Image Source: Rusty Ray of Travis County Parks
Just a stone’s throw from Hamilton Pool Preserve lies another Hill Country gem: Milton Reimers Ranch Park. Spanning more than 2,400 acres, the park offers miles of riverfront, towering limestone cliffs, and rolling pastures once trod by cattle and cowboys. But beyond its natural beauty, Reimers Ranch carries a fascinating legacy of ranching, conservation, and community vision.
A Family Legacy on the Frontier
The story of Reimers Ranch begins in the early 20th century when the Reimers family—German immigrants—established a working cattle ranch along the Pedernales River. Generations of Reimers raised livestock on the rugged land, relying on the river as a vital resource for watering herds and sustaining agriculture.
Unlike many ranchers who sold land for subdivisions in the mid-to-late 20th century, the Reimers family held fast to their property, nurturing its rich ecology and preserving it in an increasingly developed region.
Rock Climbing Roots and River Recreation
By the late 1990s, adventurous rock climbers began to discover the towering limestone cliffs that edge the riverbanks at Reimers Ranch. Word spread quickly through the climbing community: these pristine cliffs offered some of the best sport climbing routes in Central Texas.
At the same time, local anglers, swimmers, and kayakers were drawn to the clear, slow-moving stretches of the Pedernales River that cut through the ranch. Reimers Ranch grew into an unofficial outdoor playground, cherished by those in the know.
A Bold Move Toward Preservation
As development pressure around Dripping Springs intensified, Milton Reimers and his family faced a choice. Rather than selling the ranch to developers, they chose conservation. In a landmark transaction in 2005, Travis County purchased the entire ranch to create Milton Reimers Ranch Park.
Thanks to this visionary move, thousands of acres of Hill Country wilderness were permanently protected for public use. The park opened with hiking and equestrian trails, swimming access, rock climbing areas, and fishing spots—offering something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Milton Reimers Ranch Today
Today, visitors to the park can explore miles of multi-use trails, swim or fish along nearly three miles of riverfront, or climb the craggy cliffs that once echoed with cattle calls. Managed carefully to protect native wildlife and minimize environmental impact, Reimers Ranch is a shining example of how private stewardship can transition into public treasure.
Key attractions include:
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Sandy river beaches ideal for swimming and fishing
Milton Reimers Ranch Park stands as a tribute to one family's dedication to the land and their community. It invites visitors to experience the wild, open spaces that once defined life in the Hill Country—offering not just recreation, but a deep sense of connection to Texas' ranching and conservation heritage.
