A Few Facts About Jacob’s Well

• Jacob’s Well Natural Area is a little over 81 acres.
• Jacob’s Well is an artesian spring that releases thousands of gallons of water a day.
• Jacob’s Well is the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas.
• The source of the water comes from the Trinity Aquifer, which makes its way from an extensive underground cave system.
• The deepest part of the cavern system is 140 feet deep. The main cavern length is 4,341 feet and the secondary cavern, which branches off the main cavern, is 1,314 feet in length.
• The water temperature stays a constant 68°F.
• Jacob’s Well is the headwaters of Cypress Creek, which flows through Blue Hole Regional Park and feeds into the Blanco River.
• More than 200 Native Indian groups populated Central Texas and were collectively known as the Coahuiltecans. Three of the most prominent Indian tribes that roamed this area are the Tonkawa, Jumano, and the Comanche.

Jacob’s Well Natural Area consists of five land surveys that all use the spring as a corner to tie the properties together. These surveys were conducted in 1847 by a prominent surveyor names Bartlett Sims. In the early 1850’s William C. Winters, a San Jacinto veteran and early settler of Wimberley, hiked up Cypress Creek searching for its source and found an overflowing spring. It is said that Mr. Winters exclaimed “like unto a well in Bible times.” Thus it was named ‘Jacob’s Well’. The property changed hands many times over the next 100 years and became a popular recreational destination. Jacob’s Well Natural Area remains a popular recreational destination today.

• Bring plenty of water.
• Swim at Your Own Risk – there is no lifeguard on duty.
• Know your limits – temperatures often reach 95 to 100°F over the summer months.
• Accommodations can be provided to those who need assistance reaching the Well. Please let an employee know upon arrival if you require this extra assistance.
• Wear appropriate footwear – there will be a 15-minute hike to Jacob’s Well from the parking lot and the area surrounding the Well can be steep and slippery.
• The walk down to Jacob’s Well is not stroller friendly and does involve several sets of stairs – you may want to consider leaving strollers in the car.
• You are welcome to bring snacks or a picnic – Jacob’s Well Natural Area does not provide any food. Coolers are allowed but there is not much space for large coolers near the Well. Picnic tables are located throughout the park.
• Due to the sensitive nature of the park, BBQ grills are not permitted.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to swimming so that it doesn’t come off immediately once you hop in.
• Our parking lot is small so please consider carpooling if you are coming with a large group.
• There is limited space in the swimming area – we recommend leaving large inflatable floats and pool toys at home.
• The park gets very busy over the summer so we recommend making swimming reservations as soon as possible (at least 3 weeks ahead of time).
• JWNA does not provide life jackets, please bring your own if needed.