Home › Texas › Dripping Springs › Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hamilton Pool Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,052 Google reviews · Running trail in Dripping Springs, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hamilton Pool Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
A scenic natural swimming pool in a canyon below a 50-ft waterfall, surrounded by a grotto.
What runners say about Hamilton Pool Preserve
“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.”
“We continued our hike to the Pedernales River and were rewarded with wildflowers, lizards, and the quiet beauty of the Texas Hill Country.”
“Beginner friendly hiking trail that leads up to a beautiful clear blue pool.”
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.
It is a short hike to the pool. View of the pool is very beautiful. It is quite relaxing to just hang out there. Unfortunatly, at the moment walking behind the pool and swimming are not allowed due to the risk of rocks falling. But it is still a great day activity. Landscape is stunning.
Hamilton Pool Preserve is absolutely magical! The moment you walk down the trail and see the stunning grotto and cascading waterfall, you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The crystal-clear water and towering limestone cliffs create a serene and breathtaking atmosphere.
I never took the chance to go when I lived in Austin. I just had to see it! Reservations are a hassle...and of course when I went the bacteria levels were not good. I should have known that was a risk early in the season with water levels being low but I was there at the end of May and just had to go.
Trail conditions & character
“Unfortunately the water was a bit brown due to the rain runoff but it was still a beautiful piece of nature and we are glad we got to visit!”
“We continued our hike to the Pedernales River and were rewarded with wildflowers, lizards, and the quiet beauty of the Texas Hill Country.”
“We continued our hike to the Pedernales River and were rewarded with wildflowers, lizards, and the quiet beauty of the Texas Hill Country.”
“Apart from a 8 dollars fee per person to be paid in cash when you get there, there is a 12 dollars fee to make the reservation (I guess for the car parking).”
“There are porta-potties at the parking lot and down by the pool, but no running water!”
“They also don’t allow pets (even on a leash), no drones, no feeding fish or wildlife, no glass containers, no stoves or starting a campfire, and no camping!”
Plan your run at Hamilton Pool Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.traviscountytx.gov
- Phone+1 512-854-2581
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–12:30 pm, 2–5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–12:30 pm, 2–5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–12:30 pm, 2–5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–12:30 pm, 2–5:30 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–12:30 pm, 2–5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12:30 pm, 2–5:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–12:30 pm, 2–5:30 pm |
Running trails near Dripping Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Milton Reimers Ranch Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 353 reviews
Canyon & forest preserve along the Pedernales River, frequented by rock climbers & mountain bikers.
Briarcliff Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 49 reviews
Family-friendly park featuring a playground for kids, plus trails for mountain biking and hiking.
Serene Hills Trails West Trail Head
4 ★★★★☆ 2 reviews
