The Spring Fed Pool at Balmorhea State Park
In the Big Bend region of Texas there is a hidden oasis. The world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool covers almost 2 acres of this 46 acre state park in the West Texas desert. The San Solomon Spring feeds approximately 25 million gallons of water through a 77,053 square foot swimming pool every day. The water is cool (72-76 degrees F year round) and crystal clear, even at the deepest part of the pool at 25 feet.
Want to scuba dive in the desert? At Balmorhea you can scuba dive in the pool. The artesian spring supports many aquatic animals including turtles, catfish as well as two endangered species, the Comanche Springs pupfish and the Pecos gambusia. For snorkelers and scuba divers the view is amazing! For more information on the aquatic life of Balmorhea read, Beneath the Waters of Balmorhea State Park by Garold W. Sneegas.
As the water leaves the swimming pool, it flows into the restored ciénega (wetland). There is an interpretive trail to explore and a below ground window to view the aquatic life of the wetland. To enhance your exploration of the Balmorhea ciénega there is a “virtual” geocache in the park. The San Soloman Springs geocache offers a little more education and exploration into the area of the wetland and springs.
Escape the heat this summer and treat yourself to a trip to the Balmorhea State Park. It is a wonderful adventure for all ages. Enjoy the wildlife, clean facilities and friendly staff while you escape the heat of the West Texas Desert!
Facilities:
In addition to tent and RV camping, the Balmorhea State Park offers motel-style lodging in Southwestern adobe cabins. Most of these cabins have kitchens and these accommodations are nearest the pool. Not exactly “roughing it”, the cabins offer air conditioning and cable TV as well. Be sure to make your reservations for the cabins well in advance of your trip.
All but six of the 34 campsites offer shade shelters. All of the campsites have, water and electricity. There is a restroom with showers available in the campsite in addition to the restroom and showers at the swimming pool.
There is a dive shop next door to the park that sells dive gear and snorkeling equipment. The state park store also has a limited supply of snorkeling and swimming gear as well as books related to the area and other souvenirs.
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For more info:
Official Guide to Texas State Parks and Historic Sites: Revised Edition
Official Balmorhea State Park Website
Scuba Diving Rules & Regulations for Balmorhea State Park
Interpretive Guide to State Parks of the Davis Mountains
Beneath the Waters of Balmorhea State Park
Other Nearby Hidden Adventures:
A high desert mystery: The Marfa Lights
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