Right now
Right now as of Nov 3, 2026
- Status Open by reservation, as far as we can tell: on Nov 3, 2026 Travis County's Hamilton Pool page said water access from the beach was currently allowed.
- Permit Reservation required daily.
Status note (Nov 3, 2026): Open by reservation, as far as we can tell: on Nov 3, 2026 Travis County's Hamilton Pool page said water access from the beach was currently allowed. The trail under the overhanging cliff was closed. Only a very limited part of the pool is open for water access because of falling rocks. Reservations were open through November 2026; December dates were not yet available. What the status labels mean
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a 232-acre Travis County preserve near Dripping Springs, where a 50-foot waterfall plunges into a pool at the head of a box canyon. Reservations are required every day, at $12 per vehicle plus cash entry fees. On Nov 3, 2026, swimming was allowed in a very limited part of the pool, and the trail under the overhanging cliff was closed because of falling rocks.
About Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hamilton Pool is a 50-foot waterfall and pool in Travis County, near Dripping Springs. Travis County Parks says Hamilton Creek spills over limestone outcroppings and plunges into the head of a steep box canyon. The spot is 3/4 mile upstream from where the creek meets the Pedernales River.
The county says the waterfall never completely dries up, though it slows to a trickle in dry times. The pool level "stays pretty constant, even during periods of drought."
Travis County bought the 232 acres from the Reimers family in 1985 and designated them a nature preserve in 1990. The county says cultural remains here date back over 8,000 years.
The preserve is part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and is habitat for the Golden-cheeked Warbler, per Travis County.
Swimming and trail status in November 2026
On Nov 3, 2026, Travis County said visitors were currently allowed into the water from the beach. Only a very limited part of the pool was open for water access, because of falling rocks.
The trail under the overhanging cliff is closed. You can reach the beach, but you can't walk around the pool to below the waterfall. The county says rocks have been falling from the cliffs above the trail, and it continues to consult geologists.
Swim access depends on bacteria levels and recent rain. Call the Public Information Line at 512-854-2581 before you leave. The county updates the recorded message daily or when conditions change.
Getting there and parking
The preserve is at 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. You need a reservation for your vehicle before you drive out, on any day of the week.
Arrive inside your reservation period. Morning entry runs 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and you must leave by 1:00 p.m. Afternoon entry runs 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with exit by 6:00 p.m.
Bring cash for the entry fees. The preserve doesn't take credit or debit cards, and all fees are non-refundable.
Pack what you need. Travis County says drinking water and concessions are not available, and there's no electricity or running water. You'll find portable toilets and picnic tables.
The county says the preserve rarely closes for weather-related safety concerns. Still, check the 512-854-2581 line on the morning of your visit.
The map pin uses Wikipedia's coordinates for the preserve. Use the street address for directions.
Other Texas falls on this site include Pedernales Falls and McKinney Falls. Our Texas waterfalls guide has the full list.
Map and nearby falls
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OpenPartly open / seasonalUnconfirmedClosedLarger map
The quarter-mile trail to the pool
Travis County describes the trail as "a quarter of a mile long." It is steep, narrow and rugged, with uneven steps, and the county recommends sturdy shoes.
Allow about 30 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the pool and back, the county says.
At the bottom, you can reach the beach. The trail under the overhanging cliff, which leads around to below the waterfall, is closed because of rockfall.
The county lists no accessible route, so plan on steps and rough ground.
When to visit
Travis County requires reservations every day of the week and says the preserve rarely closes for weather. Swimming is allowed year-round when bacteria levels and rainfall are acceptable, the county says, but it is never guaranteed.
As listed on Nov 3, 2026, Travis County was accepting reservations through November 2026. Dates in December 2026 and beyond were not available yet.
Cold water matters outside summer. The county says the water temperature can drop below 50°F in winter and spring.
Rain can close the water. Swim access depends on recent rain and bacteria levels, so a wet week can close the water even when the preserve is open.
Travis County names no best month.
| Height | 50 ftNote: per Travis County Parks: Hamilton Creek spills over limestone outcroppings into the head of a steep box canyon |
|---|---|
| Trail | A quarter mile from the parking lot to the pool: steep, narrow and rugged with uneven steps. About 30 minutes there and back (Travis County) |
| Difficulty | Steep, narrow and rugged with uneven steps; sturdy shoes recommended (Travis County) |
| Time needed | About 30 minutes there and back |
| Entry fee | $12 reservation per vehicle (up to 8 people), paid online by credit card. Entry at the preserve: $8 per adult (13 to 61), $3 per senior (62 and older), $0 per child (12 and under). Entry fees are cash only, and all fees are non-refundable (Travis County) |
| Permit / reservation | Reservations required every day of the week; book online before you arrive |
| Parking | One vehicle per reservation |
| Hours / season | Two reservation periods daily: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (exit by 1:00 p.m.) and 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (exit by 6:00 p.m.) (Travis County) |
| Dogs | Pets are prohibited, with no exceptions, even on a leash or kept in your vehicle (Travis County). See the county FAQ for service animals |
| Swimming | Allowed year-round when bacteria levels and rainfall are acceptable, but never guaranteed. On Nov 3, 2026, water access from the beach was allowed in a very limited part of the pool. No lifeguard on duty |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Not confirmed: Travis County describes the quarter-mile trail as steep, narrow and rugged with uneven steps, and lists no accessible route |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Restrooms | Portable toilets; no running water, drinking water or electricity (Travis County) |
| Best time to visit | No official best month; the water can drop below 50°F in winter and spring (Travis County) |
| Managed by | Travis County Parks |
Safety and swimming
Falling rock is the main hazard here. Travis County closed the trail under the overhanging cliff because rocks have been falling from the cliffs above it. Only a very limited part of the pool is open for water access for the same reason.
There is no lifeguard on duty, so you swim at your own risk. Life vests are provided while supplies last.
The water can drop below 50°F in winter and spring. Plan for cold water outside summer.
Bring your own drinking water. None is available at the preserve.
Prohibited items and activities include pets, glass containers, drones, fireworks, ground fires, cooking, camping, tobacco products and public display of alcohol consumption. Travis County says penalties for breaking park rules range from eviction to a lifetime ban.
For emergencies, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency ranger help, Travis County lists the Sheriff's non-emergency line, (512) 974-0845, option 3.
Our waterfall safety guide has more on cold water and swimming near falls.
Conditions change: confirm with Travis County Parks before you go.
Where to stay near Hamilton Pool Preserve
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Dripping Springs.
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Photos
Hamilton Pool Preserve FAQ
How much does it cost to go to Hamilton Pool?
A $12 reservation per vehicle, for up to 8 people, paid online. At the preserve, entry is $8 per adult (13 to 61), $3 per senior (62 and older) and $0 for children 12 and under. Entry fees are cash only, and all fees are non-refundable.
Can you currently swim in Hamilton Pool?
On Nov 3, 2026, Travis County said water access from the beach was currently allowed, in a very limited part of the pool. Swimming depends on bacteria levels and recent rain and is never guaranteed. Call 512-854-2581 for the daily update.
Do you need a reservation for Hamilton Pool?
Yes, every day of the week. Book online through the official Travis County site before you arrive. As listed on Nov 3, 2026, reservations were open through November 2026, and December dates were not available yet. Entry periods are 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
How deep is Hamilton Pool?
Travis County doesn't publish a depth. It says the pool level stays pretty constant, even during periods of drought.
Is Hamilton Pool worth visiting?
It depends on what you want. Travis County describes a 50-foot waterfall plunging into a box canyon pool, a quarter mile from the lot. Swimming is never guaranteed, and the trail under the overhang was closed on Nov 3, 2026.
Are dogs allowed at Hamilton Pool?
No. Travis County says pets are prohibited with no exceptions, not even on a leash or kept in your vehicle. The county FAQ covers service animals.
How long is the hike to Hamilton Pool?
About a quarter mile, per Travis County. The trail is steep, narrow and rugged with uneven steps, and the round trip from the parking lot takes about 30 minutes.
Can you walk behind the waterfall at Hamilton Pool?
No. The trail under the overhanging cliff is closed because rocks have been falling from the cliffs above it. You can reach the beach, but not walk around the pool to below the waterfall.
Nearby waterfalls
Pedernales Falls8 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen
Krause Springs10 mi straight-line, by our mathSeasonal
McKinney Falls26 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen
Gorman Falls54 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen70FT
On these lists: Roadside waterfalls · Waterfalls you can swim in
Sources
- Travis County Parks: Hamilton Pool Preserve (read Nov 3, 2026)
- Travis County Parks: Rules and Safety (read Nov 3, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Hamilton Pool Preserve (map coordinates)
Last verified Nov 3, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Travis County Parks before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.