Elephant Butte

Travel Guide

Elephant Butte showing tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
Elephant Butte featuring landscape views, a beach and a lake or waterhole
Elephant Butte showing a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Elephant Butte showing a sandy beach and tranquil scenes
Elephant Butte which includes a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes

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 RM289 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
RM289
RM331 total
2 Dec - 3 Dec
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! (680 reviews)
Very hospitable front desk staff.

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025

Pelican Spa
Sierra Grande, A Ted Turner Retreat

Sierra Grande, A Ted Turner Retreat

3.5 out of 5
501 Mcadoo St Truth or Consequences NM
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM691 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
RM691
RM790 total
3 Dec - 4 Dec
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! (419 reviews)
Sierra is a nice property with courteous staff. Bed was very comfortable

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2025

Sierra Grande, A Ted Turner Retreat
Comfort Inn & Suites I-25 near Spaceport America

Comfort Inn & Suites I-25 near Spaceport America

2.5 out of 5
2255 N Date St Truth or Consequences NM
The price is RM376 per night from 7 Dec to 8 Dec
RM376
RM430 total
7 Dec - 8 Dec
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! (1,005 reviews)
Muy limpio y muy atento el recepcionista

Reviewed on 27 Nov 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites I-25 near Spaceport America
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.
Dam Site Historic District Casitas

Dam Site Historic District Casitas

3 out of 5
55 Dam Site Rd Truth or Consequences NM
Stay at this cabin in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra ...
6.2/10 (9 reviews)
Property Closed. Road to property closed. Road crew told me to leave. I drove around the road block and found office padlocked. almost no water in the lake. Construction crews tearing up the road. The site is Fraud and should be removed.

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Dam Site Historic District Casitas
3 Mi to Elephant Butte Lake: Cozy Retreat!

3 Mi to Elephant Butte Lake: Cozy Retreat!

3 out of 5
Truth or Consequences NM
Stay at this cottage in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Geronimo Springs Museum and Riverbend Hot Springs ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
My best friend and my husband and I wanted to experience the hot springs and this home was the perfect place to stay for us. Everything about this home inside and out from top to bottom seemed brand new and was absolutely comfortable. We all commented on the comfort of the beds. Additionally, there ...

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2025

3 Mi to Elephant Butte Lake: Cozy 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.

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