Scuba Diving, Water Sports, Fishing....in the Desert?!
Located along historic Route 66, Guadalupe County has amazing
vista's and lots of water. From clear mineral springs to huge,
man-made lakes, Guadalupe County boasts 13 "watering holes"
where folks enjoy scuba diving, fishing, swimming and boating
sports.
Nicknamed the City of Natural Lakes, the city of Santa
Rosa is the largest town in Guadalupe County and has been the
county seat since 1903. It is here that visitors can get a hearty
meal in more than 20 eating establishments, including several
legendary, Route 66-style diners that has been serving American
and New Mexican selections for nearly half a century. More than
20 hotels and motels offer a clean bed and plenty of rest. And
of course, this is New Mexico, so you will find all the sunshine
AND water play you can handle. From state parks to river lakes,
to the famous Blue Hole, you won't be bored in Santa Rosa.
The Blue Hole is a geological phenomenon, 80 feet deep in
perfectly clear water, that certified scuba divers crave to visit
to enjoy their sport or for those folks who need to stay qualified
in the diving world. There is a privately-owned dive center for
permits, tank refills and to rent equipment.
There is Old West and film making history associated with
Guadalupe County, including: Billy the Kid and his frequent visits
to the area; the Navajos "long walk" to Bosque Redondo;
agricultural discoveries such as PDL Chili, a unique strain of
chile that has been cultivated in Puerto de Luna for more than
100 years; and the steam engines of the Chicago, Rock Island
& Pacific Railroad that came right through Santa Rosa. Historic
Nuestra Señora del Refugio church can still be visited
in Colonias, and for old movie buffs, you will recognize the
spot where a memorable train scene in the Grapes of Wrath,
a novel written by John Steinbeck, occured.
Traditional ranching methods used to tame the Old West are
still used on ranches throughout Guadalupe County, allowing tourists
to experience true western traditions.
REDTT has a strong County Tourism Council (CTC) that meets
on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in various locations around
the county. For additional information, to become a member and
to get involved in tourism in Guadalupe County, contact the REDTT
director at redtt@nmsu.edu
or call (505) 646-8009. REDTT is open to all persons interested
in tourism issues.
Towns and places in Guadalupe County include: Santa Rosa,
Blue Hole, Vaughn, Cuervo, Newkirk, Puerto de Luna, Colonias,
Anton Chico and Pastura. Learn more about Guadalupe County by
clicking on some of the following links:
- Santa Rosa Visitor Information Center - find out about
attractions, events, lodging and eating facilities around Guadalupe
County. (505) 472-3763, www.santarosanm.org
- Santa Rosa Blue Hole - bring your PADI OR NAUI or
other certificates to get a permit. (505) 472-3763, www.santarosanm.org
- Santa Rosa Lake State Park - offering water skiing,
wind surfing and excellent fishing for catfish, bass and walleye.
Plenty of developed camping site, restrooms, showers, hiking
and a visitor center. (505) 472-3110, www.emnrd.state.nm.us/prd/santarosa.htm
- Santa Rosa Park Lake - swimming, picnic sites, pedal
boats and water slide! (505) 472-3763, www.santarosanm.org
- Santa Rosa Golf Course and Country Club - nine holes,
par 36, open year-round, seven days a week. (505) 472-GOLF (4653)
- Route 66 Auto Museum - more than 30 historic vehicles
on display as well as lots of Route 66 memorabilia. (505) 472-1966
www.route66automuseum.com
- Route 66 - New Mexico in pictures - www.theroadwanderer.net/66NMex/route66NM.htm
- More to come as information is received - contact
Web master with new information
:) |