Hamilton Pool Preserve — Attraction in Lakeway

I'd read about this place, but I never expected it to be such a good time. My wife and I spent an afternoon there this week, and it was well worth the drive up from SA. The fact that they limit the number of visitors and require reservations makes this place so pleasant.

The pool is huge and beautiful. The water is clean, and the water temperature was perfect. It's just an all-around gorgeous place to spend the day.

The little "beach" area gets fairly full, but there are a few other shady areas to lounge. You may not be doing much lounging, though. Once you're in the water, you're not gonna wanna get out. :)

A few things to note: --The 1/4 mile hike to/from the pool is not difficult, but it's also not super easy. I'd put it at a solid 4 out of 10. If you're injured in some way, you probably wanna skip this till you're better. Older folks with mobility issues should be mindful of the hike, and should consider having someone to help them down/up the more arduous parts. --Going barefoot once at the pool is doable, but I highly suggest you take some sort of water shoes, with soles that have traction, along. The rocky bottom of the pool isn't bad, but after a few hours it may start to bother your feet. Traction is a must have when walking around on the rocky areas underneath the overhang. --If you're not 100% comfortable with swimming, know that the park has a stash of free life vests for visitors. You'll see them hanging close to the entrance to the pool. Super useful if you just wanna float around without worrying about water depth. --If you see turtles swimming in the pool, LEAVE THEM ALONE. We spotted a couple of turtles meandering around, trying to mind their own business. The fact that they were being manhandled by swimmers was bothersome. We should treat them as if we're a guest in their home. :) --And lastly...please be mindful of the park and pool rules They're in place for a reason; to keep the park pleasant for ALL...

We visited Hamilton Pool Preserve on a rare spring morning, arriving right as the gates opened for our reserved time slot. The forecast had called for rain, and it did briefly sprinkle just before our hike began, making the trail a bit slick. Thankfully, walking sticks were available at the entrance, which helped on the steeper, uneven sections of the trail.

The hike down to the grotto is short but moderately challenging, with stone steps and natural obstacles. Once at the pool, we were struck by the unique beauty of the setting, a collapsed grotto, sheer limestone walls, and lush greenery clinging to the cliffs. Unfortunately, due to ongoing drought conditions in Texas, the waterfall was only a light seep through the rocks. Most of the grotto was also off-limits due to falling rock hazards, which was a bit of a letdown since much of the promotional imagery and videos highlight access that is no longer available.

That said, the preserve still holds incredible value. We continued our hike to the Pedernales River and were rewarded with wildflowers, lizards, and the quiet beauty of the Texas Hill Country. For birders and nature lovers, this place remains a gem, even in drought.

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a place of natural and historical significance, and it's clear that the staff and stewards are working hard to protect it. While the waterfall itself may not be flowing like it once did, the hike and surrounding environment still offer a rewarding and worthwhile visit. Come prepared, manage expectations, and let nature reveal her quieter forms of magic.

Four stars for the stunning setting and the well-maintained trails, minus one for the limited access to the grotto and the ongoing effects of drought on the experience. Still very much worth a visit, especially for those who appreciate the subtle beauty...

Coming here was a HUGE mistake! The staff are really bad. If you don’t want people to be here then don’t allow for as many reservations in one day. They really power trip to an insane degree.

My keys got lost in the pond and after telling me my car was ok to stay there until 4pm while I got a new key made they towed and impounded my car at noon while I was standing by the car waiting for a locksmith and wouldn’t let me just call my own tow truck and called the police and threatened to arrest me for not giving them the key fob that unlocks my car (but doesn’t start it). It was INSANE. I had to pay $356 just to get my car out. And no, I was not rude to them, I was very nice. The county makes money off of towing. (Even though they don’t have any signs about it posted.)

They also will charge you to make the reservation then charge you $15 to enter the park so it ends up being like $25. Not worth it. What are they even doing with all that money? Paying to overstaff the place with power tripping teenagers?

As far as the pool goes, it was really pricey for a glorified pond. It was so dirty and stagnant, I don’t think people should be swimming in it. It’s really crowded, especially on the gravel beach area. And the staff angrily supervise the entire time and look for anything they can yell at you for so it’s really not relaxing or peaceful.

It’s...