Texas’s Hidden Gem: A Spring‑Fed Swimming Hole to Explore

In the parched expanse of far West Texas, there exists an improbable miracle: a 1.3-acre swimming pool fed by ancient springs that pump 15 million gallons of crystal-clear water through it every single day.

Temperature remains a steady 72 to 76 degrees year-round. Fish swimming alongside you in water so clear you can count pebbles on the bottom 25 feet below.

Balmorhea State Park, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, contains what’s widely considered the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool.

Where Balmorhea State Park Is Located

Balmorhea State Park sits in Reeves County, technically in the tiny community of Toyahvale, about 4 miles southwest of the town of Balmorhea itself.

The park lies 57 miles west of Fort Stockton and roughly two hours north of Big Bend National Park, at the northern entrance to the Davis Mountains along State Highway 17.

From San Antonio, take I-10 West to the Balmorhea exit, then Highway 17 South for about 4 miles.

From El Paso, take I-10 East to Farm Road 3078, then east for 12 miles. The drive from Austin takes roughly 5 hours; from San Antonio, about 4 hours.

The San Solomon Springs Pool

The pool covers 1.3 acres, holds 3.5 million gallons of water, and reaches depths of 25 to 30 feet. Its distinctive shape—a large circular area with two rectangular arms—was designed by architect Frederick William Digby-Roberts of Abilene.

San Solomon Springs flows at about 15 million gallons per day—enough to fill over 300,000 bathtubs.

That constant flow means no chlorination is needed; the water cycles through naturally. The temperature stays between 72 and 76 degrees year-round.

The CCC workers who built the pool between 1935 and 1940 used local limestone and handmade adobe bricks.

They also constructed bathhouses, roads, and the San Solomon Springs Courts—distinctive red-tile-roofed adobe cabins that remain in use today.

Things to Do at the Park

Swimming and Snorkeling

Swimming is the main attraction, and the pool is open daily year-round. No lifeguard is on duty—swim at your own risk.

Children 14 and younger must be supervised by an adult at all times. Pool floats are allowed but must be soft-sided, inflatable, and no larger than 8 feet long by 4 feet wide. Paddles, oars, and motorized devices are prohibited.

Snorkeling is encouraged—bring your own gear to swim alongside the fish and observe the unique ecosystem up close. The clarity of the water makes for exceptional underwater viewing.

Scuba diving is permitted for certified divers. All divers must show proof of certification, sign a diving agreement, dive with a buddy, and pay an additional $5 activity fee.

The 25-30 foot depths and year-round visibility make Balmorhea a popular training and recreational dive site.

Other Activities

Beyond the pool, the park offers wildlife viewing along the restored cienegas, where birders spot colorful songbirds in summer and waterfowl in winter. White-tailed deer, javelina, ground squirrels, and dragonflies inhabit the area.

The park has picnic sites, an outdoor sports area, and a playground. In 2020, the park expanded by 643 acres, adding hiking opportunities, including Carpenters Hill.

Planning Your Visit

Reservations and Capacity Limits

Day-use visitation is limited to 650 people per day (some sources cite 900 for the overall park) to ensure visitor safety and protect the springs’ ecosystem.

The park frequently reaches capacity on weekends, holidays, school breaks, and summer weekdays.

Reservations are strongly recommended.

Purchase day passes online before you arrive—if the park has reached capacity, walk-ins will be turned away.

Day passes are available for morning entry (8 am) or afternoon entry (3 pm). The park closes at 7:30 pm or sunset, whichever comes first.

Day use fees are $7 per person for ages 13 and older. Overnight guests at the San Solomon Springs Courts or the 34-site campground pay camping/lodging fees plus park entry.

The San Solomon Springs Courts underwent extensive restoration and reopened in 2024 after years of renovation.

Rules and Practical Tips

The pool area prohibits pets, glass containers, cooking, and grills (pop-up covers are allowed). Fishing is not permitted anywhere in the park.

What to bring: Water shoes are recommended—the pool has both paved areas and natural rock bottom. Snorkeling gear, if you have it. A light jacket for cool mornings outside the summer months. Stay hydrated—this is the desert.

Limited services nearby: The town of Balmorhea has basic amenities, but plan ahead. Fort Stockton (57 miles east) offers more options. There’s no local dive shop, so scuba divers should arrive with full tanks.

Where the Desert Drinks Deep

The San Solomon Springs have been flowing for millennia, long before anyone thought to build a swimming pool around them.

The pool has faced challenges in recent years—closures for structural repairs, septic work, and maintenance.

Today, Balmorhea remains what it has always been: a place where water defies the desert, where you can float in 72-degree springs while the sun beats down on the brown hills beyond.

It’s worth the drive.

It’s worth the reservation hassle.

It’s worth sharing—even if part of you wants to keep it secret.