Jacob's Well Natural Area

This is what inspired my daughter and I to road trip to Texas from Minnesota. We hit other swimming holes in the area but this was the most beautiful and unique. It's hard to find but don't give up - ask a local if necessary. It is still natural and uncommercialized and a definite must see in Texas!

Loved it!!! It's spring fed water water so brace yourself. But on a hot Texas summer day that it didn't take long to appreciate the water temperature. Unless your cave diving you don't need to fear the danger of this water area. We took a picnic, and hung out all day.

When in Wimberley, Texas you should not by any means miss the opportunity to visit the amazing place called Jacob's Well Natural Area.

Have you ever thought how it may feel like to jump into the abyss? Or how it may feel like fall from a high altitude downwards ? Then jumping into this magnificent water hole will give you exactly that feeling. The waters there are pretty freezing, but at the same time they are much appreciated during the hot summer days in Texas.

This is a very sensitive eco-system, with the water coming from one of the deepest caves in Texas and since the waters are crystal clear when you decide to jump you feel like falling from a high altitude. This place is quite notorious when considering underwater cave scuba diving, because these underwater caves became a wet crave for 8 scuba divers. Even though you may be a good swimmer it would be wise to wear a life jacket, just in case, because this water hole is deep, very deep.

Be aware that camping is not allowed, as well as you must respect the place and take your garbage with you when you leave.

Jacob's Well Natural Area has FREE ENTRANCE and it is a day facility open from 09.00 - 21.00 (1st of May till 31st of October) and 09.00 - 18.00 (1st of November till 30th of April).

Overall, a place that you must definitely visit while in the area, and if you feel a little bit adventurous dare to swim there. It might frightening in the beginning but a little bit later on the feeling becomes totally regenerating !!!

Once you leave Austin, you'll head about 12 miles Driftwood. Driftwood was first settled in the mid-1800s and still retains that Old West feel. In fact, the town has been almost a ghost town since the 1970s, but it has some pretty important places to visit, like the world-famous Salt Lick BBQ and Driftwood Estate Winery. Both are must-stops along your way to Jacob's Well Natural Area, which is about 8 miles from Driftwood. This is a hidden swimming hole in every sense of the word. It's actually a spring-fed swimming hole with a system of caves running underneath it. The hike to Jacob's Well is a bit strenuous, and there's cliffs you have to circumnavigate in order to make your way down to the hole itself. But, it really is a gorgeous spring and one of Texas Hill Country's best kept secrets.

Probably one of the few water holes in Texas that was free. It was a hot summer day, so the cold water felt great. It was crowded, but super fun. People lined up on the rock to jump off into the deep well. It was scary and a great thrill! I jumped a couple times and we really enjoyed ourselves!

Jacob’s Well is currently closed due to the extreme drought in our area. The springs have stopped flowing for only the 5th time in history and no swimming is allowed at this time.

This is free to visit but not to enter the water - the water requires a $9 a person fee and requires reservations - that last 2 hour per group... it was kinda' mose filled and smaller than expected...

http://www.co.hays.tx.us/jwna.aspx#tours

Really cool!!! Pay the fee to jump but don't wuss out! 😉

What a great road trip. It cost $9 to swim and you have to reserve to swim.