Balmorhea State Park
Balmorhea State Park covers approximately 45 acres of the Davis Mountain foothills. These majestic mountains are located southwest of Balmorhea in Reeves County, Texas. The park was built in the early 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps-CCC.
The focal center of Balmorhea State Park is the 77,000 square foot San Solomon Spring, and approximately 22 to 28 million gallons of water flow through this amazing spring on a daily basis. Also featured in the park are two wooden bathhouses, a limestone concession building, an adobe residence-inhabited by the park’s superintendent-and the celebrated adobe brick motel, San Solomon Courts. All of the buildings were constructed by the CCC in traditional Spanish colonial stucco style.
Guests of Balmorhea State Park can stop in the park’s office to view photographs of the CCC at work during their 1930s construction of the park.
Park Attractions
The aforementioned artesian spring pool, fed by San Solomon Springs, is open each day of the year, and some families and individuals travel quite a distance simply to view this natural wonder. Several characteristics make this pool vastly different than other, similar pools. It is almost two acres in size, and 25 feet deep. Its temperature stays between 72 to 76 degrees on a consistent basis. It also features a wide variety of aquatic life within its crystal waters. The fact that it holds over million gallons of water makes the pool perfect for swimmers and scuba divers. However, one should be aware that scuba divers must meet the safety regulations for Balmorhea State Park. Similarly, swimmers under 18 must have written permission from a parent or guardian, before they will be given permission to swim.
The San Solomon Springs are also the main source of water for a desert wetland, referred to by locals as the cienega. In addition, the springs feed the canals of a nearby wildlife conservation area, which is home to a vast array of endangered species of invertebrates, turtles, and fish.
Campsites and Other Facilities
All campsites in Balmorhea State Park offer restrooms and showers, and sites are available which feature water, electricity, and shade shelter. In addition, some sites provide cable TV hook-up. Pull-through RV hook-up sites are also available, and these sites are on a first come first serve basis. Camping is available year round, and an honor box is located at the park’s entrance for campers arriving after hours.
The San Solomon Springs Courts feature units with or without kitchens and some units have dining and living areas, as well. All of the rooms are non-smoking, and an additional cleaning charge will be added to the bill of guests who are found smoking on motel property. A bathhouse and playground are situated in proximity to the court, and a Texas State Park Store can be found at the Park’s Headquarters. A picnic area, as well as an outdoor sports site, are also popular features of the San Solomon Springs Court. Guests are not required to pay an additional fee to use the swimming pool, however, one should be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty, so those who choose to swim, do so at their own risk.
Local Weather
In May through September at Balmorhea State Park, one can expect cool nights and warm days. It is recommended that visitor’s bring a light jacket to wear after dark, and sunscreen or a hat for daytime hours. Humidity is typically low year round and rainfall averages 14 inches annually. August is frequently the wettest month of the year.
The park is opened 365 days a year, and its busiest seasons are spring and summer. Planned activities such as guided tours are available during the peak season, and these activities are very popular with church and civic groups. For more details on planning such activities, or for additional park information, one can contact a customer service representative of the park by calling: 432-375-2370 or visiting: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/balmorhea/