Agua Negra Chiquita (Blue Lake) was once known as Blue Lake and is one of seven sister lakes linked underneath by an extensive water system. This marvel of Mexico epitomizes Santa Rosa, even as it contradicts the surrounding red mesas in scale and proportion.
Santa Rosa Blue Hole
The location, created by a geological occurrence known as the Santa Rosa sink, is magical—as water usually is in a region with little rain. Native Americans, cowboys driving their doggies over the Pecos, and Americans traveling west on the Mother Road, Route 66, have found refuge in this region.
1. History
It was established as a national fish hatchery in 1932, and it later evolved into the Recreation Area in the 1970s before being enlarged to create the Dive and Conference Center in 2011.
It’s more than simply a watering place for vehicles who want to break out of the fast lane or divers who want to move on to the bottom of the ocean. It’s become a popular gathering place for everyone from newlyweds to board members to have meetings.
It’s located halfway between Albuquerque and Amarillo, within two hours of 80 percent of all New Mexicans living there.
2. The Santa Rosa State Parks Division
Camping, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, hiking, bicycling, and various other activities are available at Santa Rosa State Park, which is both large and attractive.
Outdoor recreation is a significant economic driver in New Mexico, and State Parks play an essential role in this sector. The Thirty-five state parks, interconnected with communities around the state, are often used as economic engines by local companies, municipalities, and cities. Many rural towns depend on state parks as a critical source of economic growth because of their benefits.
The objective of the State Parks is to maintain and improve natural and cultural resources, offer first-class recreational and educational facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety to benefit and enrich the lives of those who visit the parks and their surroundings.
3. Scuba Diving
To dive, you must first obtain a one-week SCUBA Permit, which costs $25. The cost of an annual permit is $75.00. Permits may be obtained through the Dive Shop or the Center. Per the City of Santa Rosa Ordinance 207, a skin-diving permit, which includes Free Diving or breath-hold underwater diving, is also necessary.
The spring is around 4,600 feet above sea level, and if you drive out of town immediately after your dive, you’ll be at an altitude of 7,000 to 8,000 feet. Make necessary adjustments to dive plans and tables. The Santa Rosa Dive Center has planning resources, but divers are responsible for preparing and executing a safe dive plan.
Santa Rosa-Blue Hole is committed to offering the region’s finest In-Land Scuba Training Lake and facilities. Every effort is taken to ensure that the water is clean and safe. Improvements are made regularly to improve the facilities. The facility is available to the public. However, only scuba divers and visitors can access the warm room and showers inside the Dive Center.
4. Condition of Water at The Blue Hole
Due to the steady spring flow that maintains the water temperature at a constant 61 degrees, you may dive into all year (winter is the busiest season). The bare minimum of thermal protection is a 7-mil wetsuit. The visibility is always 100 feet.
5. Air and Dive Equipment
The Santa Rosa Dive Center, (575) 472-3370, is open from 8 a.m. until the last diver is served on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you contact beforehand, shop owner Stella Salazar will open on weekdays by appointment for certified divers and groups. The business rents scuba equipment, including diving suits, goggles, and tanks, as well as provides air fills, although it does not give teaching.
6. Geology
The collapsed sinkhole or cenote lakes system and the Santa Rosa region is a natural geological occurrence. It was produced by underground water erosion and rain, watershed flows, and surface water between 20,000 and 100,000 300,000 years ago.
Some of the collapses and development of the ‘Santa Rosa Sink’ occurred in abrupt falls of a few feet each; some of the collapse events were immeasurable or unfelt by humans, if any were there at the time, at centimeters or inches per year.
7. Temperatures
Temperatures fluctuate from 100 degrees in the summer to single digits in the winter. In January, highs average 55 degrees and lows average 33 degrees, while highs average 89 degrees and average 63 degrees in July.
The average high temperature in April is 74 degrees, with a low of 40 degrees. In October, the average high temperature is 76 degrees, with an average low temperature of 42 degrees. It receives an average of 12.5 inches of rain each year.
8. A Variety of Things to Do in Santa Rosa
8.1. RV Parks & Campgrounds in Santa Rosa
On Historic Route 66, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, is a favorite road trip stop. Roadtrippers visit the area, stopping at one of the nearby RV parks for an excellent night’s stay. The RV parks and campgrounds in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, provide excellent facilities for a couple of nights in town to take in the sights or rest up for the next part of the adventure.
8.2. Golf Course Tres Lagunas
Golfing is fun if you need a break from experiencing the city attractions or driving. Santa Rosa is a fantastic spot to enjoy the outdoors, and golfing is a fun activity if you need a break from exploring the city sights or driving. Tres Lagunas Golf Course, also known as Santa Rosa Golf Course, is one of the few golf courses, but it’s nice that you won’t need many more alternatives.
8.3. Ultima Park, Please Bless Me
You won’t want to miss one of Santa Rosa’s most significant public art exhibitions while visiting Park Lake. Bless Me Ultima Park is a part of Park Lake at the intersection of Historic Route 66 and Lake Drive.
It’s a park devoted to Rudolfo Anaya’s most well-known work, Bless Me Ultima. The author is a well-known public person who grew up in Santa Rosa and used it as the principal backdrop for his novel.
8.4. Park Lake
When you arrive at Park Lake, you’ll experience a surge of excitement as you stare at the enjoyment that awaits you on the lake. Park Lake is one of Santa Rosa’s most popular destinations for outdoor water fun for the whole family.
Park Lake is a recreational lake where swimming is only the beginning of your day’s activities. It features a variety of lakeside games for people of all ages. There’s a reason why so many people frolic in the water for a few hours.
