintains a fairly consistent level.
Stalactites adorn the underside of the grotto, providing a cove to shield against the hot afternoon sun.
The Hamilton Pool Preserve: A Unique Texas Oasis
It was going to be another scorching hot Texas summer day. I was spending time near Austin with some friends, Jeff and Jeannie and their 10 year old daughter Jackie, and we decided to make the best of the sweltering August heat and head to the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve.
-
bring something to float on, a raft or tube
-
bring a blanket to sit on
-
wear good footwear the trail has some rocky patches
-
pack some food and drinks there are no concessions there
-
bring life jackets or water wings for smaller kids – the pool is up to 30 feet deep in some parts
DON’T:
-
bring pets they are not allowed at all
-
bring strollers or wheelchairs some disabilities can be accommodated by calling ahead.
-
pass up your chance to use the outhouses in the parking lot they are your last chance to use any bathroom facilities
Don’t Miss: How To Repair Leaking Pool Filter Tank
Is Swimming Guaranteed With A Reservation
No. Swimming is not guaranteed. In fact, it is frequently not allowed. Our swimming status can change without notice due to rain or bacteria test results. The pool is a natural body of water that is part of a larger nature preserve, subject to unpredictable influences of the environment. The canyon sometimes has floods. The pool sometimes has high bacteria levels. We do not manage the pool as a swimming facility. When making reservations, visitors must click I Accept to a list of policies. At the top of the list are two policies that state the reservation fees are non-refundable and swimming is not guaranteed.
Should I Purchase A Reservation From Somewhere Other Than The Official Travis County Hamilton Pool Preserve Web Site
No. If you purchase a reservation from another person the reservation will not be legitimate. It is against our policy to allow Hamilton Pool Preserve reservations to be resold for profit, or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Remember that two people in your group must be designated at the time the reservation is made with us. At least one of those two people must be present with photo identification for the reservation to be valid. This policy was put in place to deter the practice of making lots of reservations and then reselling them for profit.
Don’t Miss: How To Bring Ph Down In Pool
Swim At Hamilton Pool Preserve
Dripping Springs, Texas
Added by Sarah Williams
Enjoy a clear, natural pool in a beautiful, overhanging rock cave. This is a great place to swim with family or friends and the 50-foot waterfall makes for amazing pictures.
Hamilton Pool Preserve, about a 45 minute drive from Austin, TX, is one of the most beautiful places to spend a hot, Texas afternoon. A short hike from the parking lot through a wooded forest opens up onto a scenic, natural pool. The small beach to one side is usually dotted with sunbathers and picnicing families, enjoying relaxing day out of the city.
The park has a limited capacity, and often fills up on warm weekends and even weekdays. Be sure to arrive early to avoid lines.
Also See: 101 Austin Bachelorette Party Ideas
Whats the wildlife situation?
Hamilton Pool a nature preserve, so its home to wildlife, native grasses and wildflowers, and rare plant species. We were walking along the back of the pool and found a little bat nestled into a nook in the wall, and we saw several BIG 18 inch catfish in the pool.
Honestly, it was a hot day and I was hot hot hot and pregnant, so I jumped in the water and didnt explore the other areas. But if youre interested in exploring the wildlife, there are guided tours available on Saturdays at 10 am.
All-in-all, visiting Hamilton Pool makes for such a fun outing! The half-day reservation was plenty of time , and the drive from Austin to Dripping Springs is about 45 minutes. There are lots of fun restaurants and breweries in Dripping Springs to visit before/after a trip to Hamilton Pool so you can make a full day of it!
Looking for more outdoor activities in and around Austin? Click here!
Also Check: How Hard To Install Above Ground Pool
Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Hamilton Pool
Are you looking for a true rural Texas experience? Consider visiting the Hamilton Pool Preserve!
With a monstrous waterfall, a plethora of activities to choose from, and canyons surrounding you, it is impossible to have a bad time.
Visitors from near and far fall in love with this natural pool and return year after year.
What Types Of Plants And Animals Do We Have At Hamilton Pool Preserve
This is too involved to give a detailed answer, but we have a wide selection of life that is native to central Texas. Just some of the animals include fox, bobcat, porcupine, skunk, white-tailed deer, possum, various species of mice, sun fish, carp, various snakes, including water moccasins, large variety of insects, and many other fauna. We even have some probable sightings of mountain lion, although these are rare. If you are interested in birds we have a great many to look for, especially in the spring as the migrants pass through. Ask for our Hamilton Pool Preserve Bird List at the entrance booth. Our most famous bird is the federally endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler.
Throughout the preserve there is quite the myriad of trees, vines, ferns, and herbaceous plants. The diversity of plant life here can be categorized within 100 plant families, and this includes 486 species of plants. Canyon mock orange is one rare plant found at Hamilton Pool. Other plants of interest here include the Chatterbox Orchid and Leather Flower. Tree savannah and riparian forest environments can be observed in the uplands and as you descend into the canyon. The diversity of plant life changes drastically between these two ecosystems with the change in temperature, light, and humidity.
Don’t Miss: How Much Does It Cost To Build An Inground Pool
