In 2005, Travis County purchased the land that became its largest parkland acquisition, Milton Reimers Ranch Park. Located in western Travis County near Dripping Springs, the park features open space and reserve land with almost three miles of continuous frontage along the Pedernales River.  

Before its acquisition by Travis County, Reimers Ranch had a long history as a beloved part of the community as a private park. Milton Reimers was a fourth-generation cattle, sheep and goat rancher, whose family had lived on the property since 1893.  In the 1960s, Reimers opened part of the land along the Pedernales River as a private park for fishing, camping, swimming, and hiking.  By the 1980s, climbers had discovered that the rugged limestone cliffs made for excellent rock climbing. The park became well known to climbing enthusiasts, who worked with the Reimers family creating routes, guides, and a waiver system.  In the early 2000s, the Reimers family, concerned about development in the area, hoped to sell the land in order to preserve it as park space.  The rock climbing community was instrumental in Travis County’s decision to purchase the property, collecting signatures for a ballot initiative, which ultimately led to the park’s purchase.

In addition to world class rock climbing, this pristine parkland boasts a wide variety of flora, including cactus, juniper, cypress and oak trees. The park also offers hiking and equestrian trails and 18 miles of mountain biking trails.  Many birds inhabit the park, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, and anglers visit to catch white bass and perch in the Pedernales. The park is also home to the Reimers Ranch Observatory, which features two large telescopes and holds astronomy educational programs and events for the community.