Have you ever heard of Jacobs Well? If you haven’t already, 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 1 hour and 15 minutes from San Antonio.
Jacob’s Well is a natural spring and a must-see natural area if you visit one of these two Texas towns. We’re excited to share our guide to visiting Jacob’s Well, so let’s get started!
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What is Jacob’s well?
Jacob’s Well is a natural spring found northwest of Wimberley, Texas. Jacob’s Well is the headwaters of Cypress Creek and the water comes from the Trinity Aquifer below the spring in the underwater cave system.
Jacob’s Well Natural Area is just over 81 acres. The natural spring is located within the Jacob’s Well Nature Area, which offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. The Natural Area is open all year.
Things to do
Swim
One of the main draws for visitors to Jacob’s Well is being able to go swimming. The bathing season runs from May 1 to October 1.
The spring is a favorite swimming spot for visitors to Wimberley, Texas, and is a great place to cool off in the hot summer months.
Throughout the year it maintains a constant temperature of 68º Farehnheit. Beneath Jacob’s Well artisanal spring is a dangerous cave system that only cave diving research professionals can dive into.
Swimming is available in two-hour time slots and you must make a reservation in advance. The maximum number of swimmers per time slot is 45 for spring.
There are also fees to go swimming in the spring. For adults, it is $9, for Hays County residents, children ages 5-16, seniors 60 and older, and service members/veterans, the fee is $5. For children under 4 years old, they are free.
Hiking
There are many short and easy hiking trails around Jacob’s Well Nature Area that anyone can hike for free. There is also no parking fee.
Going on a nature hike is a great and free way to get outdoors and into nature while visiting this area. Some of the trails are shaded to help keep you cool if you are hiking in the summer months.
Have a picnic
The park also has a variety of picnic areas where you can stop and have a picnic while 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 delve into the history, aquifer system, and local wildlife and vegetation of Jacob’s Well.
You will be led through various natural and compacted granite trails. Tours are only available on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month at 9am by request only. The tours last 1 hour.
Tips for Visiting Jacob’s Well
Swim at your own risk
When you are swimming around Jacob’s Well, make sure you are safe and cautious.
There will be no lifeguard on duty so make sure you are a good 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 yourself and everyone else visiting the park!
Especially in the summer months, it can get very hot outside, around 95 and 100º F, and it’s easy to get dehydrated.
Wear the right footwear
The walk up to Jacob’s Well is a 15 minute walk from the car park which can be steep and slippery. It also involves several sets of stairs and is not suitable for prams.
make an appointment to swim
Jacob’s Well is very busy in the summer months so make sure you book your appointment well in advance, at least 2 weeks if you can, so you can get an appointment and have time to go swimming.
Where to stay
Jacob’s Well is located just northwest of Wimberley, Texas, making Wimberley the perfect city to stay when visiting this natural area.
Some of the best hotels in this area:
Accommodation with mountain views
wimberley inn
Creekhaven Inn & Spa
Ending
Jacobs Well is a natural spring located near Wimberley, Texas that is a beautiful place to cool off in the summer months.
Jacob’s Well Nature Area is open year-round, visitors can hike, picnic or take a free tour of the nature area. Or of course you can even go swimming in Jacob’s Well.
The surrounding nature of this area makes for beautiful outdoor space and is a great place to visit for those vacationing or living in the area! Happy travels!
For more information on visiting Jacob’s Well, click here for the state’s website.
frequent questions
How deep is Jacobs well?
The deepest part of Jacob’s Well is 140 feet deep.
When can you swim in Jacobs Well?
May 1 to October 1
How much does it cost to go to Jacobs Well?
The visit to the natural area for hiking is free. To swim at Jacob’s Well, the cost for adults is $9, for Hays County residents, children ages 5-16, seniors 60 and older, and service members/veterans, the fee is $5. For children under 4 years old, they are free.
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