If the idea of diving in a crystal clear pool, accompanied by some of the most endangered fish in the United States appeals to you, look no further than Balmorhea State Recreation Area, which is located just outside of Toyahvale, on almost 46 acres at the foot of the Davis Mountains. Built during the early 1930's under FDR's New Deal by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this amazing site was once maintained by private owners and the Reeves County Water Improvement District. It opened for recreational use in 1968, and ever since, people have been coming from all over the nation to enjoy its cool, refreshing waters.
Diving at Balmorhea State Park: Features and Highlights
Fed by San Solomon Springs, which provided water for Native Americans and travelers for thousands of years before Texas was populated by white settlers, these waters were once called Mescalero Springs in honor of the Mescalero Apache people who watered their horses along the water's edge. Mexican farmers gave San Solomon Springs its name; they put the water to good use watering their crops via irrigation canals they dug by hand.
Today the unrivaled centerpiece of the park is the 77,053 square foot spring, through which between 22 and 28 million gallons of water flow each day, running through the pools and keeping them beautifully clean. The central circular pool is maintained for divers only, while snorkelers and swimmers may enjoy the two rectangular side pools. One of these arms is a shallow 3 to 5 feet deep, while the other is 20 feet deep, as is the central pool. Altogether, the pools have the capacity to hold a little more than 3 1/2 million gallons of water. There is a fee for pool use; those arriving after park workers have gone for the day may use the honor box.
As you dive, you'll certainly encounter the endangered Comanche Springs pupfish and the endangered Pecos Gambusia, along with schools of Mexican Tetras. There are also Texas Spiny Soft Shell Turtles living in the pools.
Other features built by the CCC include a limestone concession building and a pair of wooden bathhouses, plus an adobe residence for the park superintendent and an inn called San Solomon Courts, also of adobe. All of these buildings are an expression of Spanish Colonial style, and all have classic tile roofs and gleaming stucco exteriors. Visitors can still book a room at San Solomon Courts, and everyone can view photos of the park as it looked when it was first constructed.
Camping areas are available on site, as are picnic areas. The park is open 7 days a week, all year, with the busy season beginning in March and ending around Labor Day. The pools are occasionally closed for cleaning and maintenance, so be sure to check with the Texas State Parks system to ensure Balmorhea will be open when you want to visit. A dive shop in Toyahvale provides air fills and equipment rentals, and there are plenty of amenities in Toyahvale and nearby Balmorhea. A fun way to beat the heat, and a great site for all divers, San Solomon Springs is an incredible and historic site you've got to see at least once.