On your way from Amarillo, Texas, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the lovely town of Santa Rosa. Located on the famed Route 66, Santa Rosa is also home to the Blue Hole, a circular, bell-shaped pool that is a popular destination for SCUBA diving and training.
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We found out about the Blue Hole at the New Mexico Welcome Center, where we stopped to grab a road map, talk to the greeters about various attractions in their state, and get updates on the horrible wildfires that were plaguing northern New Mexico at the time. I grabbed a brochure of the Blue Hole, along with a couple other pamphlets, and when we got back in the car, I started looking at it. I told Kyle it wasn’t too far from where we were, maybe we could find a local diner for lunch and then swing by the Blue Hole to see what it’s all about.
So, we set our sights on Santa Rosa, and were on our way.
If we wondered where in Santa Rosa we could find the Blue Hole, we didn’t wonder for long. There are billboards everywhere, and of course, the locals at Annie’s Angels, a local diner, were very helpful.
After a quick lunch, we drove over to the Blue Hole. There are other water attractions there, but we continued until we saw parking for the Blue Hole. We parked, got in the Monkey Barrel to change into our swimsuits, and walked over to the hole.
I bought a Nikon waterproof camera a few years ago when we took the kids on a cruise for spring break. At the beginning of this trip, I wasn’t sure if I should pack it or not, but since it’s small and very portable, and because I typically always have extra space in the Monkey Barrel, it came along. I’m so glad I packed it! It was nice to take photos with it and not have to worry about dropping my phone in the hole, never to see it again. My camera has a lovely floating strap that helps keep it from sinking, so that’s an added bonus.
The Blue Hole itself is beautiful. It is this deep, deep sapphire blue, with lighter shades of blue and green ringing around it. It is a literal oasis in this desert town, and whenever we come across things like this, I like to imagine the reactions of the first people–indigenous, explorers, cowboys, anyone–who came before us and discovered this place. I am sure that for all of them the cold, clean water was a most welcomed respite from the dry heat and a weary journey.
The water is frigid. Seriously. The day we went, we saw a sign that said it was 62 degrees. My legs were numb, and I could hardly move. I was able to get Bigs in the water with me, but apart from that, and Jack tiptoeing in for just a minute, we got out and played in the pretty little runoff creek instead. Of course, Kyle had to jump in a few times.
The water is also deep. The visibility is a whooping 100 feet, and this is due, in part, to the fact that every few hours, the water has completely cycled through. This of course also helps give it its blue color.
After we had our fill of playing, swimming (Kyle), and just general shenanigans, it was time for us to move on. I am glad we stopped, though, like the countless number of travelers before us.
Have you ever been to the Blue Hole? Have you ever been to Santa Rosa, New Mexico? I’d love to hear about your experience!