Overview
Santa Rosa , the "City of Natural Lakes", is a town (pop. about 3000) in northeastern New Mexico. The nickname sounds improbable for a town in the middle of some very dry country, but it's appropriate because of the presence of the Blue Hole and several other lakes based on springs. Santa Rosa is on historic Route 66.
- Santa Rosa Visitors Center, +1 575 472-3763.
2 sights · 7 things to do · 3 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 13 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Santa Rosa
Blue Hole
Year round, 24 hours. This famous scuba diving spot is a crystal clear 80 ft (24.4 m) deep. Over 7,000 divers pull permits here each year. Basic dive shop on site.
Santa Rosa Lake State Park
Camping (some but not all sites developed), fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing and wind surfing on and around a man-made reservoir. Several short hiking trails offer great views. Fee $5/vehicle for day use; additio…
Route 66 Auto Museum
Numerous antique automobiles and Route 66 memorabilia.
Rock Lake State Fish Hatchery
Janes-Wallace Park & Dam
Stocked for fishing.
Park Lake
Family swimming, water park, fishing, tennis, basketball, softball.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Wettest: Jul and Aug. (climate data from nearby Santa Fe)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SAF Santa Fe Municipal Airport, Santa Fe — 92 mi away. Directions
- CVN Clovis Municipal Airport, Clovis — 98 mi away. Directions
- ABQ Albuquerque International Sunport, Albuquerque — 109 mi away (major hub). Directions
Interstate 40 and US Routes 54 and 84 intersect at Santa Rosa.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $70–$70 a night (typical $70), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$110, mid-range ~$140, comfortable ~$240.
Options are grouped as Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Route 66 Auto Museum, Blue Hole, Rock Lake State Fish Hatchery
- Lunch Carl's Junior
- Afternoon Park Lake, Perch Lake
- Dinner Comet II Drive-In Restaurant
- Evening Bar B Que Cafe at Santa Rosa Campground
Day 2
- Morning Santa Rosa Lake State Park, Janes-Wallace Park & Dam
- Lunch Sun & Sand Restaurant
- Afternoon Park Lake Ponds, Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club
- Evening Joseph's Bar & Grill
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Interstate 40 and US Routes 54 and 84 intersect at Santa Rosa.
See
Do
Do Blue Hole
Year round, 24 hours. This famous scuba diving spot is a crystal clear 80 ft (24.4 m) deep. Over 7,000 divers pull permits here each year. Basic dive shop on site.
Eat
Drink
Drink Bar B Que Cafe at Santa Rosa Campground
Drink Joseph's Bar & Grill
Historic Route 66 icon.
Sleep
Stay La Loma Lodge
Stay La Mesa Motel
Stay Sunset Motel
The chance to stay at one of those vintage Route 66 motor court places, as shabby as it may be.
Camping
Stay Santa Rosa State Park
48 developed sites with showers, flush toilets, electrical hook-ups and water. Other tent sites, too.
Go next
- Santa Rosa is the key decision point for travelers following the Route 66 itinerary: follow the standard "historic" route directly to Albuquerque, or the "original" route to Santa Fe? Either continue west on I-40 or jog north on US 84 just west of town, respectively.
Nearby
My experience
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