Swimming is periodically prohibited due to high bacteria levels in the pool, and a heavy rain will typically close the pool to swimming for a week or so. No exceptions, not even if the pet is on a leash or kept in your vehicle. Visitors with physical disabilities can be accommodated by prearranging assistance. The pool trail is 1/4 mile in length and includes a series of rock steps descending into the canyon. Guided tours are available by appointment. Vehicles are then admitted on a "one out, one in" basis.ĭrinking water and other concessions are not available. The parking lot is closed temporarily when capacity is reached. The preserve is occasionally closed due to flooding or hazardous trail conditions.ĭay use only preserve: the gate is locked at 6:00 pm and all visitors must be out before that time. Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, weather permitting. For more information about BCP, call the Travis County BCP coordinator at (512) 854-9383 The BCP represents a regional effort to balance protection of endangered species habitat with economic development. The BCP is a 30,428-acre system of endangered species habitat owned by Travis County, the City of Austin, The Nature Conservancy, the Lower Colorado River Authority, Travis Audubon Society, as well as privately owned lands. Hamilton Pool Preserve is a part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP). Several rare plant species including canyon mock-orange, red bay (western-most colony of this eastern species), and chatter box orchid are known to occur in the canyon areas along Hamilton Creek. The uplands of the preserve are a juniper and oak savannah with a variety of native grasses and wildflowers. The diverse vegetation of Hamilton Pool ranges from semi-arid species in the uplands to riparian species in the canyon. The preserve is home to the Golden-Cheeked Warbler, and a great variety of other birds. However, the pool's water level stays pretty constant, even during periods of drought. The waterfall never completely dries up, but in dry times it does slow to a trickle. Located 3/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Pedernales River, Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50 foot waterfall as it plunges into the head of a steep box canyon. Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole which was designated a preserve by the Travis County Commissioner's Court in 1990.
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