Have you ever heard of Jacobs Well? If you haven’t, it’s a popular swimming destination that sits between Austin and San Antonio Texas. It’s about a 50-minute drive from Austin and about a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from San Antonio.
Jacob’s Well is a must-visit natural spring and nature area if you’re visiting one of these two Texas towns. We’re excited to share our guide to visiting Jacob’s Well, so let’s get into it!
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What is Jacob’s Well?
Table of Contents
Jacob’s Well is a natural spring that is located northwest of Wimberley, Texas. Jacob’s Well is the headwaters to Cypress Creek and the water comes from the Trinity aquifer below the spring in the underwater cave system.
Jacob’s Well Natural Area is a little over 81 acres The natural spring is located within Jacob’s Well Natural Area which offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. The Natural Area is open all year-round.
Things To Do
Swimming
One of the main attractions for visitors to Jacob’s Well is being able to go swimming. The swimming season runs from May 1st to October 1st.
The spring is a favorite swimming spot of those visiting Wimberley, Texas, and is a great spot to cool off in the hot summer months.
Year-round it stays at a constant 68º Farehnheit. Below the artisanal spring of Jacob’s Well is a dangerous cave system that only permitted cave-diving research professionals are allowed to dive in.
Swimming is available in two-hour time slots and you must make a reservation prior. The maximum amount of swimmers per time slot is 45 for the spring.
There are also fees to go swimming in the spring. For adults, it’s $9, for Hays County Residents, children ages 5-16, Seniors 60+, and service members/veterans the fee is $5. For children under the age of 4 years old, they are free.
Hiking
There are a lot of short and easy hiking trails around Jacob’s Well Natural Area that anyone can go on for free. There is no parking fee either.
Taking a hike through the natural area is a great and free way to get outdoors and into nature while visiting this area. Some of the trails have shade to so help you stay cool if you’re hiking in the summer months.
Have a Picnic
The park also has a variety of picnic areas where you can stop and have yourself a picnic while you’re visiting the park.
Take a Free Tour
From October to April visitors can take a free guided tour led by Master Naturalist volunteers. The tour will go in-depth about the history, the aquifer system, and the local wildlife and vegetation of Jacob’s Well.
You’ll be led through various compacted granite and natural trails. The tours are only available on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. my request only. The tours are 1 hour long.
Tips for Visiting Jacob’s Well
Swim At Your Own Risk
When you’re swimming around Jacob’s Well make sure you are being safe and cautious.
There will be no lifeguard on duty, so be sure you are a strong swimmer or stay in shallow areas.
Bring Water
There are no public drinking fountains or drinking water available anywhere in the park. So be sure to bring enough water for you and everyone you are visiting the park with!
Especially in the summer months, it can get pretty hot outside, around 95 and 100º F, and it is easy to become dehydrated.
Wear the Right Footwear
The walk down to Jacob’s Well is a 15-minute hike from the parking lot that can be steep and slippery. It also involves several sets of stairs and is not stroller-friendly.
Make an Appointment to Swim
Jacob’s Well itself gets very busy in the summer months, so be sure to book your appointment well ahead of time, by at least 2 weeks if you can, so that way you should be able to get an appointment and have time to go swimming.
Where to stay
Jacob’s Well is located just northwest of Wimberley, Texas, which makes Wimberley the perfect town to stay in when you’re visiting this natural area.
Some of the top hotels in this area:
Mountain View Lodge
Wimberley Inn
Creekhaven Inn & Spa
Wrapping Up
Jacobs Well is a natural spring located near Wimberley, Texas that is a gorgeous spot to cool down in the summer months.
Jacob’s Well Natural Area is open year-round, visitors can hike around, picnic, or go on a free tour of the natural area. Or of course, you can even go swimming in Jacob’s Well itself.
The surrounding nature of this area is a beautiful outdoor space and is a great spot to visit for those on vacation or living in the area! Happy travels!
For more info on visiting Jacob’s Well click here to see the state’s website!
FAQs
How Deep is Jacobs Well?
The deepest part of Jacob’s Well is 140 feet deep.
When Can you Swim in Jacobs Well?
May 1st to October 1st
How Much Does it Cost to Go to Jacobs Well?
Visiting the natural area to hike is free. To swim in Jacob’s Well the cost for adults is $9, for Hays County Residents, children ages 5-16, Seniors 60+, and service members/veterans the fee is $5. For children under the age of 4 years old, they are free.