Elephant Butte

Travel Guide

A dry, rocky landscape with sparse vegetation, a body of water, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A desert landscape with sparse vegetation, a large body of water, and distant mountains.
A lake surrounded by mountains and dry grassland.
A desert landscape with sparse vegetation and a dirt path.
A lake surrounded by mountains and dry grassland.

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 RM326 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
RM326
RM373 total
25 Oct - 26 Oct
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! (858 reviews)
"This facility MUST be for young people. We found the furniture unusable for it wear and looked filthy. The Spa was not someone 80 year old should try to get into Hopefully younger people can find some charm we couldn’t"

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2026

Pelican Spa
Comfort Inn & Suites I-25 near Spaceport America

Comfort Inn & Suites I-25 near Spaceport America

2.5 out of 5
2205 N Date St Truth or Consequences NM
The price is RM452 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
RM452
RM517 total
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8/10 Very good! (1,000 reviews)
"Free breakfast of waffles, scrambled eggs & sausage, cereal, yogurt, etc. OJ was out of service. NOTE: Pool & spa closed til next week."

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites I-25 near Spaceport America
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 RM518 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
RM518
RM593 total
20 Nov - 21 Nov
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Very clean rooms, comfortable beds, linens and pillows. Friendly staff. We drive stay in Truth or Consequences once a year and ways choose this hotel to stay in."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2026

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Truth or Consequences by IHG
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (545 reviews)
"Nice quiet place, I wish I knew of this place years ago. It was really comfortable and a peaceful stay"

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2026

Crown Point Resort
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

3 out of 5
321 Kearney Ave Santa Fe NM
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Casey's Cabins

Casey's Cabins

3 out of 5
2640 Sudderth Drive Ruidoso NM
Stay at this cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a gift shop. Popular attractions Wingfield Park and Cree Medows Public Golf Course are located ...
8/10 Very good! (110 reviews)
"Amazing weekend in Ruidoso! Thank you!"

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2026

Casey's Cabins
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.

Stay near popular Elephant Butte attractions