Blue Hole
Santa Rosa, NM
An artesian pool of clear blue water in the high desert, 80 feet deep and about 62°F all year. Scuba divers train here.
The Blue Hole is an artesian spring in Santa Rosa: about 11,000 liters (3,000 gallons) of water flow in naturally every minute. The bell-shaped pool is more than 24 m (80 ft) deep, about 24 m (80 ft) across at the surface and around 40 m (130 ft) wide at the bottom. The water stays at roughly 17 °C (62 °F) all year and is so clear you can see the bottom. Cowboys and Route 66 travelers once cooled off here in the desert heat.
Today the Blue Hole is one of the best-known dive sites in the United States. Scuba diving requires a permit, available on site; a dive center rents gear and offers beginner courses. In the morning hours the pool is reserved for divers; at other times you can swim too. Stairs lead to rocks from which you can jump into the water. A fishing pond lies next door.
- Nearest town
- Santa Rosa, NM
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 34.9406, -104.6727
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- La Loma RV ParkMotorhome stopover1 mi from Blue HoleMotorhomes
- Santa Rosa Campground & RV ParkMotorhome stopover1 mi from Blue HoleMotorhomes
- Ramblin' Rose RV ParkCampsite1 mi from Blue Hole
- Love's RV HookupMotorhome stopover2 mi from Blue Hole · 10 pitchesMotorhomes
- Juniper Park CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Blue Hole
- Rocky Point CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Blue Hole
All campsites in New Mexico · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Blue Hole?
Blue Hole is in Santa Rosa, NM, at GPS 34.9406, -104.6727. It is about 55 mi from Las Vegas.
Can you camp near Blue Hole?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is La Loma RV Park, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Blue Hole?
Blue Hole is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Route 66, part two: Oklahoma City to the Pacific and Neon, diners and endless horizons – Route 66 by camper from Chicago to Santa Monica.
What is there to see near Blue Hole?
Places worth a stop nearby: Blue Swallow Motel (56 mi), Fort Union National Monument (70 mi), Pecos National Historical Park (71 mi) and Santa Fe Plaza (88 mi).
When is the best time to visit Blue Hole?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)