Escape to Hamilton Pool

Every so often we come across a place that takes our breath away.  It could be anything – an empty field stretching as far as the horizon, a misty mountain top, a secluded beach. But something about that place, that moment in time, and the mindset you’re in, combine to create a moment so perfect and serene that its beauty is magnified to the point of breathtaking. I experienced one of these rare moments last week when I visited Hamilton Pool for the first time. The swimming spot is pretty widely known among Austin residents, but it used to be more of a secret. The secluded pool is about 45 minutes outside of the city and on summer days, people flock there to escape the heat.

On this day, in early January, it was empty. It was a beautiful spring-like day, and the sun wound its way through the canopy of trees to warm me as I hiked the short trail down to the pool, but I could feel the temperature drop as I made my way down into the limestone cove. Hamilton pool was created when the dome of an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago, resulting in a natural grotto unlike anything I’ve seen before. Water trickles down from above the mossy, stalactite covered ceiling, into the jewel-toned water of the pool.  I sat there on the tiny beach for hours, my eyes closed, the only sound being the water and the voices of a few people who came and went, their voices a muffled echo bouncing off of the limestone. In moments like this I am completely at peace.

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What’s the last place that took your breath away?

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9 years ago

wow i really want to go there now

Cheers,
Sophie
http://www.sophysticate.com

9 years ago

Beautiful! Even more so because of the emptiness. I’ve been longing for an adventure like that – might have to wait till spring in New England :)

Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com

9 years ago

I have been there and it’s one of the best places that I’ve been to! I love Austin and currently trying to get the hubby to move there. You can check out all of my pictures here if you like.

http://delabellesbeautyblog.com/hamilton-pool-reserve-vacation-post-2/

Sophia Castano
9 years ago

Representing Austin! Thanks Julia :)

9 years ago

This place is stunning! Wow. Mother Nature hit the nail on the head with this one. One of the last places that took my breath away has to be “the blue hole” in the Catskills. It’s a little hidden swimming hole similar to this, but it’s clear straight to the bottom with a greenish/blueish hue to it. It’s amazing.

Katie
http://bluepoppyblog.com

9 years ago

Stunning. Simply beautiful.

Raquel
http://Www.raquelmanuela.com

Shona
9 years ago

I’m visiting Austin for the first time this weekend and this place is on my list! Any other recommendations would be helpful/appreciated. Cheers!

Finding a hidden, secret Blue Lagoon right by my old college was a mind blowing experience. So much so that I just HAD to blog about it. It looks like this was a similar experience having it only 45 minutes away! Gotta love the peace and serenity that comes from a beautiful location.

rae
9 years ago

Hamilton Pool looks absolutely amazing and really makes me just want to jump in a van and travel across the US on a month-long road trip visiting spots like this.

Rae | love from berlin

9 years ago

I have been here!!!!! It is ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING – even more magical in person (if that’s possible). GO! :)

9 years ago

Oh imagine it on a summer night with stars dancing across the sky and little mason jars with candles placed around. And fireflies. Oh my gosh. The beauty.

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