Halfway between Albuquerque and Amarillo, Texas, and just off Interstate 40, is Santa Rosa. This five-square-mile town is home to the Blue Hole — a sapphire natural pool. Actually a sinkhole, this pool is popular with locals and tourists alike due to its cold, crystal-clear, and devastatingly gorgeous spring water.
Blue Hole is 81 feet deep and the striking blue, crystal-clear water stays a crisp 61 degrees year-round.
Blue Hole was formerly known as Blue Lake. It's one of seven sister lakes that are connected by a vast underground water system.
The spring constantly flows at 3,000 gallons per minute, so the pool completely renews itself every six hours. Visibility is an astonishing 100 feet.
The water was used as a federal trout hatchery for 50 years. Then, in 1973, the government gave Blue Hole to the city of Santa Rosa to be enjoyed by its residents.
This stunning pool is among the most popular diving spots in the entire U.S. Many divers claim the water is even bluer than the Caribbean.
Divers say there are large goldfish on the bottom of the sinkhole as well as some mannequin heads. There is also a memorial to divers who never came back up after trying to explore the underwater caverns.
Diving from the small cliffs (approximately ten-feet-high ) around the pool is quite the popular and fun activity.
Regardless of whether you scuba dive, jump from the cliffs, or just enjoy the devastatingly gorgeous cool and clean water, you will absolutely love this little desert gem. Just be aware that even though the pool is open for visitors, there are no lifeguards present.
Have you visited Blue Hole? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.
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