Guadalupe County: Water, Route 66 and History

Guadalupe County combines wide-open landscapes, water experiences and distinctive traces of American history. The Pecos River flows southeast through the county. In the town of Santa Rosa, Route 66 memories, historic buildings and various opportunities to enjoy the water come together. This allows you to plan your trip according to your interests: with days in nature by the lake, cultural discoveries or special underwater experiences.

Lakes, River Landscapes and Activities

Santa Rosa Lake State Park is located on a reservoir in the plains of eastern New Mexico. Fishing, boating, camping, hiking and bird-watching are among the activities available there. Horses are also welcome at the Los Tanos campground. If you are planning a trip with different daily rhythms, you can combine active outings with quieter hours by the water here.

There are also several water destinations within Santa Rosa itself. Janes Wallace Memorial Park and Power Dam is a spring-fed lake on the southern edge of the city. There, you can fish for trout, catfish and bass. Casting, spin fishing and fly-fishing are possible at Perch Lake. An unusual feature lies beneath the surface: near Santa Rosa, a twin-engine airplane was sunk at a depth of 55 feet. The lake is used primarily for advanced scuba-diving training.

At Blue Hole, diving courses are offered from Open Water through Diving Instructor Training. Blue Hole is connected underground to an extensive network of water sources. The Blue Hole Visitor Center offers exhibits, changing rooms, restrooms, merchandise, a viewing area and free internet access. At Blue Hole Fishing Pond, children under 11, seniors and people with disabilities can enjoy fishing.

History and Route 66 in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa is particularly interesting if you want to combine experiences in nature with architecture and transportation history. Historic Route 66 passed through the city in 1930. Today, Route 66 in Santa Rosa preserves old signs and buildings from the road's heyday. The Pecos Theatre is a restored movie theater from the 1940s with ties to Route 66. The Pecos River Bridge served as a filming location for a train scene in the film adaptation of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath.

Several historic buildings give the city additional depth. The Park Lake Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. The Jesus M. Casaus House followed in 1982. The Guadalupe County Courthouse is a two-story building from 1909 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style and features carved sandstone details. Architecturally, it is considered an example of this style.

The Alexander Grzelachowski House and Store is an exceptionally well-preserved example of New Mexico Territorial architecture from the mid- to late 19th century. At the same time, it has a historical connection to the business life of Puerto de Luna. Old St. Rose of Lima is a chapel built in 1879 that is preserved today as a ruin. Places like these are ideal for planning a trip where you not only view attractions but also trace the development of the region.

Local Character and Leisure Ideas

Puerto de Luna is associated with PDL Chile, a distinctive chili variety that has been grown there for more than 100 years. This local tradition adds a culinary aspect to the landscape and history experiences. For additional activities, Park Lake offers pedal boating and paddling as well as a water slide. Santa Rosa Water Park features an inflatable obstacle course.

Tres Lagunas Golf Course is located beside a rocky mesa and features well-maintained tees and greens as well as water features. The range of activities therefore extends from fishing and diving to water sports, golf, hiking and historic sightseeing. When choosing a vacation rental or holiday home, it is therefore worth deciding on your preferred mix of activities first: water activities, cultural history, Route 66 or a combination of these.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to view additional pages for planning your trip alongside Guadalupe County, you can find Colfax, Eddy, Mckinley County, Hidalgo County, Lea County, Curry and Rio Arriba County here.

For the higher-level travel overview: New Mexico.