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Overview
Balmorhea is a small town in West Texas, located in the foothills of the Davis Mountains. Nearby is Balmorhea State Park, where the San Solomon Spring, supplies the water for its famous spring-fed swimming pool. Also nearby is Balmorhea Lake, which is filled by the spring, and is well known for the variety of birds which use the area.
Birds
Notable Species
"to do"
Rarities
"to do"
Check-list
Birds of Balmorhea SP & Vicinity
Birds you can see here include:
"to do"
Other Wildlife
"to do"
Site Information
History and Use
San Solomon Springs have provided water for the native people for thousands of years. In 1849, they were called the Mescalero Springs, but were renamed by the first settlers, Mexican farmers, who dug the irrigation channels to water their crops. The 46 acre Balmorhea State Park was constructed between 1936 and 1941 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, (CCC), and utilizes the daily flow of 22-28 million gallons of water, to keep the swimming pool full of fresh water.
The construction of Balmorhea Lake began in 1916, when an earthfill dam was built. The lake was filled in 1917 and now covers an area of 573 acres. This reservoir is fed by Sandia Creek, flowing from the San Solomon Springs, to the northeast and is emptied by the Kountz Draw at its southern end. As well as being used for irrigation, Balmorhea Lake is a popular fishing and birdwatching spot, today.
Areas of Interest
- The best area of Balmorhea SP, for birding, is the Cienega - a desert wetland which was reconstructed after the original one was destroyed during park construction in the 1930s.
Access and Facilities
Balmorhea State Park:
- Open 7 days a week all year (the busy season is March through Labor Day in Sept.)
- $7 per day, 13 and older
- Fees for camping vary - see [1]
- San Solomon Courts has 18 motel rooms - see [2]
- Map of park facilities
Directions
The park is located 4 miles southwest of Balmorhea on State Highway 17, in Toyahvale. From I-10 westbound, take the Balmorhea exit #206; then FM 2903 south to Balmorhea; then State Highway 17 west 4 miles to the Park. From I-10 eastbound, take Toyahvale/Ft. Davis exit #192; then Ranch Road 3078 east, approximately 12 miles to the park.
Contact Details
Balmorhea State Park
P O Box 15
Toyahvale, TX 79786
Tel: 432/375-2370
