Hidden Natural Treasures in and Around West Texas

I live in Odessa, deep in the heart of the Permian Basin. The Basin isn't exactly known for being a popular tourist destination. It's a semi-arid or desert area (depending on who you talk to), that features frequent sandstorms, violent thunderstorms, gusty winds, and lots of oilfields. Driving into Odessa from the south or west, there are numerous active pumpjacks in use. The Basin, however, is within easy driving distance of some truly beautiful scenery and excellent places for camping.

The one closest to Odessa at 123 miles is Balmorhea State Park, a popular destination for swimmers. Since most swimming in west Texas takes place in public or backyard swimming pools, the spring at Balmorhea is a nice change. This compensates for the area being so far from the Gulf. The swimming area is a natural spring, but the area has been designed so that it's much like a very large pool. The water seems to consistently stay warm. If you're somewhat phobic of deep water, or don't swim well, there's a roped-off 4-5 ft. area. Most visitors with younger kids make much use of this section. As you approach the deeper end, there are a number of small fish swimming around that will eagerly accept breadcrumbs from swimmers. The deeper end is great for snorkelers and scuba divers, and also features a diving board with a natural stone platform. Two cautions that those using the spring should take: the steps going down into the water can be somewhat slippery, so flip-flops or aqua socks are helpful. Also, due to the fact that it's a natural spring and not a manufactured pool, the depth in some areas can change rapidly. Camping and picnic facilities are available, many of which have shelters to provide relief from the sun. The best part of this park is that, according to their website, they're open year-round.

Davis Mountains State Park is 149 miles from Odessa and provides a great place to camp, hike, picnic, and just enjoy the outdoors. The camping sites are mostly very generous-sized and all have water, aside from the primitive area, and picnic tables. The elevation is high up enough so that you're spared from some of the extreme heat, so hiking is an excellent way to spend time here. Skyline Drive, a scenic driving loop, provides a great view of the surrounding area. There are also several mountain bike trails that seem to be a wonderful challenge for cyclists. All of the campground hosts I've encountered are friendly and more than willing to help you with all your needs. The park offers fun and interesting programs in the outdoor amphitheater. Deer show up towards evening, and will often pass right through campsites. The park also features skunks (many of whom will hang out and watch while meals are cooking), foxes, and javelina. The javelina can be rather ill-tempered hogs that love food, so your cooler is best left in the car if staying overnight. Mountain lions have been seen in the area, and wildlife programs often include discussions of how to protect yourself in the event that a mountain lion encountered on a trail gets too bold. Also nearby are the Fort Davis National Historic Site, with lots of great historical exhibits; the town of Ft. Davis, which has great little stores and an interesting reptile house; and the McDonald Observatory, operated by the University of Texas at Austin.

About 233 miles from Odessa, you'll find Guadelupe Mountains National Park This park extends from near Salt Flat, Texas to just outside of Whites City, NM. Like Balmorhea and Davis Mountains, this park also has great places for camping and hiking. You'll know you're nearing this park by the distinctive-looking Guadelupe Peak, at over 8,000 feet. Wildlife includes coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, deer, javelina, and rattlesnakes. The visitors' center has some good interpretative exhibits that are well worth your time. The very best feature of Guadelupe is McKittrick Canyon, which has fall foliage that this New Englander was very pleased by upon seeing pictures. Unfortunately, my hike through the canyon took place before the leaves had changed. Two trails go through the canyon, taking from 1-3 hours to complete on average. If you're physically up to moderate hiking, you won't want to pass this opportunity up. Not too far away is Carlsbad Caverns, which offers self-guided and ranger-guided tours through the natural limestone caverns. The tours vary from handicapped-accessible to challenging tours for experienced "cavers". Near the caverns is Whites City, a good place to get souvenirs ranging from gemstones to magnets to live cactus.

If you're new to the area and haven't seen the sights yet, or are passing through sometime soon, I hope you'll stop by and visit these parks.