Lake Travis Area Parks Guide: Reimers Ranch Park

This old ranch is a classic Lake Travis area getaway for mountain biking, hiking, climbing, swimming, and fishing.

Reimers Ranch Park is a combination of pristine parkland, open space and reserve land in western Travis County with almost three miles of continuous frontage along the Pedernales River. With over 2400 acres, it’s almost twice as big as Pace Bend Park and the largest park in Travis County.

Before this land was acquired by Travis County back in 2005, it was owned by Milton and Joy Reimers. The ranch was a popular hunting and rock climbing destination. Travis County Parks has done a really nice job renovating the facilities at the park. There are now flush toilets and covered picnic areas at the climbers trailhead as well as more extensive restroom facilities and outdoor showers at the mountain bike trailhead.

Mountain biking – Reimers Ranch is one of the few places in the Lake Travis area that you’ll find smooth, fast rolling single track. There are over 18 miles of trails winding through the Texas Hill Country.

David Cardosa, a trail steward at the ranch before it became a county park, decided to add mountain biking and he built most of the trails himself.

The trails are rated similarly to the system for ski runs with a green circle for beginners, blue square for intermediate, and black diamonds for advanced riders. If you’re a first-time rider and the Park Ranger at the entry station is out of trail maps, this simplified version should help you navigate your way around the ranch.

Rock climbing – It’s no secret in the Central Texas rock-climbing community that Reimers Ranch has some world class climbing.

The majority of the climbs are on the cliff lines that head off to the right and left of the creek, parallel to the river. Many of the climbs overlook the Pedernales River which provides excellent scenery and a post-climb cool down in the summer.

There are 100’s of routes to choose from for every ability level with some fantastic bouldering along the banks of the river.

Hiking – The current hiking trail system covers over 15 miles of terrain going along the river, on top of the bluffs, and around the park boundary.

Special off-trail guided tours are offered on Saturday mornings to some of the isolated springs and natural areas on the vast property. Be sure to call 512.264.1923 a few days before to check on the Park Rangers availability for the guided tours.

Swimming – Reimers Ranch has become more popular as the backup swimming hole when Hamilton Pool Preserve is experiencing long wait times or a closure due to high bacteria levels (or flooding). Be sure to check the New & Alerts before heading out for a quiet day on the water.

After parking at the River Bend lot and taking a short walk down a paved road, you’ll find yourself on the shores of the Perdenales River.

There’s plenty of room to relax and get away from it all, but you won’t be able to get away from the sun! There isn’t any shade along the river, so be sure to grab an umbrella and sunscreen before heading down from the parking lot.

You’ll find shallow water for the little ones and pools of water up to 10 feet deep for all the big kids.

Special Notes

There are no vending machines so be sure and bring plenty of food, snacks, and drinks (especially water) if you’re going to be hanging out for a while.

The non-allowable:

• Drinking alcohol in public
• Glass containers
• Starting a ground fire
• Fireworks
• Unleashed dogs

Getting There

From the Lake Travis area take Highway 71 west. Turn left at FM 3238 (also known as Hamilton Pool Road). The entrance to the ranch will be approximately 12 miles down the road on the right.

23610 Hamilton Rd. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (map)

Hours of Operation

8:00 AM to dark

Entrance Fees

$10.00 per vehicle. Cash or check only.