Once known as Blue Lake, it is one of seven sister lakes connected underground by a vast system of water. Blue Hole appears in the desert like a blue gem. (Agua Negra Chiquita)
This natural wonder defines Santa Rosa even as it seems to defy the surrounding red mesas. In a place of little rain, this oasis is born of a geological phenomenon called the Santa Rosa sink.
Nomadic tribes, cowboys driving their dogies across the Pecos, and Americans going west on the Mother Road, Route 66, all sought respite here.
In 1932, Blue Hole became a National fish hatchery, morphed into the Blue Hole Recreation Area in the 1970s, and more recently expanded to become the Blue Hole Dive and Conference Center.
The lake is unsurpassed for its clear, pure water. That’s why we work so hard to protect it, ensuring, for example, that surface runoff won’t impair its purity. Scuba divers will drive ten hours to get to the hole as the crystalline water draws them in.
Visibility is an astonishing 100’, the water completely renews itself every six hours—it’s truly never the same lake twice. It truly is so clear one can look down and see to the bottom of the hole.
The temperature is a constant 62 degrees, ideal for a swim on a hot summer’s day.
This is an amazing stop if you are in the area. The city park can be challenging to locate on the city street but, stick with it, it’s worth the stop.
The area is fairly easy to navigate for those who may have limitations.
LINKS:
https://www.santarosabluehole.com/about-santa-rosa-blue-hole/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Hole_(New_Mexico)