Music
June 21, 2023
Balmorhea’s Music Is Unbound From Space and Time—but Not Texas
The Austin neoclassical group’s new album, ‘Pendant World,’ evokes the natural wonder of the Lone Star State.
Balmorhea State Park
Best Thing in Texas
June 14, 2021
Swimmers, Rejoice: Balmorhea State Park Is Reopening
A West Texas oasis, the world's largest spring-fed pool has been closed for the better part of three years.
Politics & Policy
December 17, 2020
2020 Has Been Awful, but It Was a Good Year for State and National Parks
Two major conservation funding victories could create a brighter future for Texas's public lands.
Politics & Policy
December 18, 2019
The 2020 Bum Steer Awards
Beto O'Rourke, Dennis Bonnen, and the Houston Astros make our annual dishonor roll, along with assorted lesser-known idiots and evildoers.
Travel & Outdoors
October 16, 2019
Calera Chapel Is a Spiritual Oasis in the West Texas Desert
The ghost town structure, which sat abandoned for decades, is now the site of pilgrimages, weddings, and photo ops. Its renovation story is one of destiny.
The Texanist
July 7, 2019
The Texanist: What’s the Best Swimming Hole in Texas?
A San Antonio woman is looking for some liquid relief from the heat. The Texanist has a deluge of options.
Parks & Recs
May 15, 2019
Hope Springs Eternal at Balmorhea
This spring, I revisited this sparkling West Texas gem after its long closure—and I’m glad I did.
Travel & Outdoors
January 25, 2019
Balmorhea State Park Will Reopen, Thanks to $2 Million in Donations
TPWD's fundraising from Apache Corporation and hundreds of Texans will support repairs at the park.
Energy
October 4, 2016
The Future of Balmorhea
There's been a lot of hang-wringing over what could happen to one of the state's most treasured pools in the midst of the latest oil discovery, but an environmental research group is optimistic about the outcome.
Travel & Outdoors
May 31, 2011
Balmorhea
Where it is: In Toyahvale, 192 miles east of El PasoWhat you’ll do: Bask in the splendor of West TexasWhere you’ll sleep: In a comfy bed in a historic lodge or innWhat you’ll learn: How about scuba diving? The pool at Balmorhea is the best freshwater diving in Texas. Contact