Staff Report
SAN MARCOS — Hays County Parks and Natural Resources announced its fiscal year 2027 fee schedule and operating hours for county parks, preserves and natural areas, effective Oct. 1.
Except as noted elsewhere, Hays County parks, natural areas and trailways remain open to the public free of charge from sunrise to sunset, according to a news release. Beginning in 2027, every park in Hays County, except Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve, will also be open to the public on New Year’s Day.
“We are looking forward to hosting a First Day Hike at Karst Canyon Preserve this upcoming year,” education coordinator Katherine Sturdivant said. “First Day Hikes have become increasingly popular in recent years as a great way to get outdoors and start the new year off right.”
Fees and reservations apply at select locations, including Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve, Jacob’s Well Natural Area swimming reservations and, following its anticipated opening in spring 2027, Sentinel Peak Preserve.
“Our parks and preserves offer residents and visitors opportunities to experience some of the most remarkable natural spaces in Hays County,” Parks and Natural Resources director Karl Flocke said. “As our park system continues to grow, these fees help us manage visitation responsibly, maintain these special places and provide a safe, high-quality experience for the public, while protecting the natural resources that make them worth visiting in the first place.”
Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve
Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve will continue to operate on a reservation system, with a maximum of 60 entry permits issued per day.
From January through October, the preserve is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, with no entry permitted after 2 p.m. From November through December, it is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, with no entry permitted after 2 p.m.
Entry fees remain unchanged from FY 2026: $5 for adults ages 13 and older and $3 for children ages 5-12, seniors 60 and older, service members and Hays County residents. Children under 5 are admitted free.
The preserve will be closed Nov. 26, Dec. 12-Jan. 6, March 21-28 and Aug. 29-Sept. 4.
Jacob’s Well Natural Area
Jacob’s Well Natural Area is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with no entry permitted after 5:30 p.m. and general entry to the natural area remains free.
Swimming is available by paid reservation only; however, all swimming is currently canceled until further notice, due to low water levels. Check the county's Parks and Natural Resources webpage for the most up-to-date information about Jacob's Well conditions and access.
When swimming resumes, reservations will be offered in two-hour blocks, with four swim blocks available per day and a maximum of 40 people per block.
Fees only apply to swimming reservations. Under the FY 2027 fee schedule, swimming will cost $12 for adults ages 13 and older and $9 for children ages 5-12, seniors 60 and older, service members and Hays County residents. There is no cost for children under 5. This represents an increase from the FY 2026 rate of $5 for paid admission categories.
Jacob’s Well Natural Area will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, and Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
Sentinel Peak Preserve
Sentinel Peak Preserve is currently closed while improvements are underway, with an anticipated opening in spring 2027. This timeline matches previously announced plans for the preserve.
Once open, Sentinel Peak will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no entry permitted after 4 p.m. and a maximum of 100 entry permits issued each day.
During peak season, April through September, admission will be $12 for adults ages 13 and older and $9 for children ages 5-12, seniors 60 and older, service members and Hays County residents. Children under 5 will be admitted free.
During the October through March off-season, admission will be $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 5-12, seniors, service members and Hays County residents. Children under 5 will remain free.
The FY 2027 fee schedule takes effect Oct. 1, 2026. Visitors are encouraged to review current hours, closures, reservation requirements and park information before visiting.
For current information about Hays County parks and natural areas, visit www.hayscountytx.gov/334/Parks-Natural-Resources.
