Day Tripping
Austin - Reimer Ranch - Hamilton Pool - Austin
Pack up your mountain bikes and get outta town. Reimer Ranch is approximately 30 miles southwest of Austin. Take Highway 71 west of Austin through the Village of Bee Cave and turn left onto FM 3238 (Hamilton Pool Road). Travel about 10 miles and look for the sign for Reimer Ranch, on your right. Park and pay (~$8). Unload and ride. When you've had your fill of beautiful vistas along the novice, intermediate and advanced trails, load your bikes on your rack and pull out onto Hamilton Pool and continue heading West.
In just another few minutes you'll see the sign for Hamilton Pool on your right. Be one of the 75 cars that they allow in at any one time. Park and hike the 1/4 path down (bring your picnic) to the pool and grotto. Set up your spot and take a swim to rinse the dust off your bones.
Hamilton Pool is open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, weather permitting. No entry after 5:30 pm. Call (512) 264-2740 for daily updates. $8/car.
There are no restaurants in the area, unless you want to try Bert & Ernie's at the intersection of RR12 and Hamilton Pool Rd (you passed it on your way down Hamilton Pool). Or you can head back into the Village of Bee Cave and explore the new outdoor mall, "Galleria at the Hill Country". "Which Which" is a very decent sandwich spot about 1/2 down the center strip. Barnes & Noble (Starbucks) serves coffee and snacks; B&N seems to be the new teenage hang-out of the area and the decibels swiftly approach annoying from their endless chatter.
Better to bring your own lunch and drinks and enjoy the beauty of Hamilton Pool.
Drive Times
Getting from one place to another takes time in the Hill Country. Texas is a big state and there's a lot of land to traverse. I've put together a drive time grid of how long it takes to get from one place to another.
Roadtrips through the Hill Country
The very thought of a roadtrip sparks energy in the air. As a college student, my best friend and I would stock the car with candy bars, sodas and enough clothing to last a week. We'd head off to Vegas or the mountains or sites yet unknown for an overnight.
