Dive into summer at a watering hole
What’s a better way to cool off than swimming? Surrounding the Texas Hill Country is a great variety of natural swimming holes that help to beat the heat during the Texas summer.
It’s easier to cool off when there are lots of pools and watering holes around the Austin area.
June 26, 2016
Krause Springs is a great spot to cool off away from town.
Krause Springs
404 Krause Spring Road
Spicewood, Texas 78669
http://krausesprings.net
In the west of the Hill Country, Krause Springs is a great place for swimming during the day or camping overnight. Krause Springs is filled with 32 springs and two pools for swimming and a great butterfly garden for wandering. Day admission is $7 for ages 12 and up and $5 for ages 4-11. Overnight fees are $14 for ages 12 and up and $6 for ages 4-11.
Barton Springs stays a brisk 68 degrees year round.
Barton Springs
2201 Barton Springs Road
Austin, Texas 78746
https://austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool
In one of the best ways to beat the Texas heat, Barton Springs is a great natural pool right in our backyard. The pool is fed by Edwards Aquifer with a temperature of 68 to 70 degrees on average, making it great for the summer. The pool is surrounded by grassy areas where visitors are able to lounge. Across from the pool is Splash!, a display where visitors can learn about the history of the pool and the aquifer. The pool is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and admission is $4 – $8. If you decide to bring along your dog for the day, next door to the spring is the Spillway, which allows you to swim in shallow waters with your furry friend. And that’s for free.
Jacob’s Well
1699 Mt. Sharp Road
Wimberley, Texas 78676
http://www.co.hays.tx.us/jwna.aspx
This literal swimming hole is a great spot for the daredevils of Texas. Jacob’s Well is one of the most significant springs in the Hill Country, reaching about 150 feet in depth and leading to one of the largest underwater caves in Texas. The natural spring is a hot spot for diving. Admission is $9 for 12 and up and $5 for 5-12.
Hamilton Pool requires a short walk and reservations, but the watering hole is a great spot to cool off.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
24300 Hamilton Pool Road
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/hamilton-pool
Formed by the collapse of an underground river dome, Hamilton Pool is a natural pool preserve just about 30 miles outside of Austin. The pool consists of a 45 foot waterfall that creates an area under the grotto used for swimming, and hiking trails that also lead to the Perdernales River. From May 15 to Sept. 30, reservations must be made before visiting the pool.
