Hamilton Pool Preserve - Spicewood, TX - A nature preserve in Spicewood, Texas

The Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve is surrounded by a natural area that is rather unique in appearance. There are lush plants, a canyon and collapsed grotto among the things that are surrounding the area. The preserve is located about thirty miles from Austin, Texas and rather simple to get to. From Austin just take Highway 71 heading west through Bee Cave. Once through Bee Cave take a left onto FM 3238 which is the Hamilton Pool Road. Follow Hamilton Pool Road approximately thirteen miles and you should see the entrance on the right.

There is an entrance fee to Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve which can be confirmed by contacting the Texas Parks Department. The park is open every day provided the weather is good from nine in the morning until six in the evening. No one is allowed to enter the park after five thirty in the afternoon. The facilities can only accommodate a maximum of seventy-five vehicles at once. When the limit is reached the lot is temporarily closed and someone has to leave before anyone else can be admitted.

The Hamilton Pool Preserve offers a variety of activities and amenities to visitors. There are restrooms for the visitor's convenience. Visitors may also enjoy a picnic at the picnic tables provided or take a hike along the hiking trails in the preserve. There is also swimming permitted in designated areas provided that swimming has not been disallowed due to unforeseen circumstances. There is also the opportunity for nature study and appointments can be made for guided tours.

The pool usually closes for at least a week following heavy rain and when there are high bacteria levels it. There are increased levels of bacteria during the first part of the summer caused in part by nesting cliff swallows. When there is swimming allowed at the Hamilton Pool Preserve there are not lifeguards present so you are responsible for your own safety.

The Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve asks that all pets be left at home since they are not allowed on the premises. Travis County Parks does not allow the use of fireworks or glass containers in Hamilton Pool or any of the counties other parks. There are also no mountain bikes, cooking, fires, fishing or firearms allowed in the parks.

Hazardous conditions on the trails and flooding occasionally cause closure of the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve. The park does not have concessions of any kind available so visitors are advised to bring their own. It is recommended that proper foot wear be utilized since the trail to the pool is a quarter mile long and includes rather steep rock steps. Those with physical limitations should call ahead to make arrangements for assistance while at the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve.

The Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve undergoes regular land management in order to keep it open to the public. The practices include surveying endangered species, monitoring the quality of the water and restoring the prairie. There are also biological inventories and controlled burns performed.