Balmorhea State Park and Palo Duro Canyon State Park are two of the most popular state parks in Texas, offering unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Balmorhea State Park is home to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, while Palo Duro Canyon State Park is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas” and is the second-largest canyon in the country.
Balmorhea State Park: The World’s Largest Spring-Fed Swimming Pool
Balmorhea State Park is located in Toyahvale, TX, and is home to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. The pool is fed by the San Salomon Springs, which release 15 million gallons of water daily at a year-round temperature of 72-76 degrees Fahrenheit. The pool was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and is a popular summer destination for visitors.
Unique Features of Balmorhea State Park
- World’s largest spring-fed swimming pool
- Year-round water temperature of 72-76 degrees Fahrenheit
- 15 million gallons of water released daily by the San Salomon Springs
- Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s
- Visitors are encouraged to secure a day pass in advance due to the park’s popularity
Palo Duro Canyon State Park: The “Grand Canyon of Texas”
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located in Canyon, TX, approximately 25 miles from downtown Amarillo and 14 miles from the Mainstreet town of Canyon. The park is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas” and is the second-largest canyon in the country. The park offers more than 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, as well as camping, geocaching, bird watching, and nature study opportunities.
Unique Features of Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas” and the second-largest canyon in the country
- Offers more than 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails
- Camping, geocaching, bird watching, and nature study opportunities
- Hosts the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, a family-friendly show with singing, dancing, fireworks, and Texas humor
- Offers glamping (luxury camping) sites with air conditioning, luxury rustic furnishings, and more
Camping and Accessibility
Both Balmorhea State Park and Palo Duro Canyon State Park offer a variety of camping options, from campsites with water and electricity to tent sites, equestrian sites, and backpack camping areas. Palo Duro Canyon State Park also offers glamping sites, which are fully furnished with air conditioning, luxury rustic furnishings, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, games, bicycles, gas grills, and gas fire pits.
In terms of accessibility, both parks are readily accessible by car or motorhome, with Palo Duro Canyon State Park offering more than 16 miles of paved road and a descent of 800 feet to the canyon floor. Balmorhea State Park has a one-way park exit that never closes, while the park headquarters opens at 8:00 am daily, with closing time varying by season.
Fees and Passes
Palo Duro Canyon State Park has an entrance fee of $8 per day for adults, while children 12 and under are free. Balmorhea State Park has a daily entrance fee of $7 for adults, with children 12 and under free. Both parks offer annual passes for unlimited entry. The annual pass for Palo Duro Canyon State Park is $70, while the annual pass for Balmorhea State Park is $60.
Hiking Trails
For those interested in hiking, both parks offer a variety of trails. Palo Duro Canyon State Park has more than 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, while Balmorhea State Park offers a 0.25-mile nature trail and a 0.33-mile San Solomon Springs trail. The Lighthouse trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a 2.8-mile (one way) hike that leads to the park’s most famous landmark, the Lighthouse.
In conclusion, Balmorhea State Park and Palo Duro Canyon State Park offer unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, from swimming in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool to hiking and exploring the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” Both parks offer a variety of camping options, from tent sites to luxury glamping sites, and have entrance fees and annual passes available.
References:
– Palo Duro Canyon State Park. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://palodurocanyon.com
– Texas Land Conservancy. (2024, May 01). Texas Hikes and Swimming Holes. Retrieved from https://www.texaslandconservancy.org/tlc-stories/texas-hikes-and-swimming-holes
– Texas Parks and Wildlife. (n.d.). Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Retrieved from https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon