Elephant Butte

Travel Guide

Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte

Climb ochre hills and follow the mossy shoreline of the scenic state park, a destination for camping, kayaking and fishing.

Elephant Butte is a town located on a large reservoir of the Rio Grande that shares its name with a sprawling state park. The picturesque region is studded with the red rock formations of the Jornada del Muerto desert basin, one of which is shaped like an elephant. Try thrilling activities and relax at hot spring spas in Elephant Butte.

Most visit the town to explore the Elephant Butte Lake State Park that lines the eastern outskirts of the town. Sunbathe on the pebbly beaches that offer panoramic views of New Mexico’s largest lake and its surrounding red hills.

Follow some of the 15 miles (24 kilometres) of scenic trails on foot or by mountain bike to reach the secluded regions of the park. Go fishing from one of the piers or try scuba diving, sailing and water skiing in the park.

See the landmarks of the town of Elephant Butte, such as the Church at the Butte and the Turtleback Mountain Resort. This luxury resort is home to the Sierra del Rio Championship Golf Course amid stunning mountainous scenery.

Visit the neighboring town of Truth or Consequences, where the odorless and therapeutic hot springs have created a spa culture. Wander through its old town centre to admire the works of art in Las Palomas Plaza.

Take a guided tour of Spaceport America, just 1-hour southeast of Elephant Butte by car. Learn about the exciting future of space travel and experience G-force in a simulator. The terminals have fascinating futuristic designs and contain spaceships by innovators Virgin Galactic and SpaceX.

In this area, anticipate scorching summers with countless sunny days and harsh winters with snowy peaks. The town is located on the western shore of the Rio Grande in the serene rocky region of Sierra County. It stands between the towns of Rock Canyon and Truth or Consequences in the central section of New Mexico.

Fly to the Albuquerque International Airport or El Paso International Airport, roughly 130 miles (210 kilometres) away.

Pelican Spa

Pelican Spa

2.5 out of 5
306 S Pershing St Truth or Consequences NM
The price is RM278 per night from 6 May to 7 May
RM278
RM318 total
6 May - 7 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and hot springs on-site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (778 reviews)
Perfect 👌

Reviewed on 2 May 2026

Pelican Spa
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Truth or Consequences by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Truth or Consequences by IHG

2.5 out of 5
2201 F.G. Amin Street Truth or Consequences NM
The price is RM520 per night from 7 May to 8 May
RM520
RM595 total
7 May - 8 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Great hotel and very clean

Reviewed on 2 May 2026

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Truth or Consequences by IHG
Sierra Grande, A Ted Turner Retreat

Sierra Grande, A Ted Turner Retreat

3.5 out of 5
501 Mcadoo St Truth or Consequences NM
The price is RM664 per night from 18 May to 19 May
RM664
RM759 total
18 May - 19 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (458 reviews)
Breakfast was good, quiet, clean and hot tub was awesome. This is our 3rd time and we enjoy the stay at sierra grande.

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026

Sierra Grande, A Ted Turner Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Crown Point Resort

Crown Point Resort

3 out of 5
220 Crown Drive Ruidoso NM
Stay at this condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Pillow's Funtrackers and Wingfield Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (452 reviews)
Clean and comfortable. Spacious and has great amenities.

Reviewed on 3 May 2026

Crown Point Resort
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins

3 out of 5
215 Main Road Ruidoso NM
Stay at this cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Grindstone Lake and Wingfield Park are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (405 reviews)
From the photos we thought it was going to be individual cabins not a building with all the rooms connected. But still extremely happy with our visit. Would absolutely stay there again.

Reviewed on 4 May 2026

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
High Sierra Condominium

High Sierra Condominium

3 out of 5
504 Excalibur Rd Ruidoso NM
Stay at this family-friendly condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Casino Apache Travel Center and Pillow's ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (195 reviews)
Great value for being on top of the mountain. Check in was easy and checkout even faster. Comes with all the basics. Bed and pillows were Extra firm and dated, and could use an update.

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026

High Sierra Condominium
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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