The iconic Jacob’s Well is an artesian spring which flows from the Trinity Aquifer and is the headwaters of Cypress Creek near Wimberley, Texas. Cave divers with the Jacob’s Well Exploration Project have mapped over 6,000 feet of underwater passage with a maximum depth of 137 feet.

The Middle Trinity Aquifer is the primary groundwater resource for water supply in the region. Jacob’s Well flow responds to climatic variations of both short- and long-term cycles. Groundwater pumping from the Middle Trinity Aquifer also directly influences flow at Jacob’s Well. The combination of periodic drought cycles and increased groundwater pumping has significantly diminished spring flow in recent years. Groundwater use is managed and coordinated by the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District through the Jacob’s Well Groundwater Management Zone.

The land that makes up Jacob’s Well Natural Area originally consisted of five land surveys that all used the spring as a corner to tie the properties together. These surveys were conducted in 1847 by a prominent surveyor names Bartlett Sims. Origins of the name Jacob's Well stem from two different sources. 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, some believe it was named ‘Jacob’s Well’. A separate story points to Jacob De Cordova, a prominent local land agent, who had a habit of naming things after himself.

The property changed hands many times over the years and became a popular recreational destination for Wimberley residents and many others.

Funded by the 2007 Hays County Parks bond, the official Jacob’s Well Natural Area became a public open space in 2010. Today, a conservation easement exists over the 81-acre property which prevents the property from ever being developed or subdivided.

Jacob’s Well Natural Area remains a popular recreational destination today.

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.

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