San Solomon Spring, Toyahvale, Texas

## Overview San Solomon Spring is one of the largest and most remarkable natural springs in West Texas, located within the boundaries of **Balmorhea State Park** near the small community of Toyahvale in Reeves County. Fed by an underground aquifer system, the spring produces an impressive flow estimated at over **22 million gallons of water per day**, maintaining a constant, refreshing temperature of approximately **72–76°F (22–24°C)** year-round. The crystal-clear, spring-fed water fills what is widely regarded as the **world's largest spring-fed swimming pool** — a massive 1.75-acre (approximately 77,000 square-foot) pool that reaches depths of up to **25 feet**. San Solomon Spring is part of a complex of springs in the Balmorhea area that have been used by humans for thousands of years. The springs were historically vital to indigenous peoples of the Trans-Pecos region, and later became important to Spanish explorers, ranchers, and settlers who depended on the reliable water source in an otherwise arid desert landscape. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed the iconic stone-and-concrete swimming pool and surrounding park structures during the 1930s, and the park was officially opened in 1968 as a Texas State Park. The CCC-era architecture — including the distinctive stone walls, canals, and a historic motor court — remains a beloved feature of the park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The spring system supports a fragile desert aquatic ecosystem, providing critical habitat for two **federally endangered species**: the Comanche Springs pupfish (*Cyprinodon elegans*) and the Pecos gambusia (*Gambusia nobilis*). Visitors may spot these tiny fish darting through the pool and the adjacent wetland areas. The park also features desert wetlands and irrigation channels fed by the spring's outflow, creating a lush oasis in the Chihuahuan Desert. The water from San Solomon Spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by local communities and travelers, and visitors have long reported that the water tastes exceptionally clean and pure. However, water quality can vary, and no guarantees of potability should be assumed. ## Directions San Solomon Spring is located within **Balmorhea State Park** in Toyahvale, Texas, approximately 4 miles southwest of the town of Balmorhea along State Highway 17. **From I-10 Westbound (via Balmorhea):** 1. Take **Exit #206** off I-10. 2. Head south on **FM 2903** toward the town of Balmorhea. 3. In Balmorhea, turn onto **State Highway 17** heading east (toward Toyahvale). 4. Continue approximately **4 miles** to the park entrance on your right. **From I-10 (via Toyahvale / Fort Davis — Exit #192):** 1. Take the **Toyahvale / Fort Davis exit (Exit #192)** off I-10. 2. Head east on **Ranch Road 2030**. 3. Continue approximately **12 miles** to the park entrance. **Address:** 686 State Highway Park Road 30, Balmorhea, TX 79718 **GPS Coordinates:** 30.944254, -103.787849 ## What to Expect Upon arrival at Balmorhea State Park, visitors will find the centerpiece: the enormous, spring-fed swimming pool carved into the desert landscape and framed by historic CCC-era stonework. The pool is open for **swimming and SCUBA diving** — making it one of the few state parks in the country where certified divers can explore a spring-fed pool. The water is remarkably clear, with visibility often exceeding 25 feet, and the constant temperature makes it comfortable for swimming in every season. **Pool hours:** Open daily from **8:00 a.m. until sunset**. A day-use entrance fee is required (check the Texas Parks & Wildlife website for current rates). Reservations through the Texas State Parks reservation system are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during summer months, as the park can reach capacity. Beyond the pool, the park offers: - **Camping:** Both tent and RV campsites are available within the park. - **Lodging:** A renovated historic **San Solomon Springs Courts motel**, originally built by the CCC, offers poolside rooms. - **Desert wetlands and cienega:** Spring outflow feeds a network of canals and wetland areas that support native wildlife, including the endangered pupfish. A short wetlands trail allows visitors to explore this unique desert oasis habitat. - **Wildlife viewing:** Keep an eye out for the tiny endangered Comanche Springs pupfish and Pecos gambusia in the pool and canals. Please do not disturb or handle these protected species. The surrounding landscape is classic Chihuahuan Desert — wide open skies, dramatic mountain views toward the Davis Mountains, and stunning sunsets. Balmorhea State Park makes an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions such as **Davis Mountains State Park**, the **McDonald Observatory**, and the town of **Fort Davis**. Visitors should note that the pool bottom can be slippery, and the depth (up to 25 feet) means strong swimming ability is important. Sunscreen, hats, and plenty of drinking water are wise to bring, as the West Texas sun is intense. The park can be very busy during peak season — arriving early is recommended.