Photo by Richard Alexander
Photo by Richard Alexander
A trip to Jacob's Well is a trip out to the boonies. Though roughly four miles from downtown Wimberley, it's a trek down graveled roads that feature minimal signage. But once you make that trek, it's one hell of an experience.
Jacob's Well is currently going through a beautification process. While it's unlikely that it will be as adorned as Wimberley's Blue Hole, the upgrades shouldn't hurt the area. If nothing else, the mere presence of signs somewhere on the property would be beneficial. It took a few minutes of aimless trail wandering before stumbling upon the “jewel of the hill country.”
And a jewel it is. The water is pristine. Perched along the rock edge above the well, you can see down deep into the green waters.
While you might see a passing guided tour exploring the trails around the hole, the pleasures of the pool can be an unrivaled escape from the more “normal” swimming holes in the area.
This “hole” is the termination of an underground spring and serves as the head waters of Cypress Creek. The underwater system is the longest in the state of Texas and the claim is that no one has actually located the bottom. There has been thorough exploration of at least two underwater chambers, but most diving these days is fairly limited.
The underwater caving system, while undeniably beautiful and majestic, is also a killer. Having taken several lives due to the disorientation of disturbed soil, unsanctioned diving is prohibited now.
Like Barton Springs, the water stays a constant 68 degrees throughout the year. Unlike our city's gem, however, there's not much in the way of shoreline delights. The area itself is quite beautiful, but the rocky, tree-studded shore circumvents easy lounging.
Similarly, the swimming area is also limited. The hole itself is a nice “pool,” but the water surrounding the well area isn't that deep. And with the recent drought plaguing the area, the water levels are even lower than normal. Though the water is still quite clear, it's also clogged with quite a bit of algae and the other detritus that crops up with low water levels.
If you go, I'd suggest leaving town at a decent hour. The experience is best when alone or with a small group of friends. While you might see a passing guided tour exploring the trails around the hole, the pleasures of the pool can be an unrivaled escape from the more “normal” swimming holes in the area.
For more information on the park, or to learn about taking a tour as part of your swimming escape, visit here.
To check out some of the other aquatic delights in the area, check here.
