Balmorhea State Park
Diving, Hiking & McDonald Observatory

Deep in the heart of West Texas, San Solomon Spring bubbles forth an amazing 26 million gallons of pure spring water every day. Balmorhea State Park is an oasis set among the foothills of the Davis Mountains four miles west of Balmorhea on U.S. 290. A 1.75 -acre pool, touted as the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. Average water temperature is 72-76 degrees year round. Here you’ll find the best freshwater diving in Texas, with visibility which often exceeds 80 feet. You may see two endangered fish species, the Comanche Springs pupfish and the Pecos mosquito fish, along with minnows, perch, catfish, crayfish, and turtles.Everyone is welcome, non-divers, snorkelers, hikers, etc. 

Trip Details: October 14th - 17th Thursday - Sunday
Lodging - Balmorhea State Park Hotel
Unlimited Diving & Snorkeling (night dives)
Pot Luck Dinner - Saturday night
Hiking
McDonald Observatory Star Party (day tour optional)
Price - $150 p.p. (based on double occupancy) rooms include kitchenette

Trip Itinerary

Thursday, October 14th
- Depart: Austin (6 houre drive)
- Arrive: Balmorhea 5pm
- Night Dive

Friday, October 15th
- Dive, Dive, Dive
- Hike around Davis Mountain
- 9:00pm to 11:00pm Star Party @ McDonald’s Observatory
- $10 per person, $9 (kids 6-12) ~ Guided Tour
- Observatory (6,300-6,800 ft. above sea level)
- Dress Warmly!!!

Saturday, October 16th
- Mcdonald’s Observatory Tour at 11:00am ($8pp) or dive
- 6:30pm Burgers & Potluck dinner at Lora’s room

Sunday, October 17th
- Drive Home!!!

Scuba Diving Rules and Regulations:

• Scuba divers (certified and/or students with instructors) may dive from 8:00 am until 10 p.m. daily. Swimmers may use the pool from 8 am until one-half hour before sunset daily.
• Night diving is allowed for all divers holding an open water certification or temporary certification when accompanied by a certified instructor. Everyone must be out of the pool area by 10 p.m. Central Time at which time the entry gate will be locked.
• All individual scuba diving will be done on the buddy system. A minimum of two (2) certified divers is required to dive.
• All individual divers utilizing San Solomon Springs at Balmorhea State Park must present certification cards ("C" Cards) or up-to-date log books prior to signing the Liability Waiver.
• All divers must sign a Liability Waiver prior to entering the water. All sign-ins must be done during regular office hours (hours vary with season - call 915/375-2370 for current office hours).
• Only certified instructors will be allowed to conduct dive classes. Proof of certification and insurance must be provided.
• A copy of the instructor's liability insurance must be on file in the park office prior to conducting a dive class.
• A ratio of one(1) certified instructor to eight (8) students is the maximum allowed in the water.
• No diver will molest, catch or handle any fish, turtle or other aquatic life. Natural areas of the spring, including rocks, are not to be disturbed or moved.
• No spear guns, knives or fishing gear are permitted in the pool or pool area.
• All divers will have properly inspected and maintained equipment.
• Air compressors must conform to recommended EPA/OSHA noise levels. No compressors are to be used between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 am. No compressors may be used in the parking area at San Solomon Springs Court or in the camping area at any time.
• No surface air pumps of any kind will be allowed in the pool at any time.
• All Texas Parks & Wildlife Rules and Regulations are to be strictly adhered to and will be strictly enforced. (Copies are available in the park office.) Instructors and group leaders are expected to familiarize their people with these Rules and Regulations.