New Mexico often conjures images of adobe homes, vast desert expanses, and the flickering neon signs of old Route 66, but tucked just off that historic highway in Santa Rosa lies a surprising oasis: the Blue Hole. With water so vividly blue it seems almost unreal, this natural spring has drawn swimmers, divers, curious road-trippers, and even passing cowboys for generations. Its chilly depths offer a welcome escape when the New Mexico heat peaks in high summer.
The Blue Hole stays in the low 60-degree Fahrenheit range year-round. Though it’s not large on the surface at just 60 feet across, it plunges far below the ground to depths of over 80 feet. As well as depth, the water also has incredible clarity and visibility. This makes it a hugely popular destination among scuba divers (permits required), and many people in the area complete their diving certifications there. If you’d like to take a peek at what lies beneath, check out this video posted on Reddit’s r/scuba forum.
More casual swimmers are welcome, too. Those brave enough can jump from the cliffs into the refreshing waters. So refreshing that you might hop right back out again! Even if you prefer to stay dry, the Blue Hole is a picturesque and unique sight and a fantastic stop on any Route 66 road trip.
What to do around Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa is a small city in eastern New Mexico. While the Blue Hole natural spring is the city’s main claim to fame, Santa Rosa offers visitors plenty more to discover. Perhaps surprisingly for a city in the high desert, there’s plenty of watery fun. Kids will love the Santa Rosa Water Park with its inflatables, while thrill-seekers can head to Santa Rosa Lake State Park. There, you can go boating, waterskiing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, swimming, and snorkeling, as well as enjoy a host of land-based activities.
Back in town, motor back in time at the Auto Museum, filled with vintage cars, gas pumps, and memorabilia from the glory days of the Mother Road. Before you hit the highway again, perk yourself up at the highly rated Mr. Bee’s Coffee and Teas, where customers love everything from the lattes to the breakfast bagels to the pumpkin scones. For something more substantial, La Villa Burgers & Boba gets rave reviews. Don’t miss their green chile burgers, a New Mexico staple!
The Blue Hole in Santa Rosa is a convenient stop between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Amarillo, Texas — one of America’s coolest desert towns. If you’re looking for a memorable overnight stay, you can’t beat Tucumcari, just an hour’s drive from Santa Rosa. There, you’ll find some of the most unique motels on your Route 66 road trip, including the iconic Blue Swallow, the Roadrunner Lodge, and the Motel Safari.
