Jacob's Well Tours & Events
Guided Tours of Jacob's Well Natural Area
Join park staff on a hike down to the Jacob's Well spring. As you walk, your guide will discuss the history, geology, and ecology of the area. You will learn how Jacob's Well was formed as well as what is being done to protect the spring.
Guided tours are offered every Saturday morning (when available) and are free to the public. Tours last approximately 1 hour, during which you will travel on compacted granite and natural surface trails. While we do not consider our tours to be strenuous, you will travel up and down several inclines and walk on rock ledges. At least two staircases exist along the tour route.
Please be aware of your own personal limitations. Good walking shoes are recommended.
Location: Jacob's Well Natural Area
Parking: Parking Lot C by the Nature Center Pavilion
Time: The guided tour takes place on Saturdays at 10am. Please arrive by 9:50am to get situated
Things to Bring: drinking water, good walking shoes, a hat
Please Note: Guided Tours of Jacob's Well Natural Area are offered on most Saturdays from September - June. (Weather Permitting)
Please see below for a list of upcoming tour dates.
Upcoming Tour Dates
May 23rd
May 30th
June 6th
June 13th
June 20th (last tour until the fall!)
Private Tours at Jacob's Well Natural Area
We are happy to offer private tours of Jacob's Well Natural Area when park staff are available. We require a minimum of 10 participants for private tours. Please contact us at least a minimum of 2-3 weeks in advance for all tour requests.
To request a private tour or for more information please email parks@hayscountytx.gov or call (512) 214-4593.
Upcoming Events at Jacob's Well Natural Area
Bird Behavior Hike with Travis Audubon
Jacob's Well Natural Area, June 28th, 7am-9:30am
Join Shelia Hargis and Hays County Parks staff for a bird walk at Jacob’s Well Natural Area. This stunning location features a unique habitat surrounding the iconic artesian spring, which feeds Cypress Creek and supports a diverse range of bird species. Multiple ecosystems are represented in this park including mixed Oak/Juniper, Savannah/Prairie, and Aquatic/Riparian. We’ll explore the different habitats while keeping an eye out for interesting bird behavior. Most birds will be engaged in breeding behavior, so hopefully we’ll see adults feeding their new fledglings.
Registration for this event is free, but Travis Audubon suggests a donation of $10 to assist with furthering their efforts of inspiring conservation through birding. This event is limited to 12 registrants.
Please contact Shelia Hargis at shelia.hargis@gmail.com with any questions about this event.
Participation is free, but registration is required:
https://travisaudubon.org/events-calendar
Guided Audio Tour
This is a free guided audio tour of Jacob’s Well Natural Area. Five stops will guide visitors through the park while discussing the history, geology, and ecology of the area. Access the tour via the link above or by scanning one of the QR codes found throughout the park at each stop.
Nature Center Exhibits
Stop by the Nature Center, located by Parking Lot C. Here you will find SCUBA diving videos, historical photos, our massive fossil collection, wildlife exhibits, native plants, and more!
Open Hours: Saturdays 11am-3pm & Sundays 10am-3 pm
Field Trips
Available year-round upon request
Jacob’s Well Natural Area is happy to host school field trips, scout trips, home school groups and other groups. Please contact us for more information about tours, trips, or other educational visits to Jacob’s Well Natural Area. If you are interested in a field trip for your school or organization, please fill out this form and email it to Katherine.sturdivant@hayscountytx.gov at the Hays County Parks Department.
Additional Amenities
Hiking Trails, Geocaching, Birding, Scenic Photography, Interpretive Gardens, Children’s play area, Picnic areas, Labyrinth, Sundial, Loose Parts Play Area
Geocaching
Geocaching is a real world “treasure hunt” that uses GPS coordinates to locate various sized hidden containers. Each container has a log to sign and there are often trinkets inside! Caches can be as small as a bison tube or bigger than a five-gallon bucket! Click on the brochure button below to view or download. There are two ways to geocache:
1. Type in the coordinates in a GPS/map OR
2. Download the Geocache app
