Beautiful Hamilton Pool in Texas
According to the local residents and tourists, this place is probably the most beautiful in Texas. It’s Hamilton Pool, which appeared thanks to the collapse of the underground river’s dome because of erosion thousands of years ago. Hamilton Pool Preserve is about 23 miles (37 km) west of Austin, Highway 71 off Texas. Since the 1960s, Hamilton Pool has been a popular summer swimming spot for Austin visitors and residents.
Surrounded by large slabs of limestone, that rest by the water’s edge, beautiful Hamilton Pool is, undoubtedly, a very special place. In particular, because of large stalactites that grow from the ceiling high above. The ceiling and surrounding cliffs of the grotto are home to moss, maidenhair fern and cliff swallows. Besides, the Ashe juniper (cedar) uplands of the preserve are home to the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.
Fortunately, not chemically treated, the pool and creek are natural. And the water quality – monitored regularly, while swimming – occasionally restricted. Hamilton Pool is part of the Balcones Cayonlands Preserve and a protected environment.
As of November 2013, access to the pool and river requires a $10 Travis County Park entry fee, cash only. The issued permit allows you access to all Travis County Parks for that day.
In fact, Hamilton Pool Preserve has a capacity limit of 75 parking spots. Once the lot is full, the park lets one car in as another car leaves. When swimming permitted, waits of 30 minutes are not uncommon, or longer in the busy summer months.
Getting to the pool requires a steep quarter-mile trek downhill. Handicapped access unavailable. Recommended – hiking shoes and drinking water.
Also, the preserve opens at 9:00 am, and closes at 6:00 pm. Entry not permitted after 5:30 pm, and all recreational activities end at 5:30 pm.
Beautiful Hamilton Pool in Texas
