Jacob's Well Natural Area
Hours of Operation: year round 8:00am-6:00pm
NO ENTRY AFTER 5:30pm
Jacob's Well Natural Area is NOT allowing swimming at this time. We are currently in an annual period of aquatic restoration which lasts from October 1st - April 30th of each year. The cool clear water here makes Jacob's Well a unique swimming destination in the Texas summer heat. However, the large amount of visitors we receive during these months can very disruptive to the wildlife that call this area home. This is especially true of the aquatic wildlife of Cypress Creek. Therefore we dedicate the chilly fall, winter, and spring months to habitat restoration. During this period public swimming access is prohibited, but we encourage visitors to come take a peaceful hike and observe the large variety of wildlife that is visible at this time!
There is no fee or reservation needed to enter the natural area. A fee is only required if you are swimming in Jacob's Well (by reservation only) during the summer. During peak hours over the summer the parking lot may reach capacity, at that time we will begin to turn away all visitors without reservations until there is more space available. You may call the park ahead of time to check on the status of the parking lot.
Swimming at Jacob's Well Natural Area is allowed from May 1st - September 30th BY RESERVATION ONLY. Each reservation guarantees two hours of swimming in Jacob's Well. Reservations can be made at jwna.checkfront.com/reserve. Please see rules and fees below.
Guided Tours
FREE guided morning tours are available on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. by REQUEST ONLY.
To sign-up for a guided tour please email katherine.sturdivant@co.hays.tx.us or call (512)-214-4593. Please reach out to us at least 1 week in advance for small tours and 2-3 weeks in advance for large groups and special topic tours.
Guided morning tours last approximately 1 hour and will lead you on various compacted granite and natural surface trails. Tours will begin at the Jacob’s Well Nature Center at 9 a.m.If you are interested in a guided tour please call ahead or email us to sign-up.
Tours are led by Master Naturalist volunteers from our local Hays County Chapter who have a passionate focus on the aquifer that sustains Jacob's Well, a natural artesian spring. The guides will speak in-depth about the history of the Well and the several species of wildlife that thrive in the surrounding habitat.
Things to Bring: Drinking water, good walking shoes, binoculars, a love for nature
**If you are interested please call ahead or email to sign-up
