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 RM261 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
RM261
RM298 total
22 Jun - 23 Jun
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! (804 reviews)
"The location in downtown is good and the hot tubs are amazing"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 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 RM389 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
RM389
RM445 total
24 Jun - 25 Jun
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! (1,002 reviews)
"This place is a serious disappointment. We checked in late in the evening and as soon as we got to our room to shower, the drain was clogged. We had to fix it ourselves because nobody was at the desk and we wanted to shower and get to bed. Breakfast was not great. The waffles tasted like they had ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites I-25 near Spaceport America
Motel 6 Truth Or Consequences, NM

Motel 6 Truth Or Consequences, NM

2 out of 5
2151 N Date St Truth or Consequences NM
Fully refundable
The price is RM211 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
RM211
RM242 total
1 Jul - 2 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.4/10 (979 reviews)
"Checkin is handled by a kiosk with an outsourced call center agent from India that I couldn’t understand. The room smelled of smoke and was missing the television remote. Parking is ample and air conditioning works well."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026

Motel 6 Truth Or Consequences, NM
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 Grindstone Lake and Pillow's Funtrackers are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (478 reviews)
"The view from the balcony overlooking downtown Ruidoso was spectacular"

Reviewed on 15 Jun 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! (411 reviews)
"This was our anniversary trip. The room at the lodge was clean, spacious, well accommodated and very relaxing. We will most definitely return."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2026

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,239 reviews)
"We checked in on a Tuesday evening. One of my daughters went to take a shower and the knob to the hot water did not work. So the next morning I let the office know in person. I felt like I was blown off. Left for the day came back and the knob to the hot water was still not working nor was I notified ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2026

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
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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