Based on archeological data, Native peoples knew of Devil's Sinkhole long before American settlers discovered it in 1867. Native peoples likely lived here seasonally, hunting, gathering plants and collecting chert for stone tools.

Local lore credits Ammon Billings with coining the name “Devil’s Sinkhole” after his first visit in 1867.

In 1971, Devil’s Sinkhole became a registered National Natural Landmark.

Ranching heritage

Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area was once part of the Whitworth Ranch. Pioneer ranchers Clarence and Katherine Nicholson Whitworth and the Nicholson family operated the ranch.

Clarence and Katherine were leaders in the Rocksprings community. A 1925 alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin, Clarence was prominent in Angora goat and livestock production. As a county commissioner, he helped bring public utilities and medical services to the region. Katherine graduated from Howard Payne University. She taught English at the local high school and was an artist and advocate for the arts.

Public access

The state acquired the initial natural area property from the Whitworths in 1985. It opened only for bat tours in 1992.

Devils Sinkhole State Natural Area now has 3,078.6 acres, with 1,218.9 acres added in 2026. It is about six miles northeast of Rocksprings in Edwards County.