Entrance fees and opening hours
- 8$/person plus reservation and parking costs
- Open daily from 9am - 6pm. Permits are required for the visit.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Our visits: So far 1 visit in March 2018
Hamilton Pool
Current: Due to a rock fall, the trail around the lake is currently (August 2022) closed. Currently, it is not yet clear when the trail will be reopened. Current information can be found on the official website.
Description: Hamilton Pool is an extremely nice little location that makes for great photo opportunities in good weather. Because of its popularity, however, there are some restrictions that regulate a visit. Between March and October you need a permit, which you have to get online in advance. Between November and February you have to apply for permits on weekends and vacations. A reservation includes a maximum of 8 people. When applying for the permit, one must also choose one of two time windows. The first is from 9 am to 1 pm the second from 2 pm to 6 pm. Each visitor is only allowed to stay at the Hamilton Pool during the "booked" times. After that, you must leave the pool. The reservation costs 12$/car. In addition, the entrance fee is another 8$/person on site. These have to be paid in cash. The exact regulations can be found on the official homepage.
Trail length: 0.25mi
Altitude difference: 98ft
Time needed: 1/2 hour
Difficulty level: easy - The trail leads down a rocky, relatively steep path to the pool. There are also some stairs to overcome. However, the trail is well maintained and not very difficult to hike.
Our rating: During our visit in March 2018, swimming was allowed. However, since we had come here more for beautiful photos, the many people hanging around the pool and in the water were rather a hindrance. In addition, there was hardly any water in the small waterfall that normally falls from the ceiling. That and the rather hefty entrance fee somewhat dampened our enjoyment of this beautiful place. Nevertheless, we liked it a lot. On a repeat visit, however, we would make sure to come only when swimming is not allowed.
