Hamilton Pool & the Collapsed Grotto

Hamilton Creek cut through the Edwards limestone shelf and carved a jade-green pool inside a collapsed grotto — the 50-foot waterfall drops off the overhang directly into the swimming hole. Swimming is permitted only when E. coli levels are within safe range (posted at the entrance). Entry is by timed permit reservation; arrive exactly on time as groups are turned away for missed slots. The 0.3-mile trail from the lot descends into the gorge through Ashe juniper and Texas live oak.

Austin's urban wilderness runs 12 miles of limestone canyon within the city limits. The Sculpture Falls access point on Loop 360 leads to a 1.5-mile trail through cedar forest to a series of travertine ledges where Barton Creek pools between the rocks. Year-round cold water, cliff jumps ranging from 8 to 20 feet, and the surreal experience of swimming in a canyon while downtown Austin sits a mile above.