Ironically, this semi-desert region also has artesian springs and spring-fed lakes. Blue Hole, an artesian spring 81 feet deep, is a half-mile west of Park Lake. Scuba divers can explore the 64-degree water; a diving permit is required. Fishing and scuba diving are also good at Perch Lake.
Other nearby lakes, such as Park Lake and the lake in Janes-Wallace Memorial Park, yield catches of trout, crappie and walleye. Anglers fish for channel catfish in the Pecos River. Rock Lake State Fish Hatchery, 2 miles south of town on River Road, raises rainbow trout and walleye.
Scenic SR 91 follows the Pecos River south for 10 miles to Puerto de Luna, one of several abandoned Spanish settlements in this region. A marker indicates where Coronado camped while a makeshift bridge was built so the river could be crossed. Another scenic is SR 91; 7 miles north of Santa Rose is Santa Rosa Lake State Park. A nature trail and recreational facilities are adjacent to the dam and reservoir.