Hamilton Pool Preserve

If you feel up to a little drive and a little bit of a hike (1/2 mile round trip, mostly down/up-step), a gem of a swimming hole awaits you east of Eden, er...I mean Austin. Arriving early is essential on weekends, and preferable on weekdays, as this swimming spot is very popular, yet still leaves you feeling like you have discovered a hidden oasis.

30 miles west of Austin on FM 3238, the 232-acre preserve is a hill country delight with no real facilities or businesses to speak of, bring a cooler, floats, and a chair...as long as you don't mind toting them up and down the steep trail. The preserve is amazing in its own right, unspoiled and lush, offering environmental education classes for the public. You might also catch sight of researchers rubbing elbows with High Times loving hippies- Austin at its finest.

The preserve's pool and grotto were formed when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago. Swimming under the 45 foot waterfall is a surreal experience, and not to be missed. Algae is not that bad, but it congregates back up inside the grotto, so beware. Little ones can walk (with supervision) around the rock lip inside the grotto. The deepest part of the pool is at the center, near the falls, and the water is chilly, so strong swimmers or floats are a must. We brought a cooler and a 2 year old, and had no problems hiking down, and a mere busted flip flop hiking back up. Moral of the story: dress for light (wet) hiking, guys!

The beach area was populated with friendly folk, and we enjoyed meeting fellow Texans from all walks of life (CEO's and 50 year old "students") as well as tourists from Japan and Mexico. Very few of these people were actually IN the water, and the pool never felt crowded. The only down side to this swimming hole is that the parking lot fills up fast (75 car max) and once it does, the rangers will not let anyone else in, until someone leaves. Because of this, and the fact that the entrance fee is Per Vehicle ($8), carpool with friends if possible.

Facilities- chem toilets only, so go before you go. Bring towel, and a friend to hold it while you change into dry clothes behind it!
Hours- 9am-5:30pm daily.

**IMPORTANT- Like many natural pools, swimming is only allowed when water quality standards are met. Updated information can be found at the entrance booth, but it is a loooong drive to the preserve, so call ahead for recorded info, at 512-264-2740.