What more could you ask for than a brisk swim in the clear spring waters of the Cypress Creek or the Blanco River on a hot summer day? We, in Wimberley, are blessed to have not one, but TWO swimming holes that make `The Best Of” list time and time again. In 2020, Travel & Leisure magazine named Wimberley’s Blue Hole as one of the top swimming holes in the United States! If you plan on dipping a toe or doing a flip-off a rope swing into these magical waters, you had better plan ahead. Ever since the word got out, it’s next to impossible to be able to just walk in on the day of and go for a swim in 2 out of the 4 swimming holes on my list, but with a little planning, you will be left with memories that will have you wanting to come back year after year. Here is everything you need to know about Jacobs Well, Blue Hole, and The Blanco River @ 7A as well at Cypress Creek Lodge swimming hole.
Jacob’s Well
In the early 1850s, a San Jacinto veteran and resident of Wimberley, William C. Winters, hiked Cypress Creek to find the river’s source. When he found the overflowing springs, Mr. Winters exclaimed “like unto a well in Bible times” which is how it got its name – ‘Jacob’s Well’. Our not-so-secret well is known today as the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas!
While the size of the park that the well sits on is over 81 acres, the well itself is much smaller. The park includes a hiking trail from the parking lot to the well. Once you get there, there is a trail that will lead you down to access the water. There’s plenty of space to wade in the cool water around the well, in addition to a rock “bench” to sit on while watching the daredevils jump off the rocks. Jacob’s Well is 12-foot in diameter and descends another 30 feet. It has been explored by professional cave divers and shows multiple passageways that measure up to 4,500 feet!
Water Temperature
This natural spring is a constant 68 degrees all year round.
Parking
The park includes a parking lot at the top of the trail. Parking is free.
Prohibited Items
No bikes, pets, glass containers, and alcoholic beverages. Patrons cannot dive from the rocks or SCUBA dive. Small coolers are allowed down to the well area.
Pro Tips
We recommend packing a cooler and enjoying lunch at one of the picnic tables before or after your reservation at the well. Good shoes are a must when visiting Jacob’s Well! Teva or Chaco-type shoes work well. Enjoy the natural beauty and leave inflatable floats and pool toys at home. You will find lots of native landscape, small fish, and salamanders.
Location and Hours
Jacob’s Well is tucked back into Jacob’s Well Natural Area, a park managed by Hays County Parks Department, at 1699 Mount Sharp Road, in Wimberley, Texas. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no entry after 5:30 p.m. To visit the swimming well on site, reservations must be made in advance, and groups of 10 or more are discouraged. Reservation times are in two-hour increments.
Admission Cost
Entrance to Jacob’s Well Natural Area is completely FREE! If you wish to swim in the natural spring well though, admission ranges from $5 to $9.
Blue Hole
The park includes approximately 4.5 miles of trails, picnic areas, a community pavilion, playscape, basketball court, sand volleyball court, amphitheater, and the Blue Hole Swimming Area. The entire park is open to visitors within the regular operating hours; however, swimming is only allowed during the designated swimming season. The crystal-clear waters of Blue Hole stay an ideal 68ish degrees all year round and are shaded by towering cypress trees. Manicured waterside lawns are the perfect place to spread out a blanket and crack open your cooler. Rope swings hanging from the trees complete the quintessential water hole experience.
Park Phone
512-660-9111
Address
100 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley, TX 78676
Hours
Blue Hole Regional Park is open from 8 am to sunset every day of the week.
Click Here for a printable map of Blue Hole Regional Park.
Swimming Season
Blue Hole is open for swimming starting weekends in May, every day on Memorial Day – Labor Day, and weekends in September.
Reservations
Reservations are required for the swimming area. All other recreational areas including our hiking trails, playground, picnic areas, and sports fields are free and open to the public and do not require reservations. There are 2-time slots for swimming (9 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 6 pm) but you can reserve both and stay all day. Our reservation system opens on March 1st. Everyone must make a reservation online (excluding season pass holders).
Admission
$12 Adults (ages 13-59), $6 Youth (ages 4-12), Seniors (60+), and Military. $6 Wimberley Residents (78676 only). Season Passes are $110, Adults and $60 for Youth, Seniors, & Military.
Wimberley Nights
Wimberley Nights are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. This program is for Wimberly residents ONLY (78676). An ID showing a 78676 residence is required during check-in. WISD school IDs will not be accepted. Children under 13 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Swim Area
3 acres is open seasonally for swimming (May to September) – fees apply.
