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.

Motel 6 Truth Or Consequences, NM

Motel 6 Truth Or Consequences, NM

2 out of 5
2151 N Date St, Truth or Consequences, NM
The price is RM210 per night from 8 Oct to 9 Oct
RM210
RM241 total
8 Oct - 9 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.4/10 (876 reviews)
"Everything was good"

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Motel 6 Truth Or Consequences, NM
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
Fully refundable
The price is RM446 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
RM446
RM510 total
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Shower and soap dispenser leaked but still worked great. I forgot to inform the front desk. No biggie."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

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

Pelican Spa

2.5 out of 5
306 S Pershing St, Truth or Consequences, NM
Stay at this hotel in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (652 reviews)
"The room was cheery and clean, and there were plenty of linens and clean towels. The room was well-stocked with cups, silverware, coffee and conditioning shampoo packets...but NO bath soap! In the rack of the very dark shower stall, I somehow found a skinny thin shard of bar soap left over from a ..."

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Pelican Spa
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.
3 Mi to Elephant Butte Lake: Cozy Retreat!

3 Mi to Elephant Butte Lake: Cozy Retreat!

3 out of 5
Truth or Consequences
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Geronimo Springs Museum and Riverbend Hot ...
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!
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 3-star cabin in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and ...
"One must realize they're staying in an historical site. The views are amazing, the staff always friendly. If I had any issues,staff was willing to address as needed. After one nights stay, decided another was needed. Asked about availability in person, and was accommodated, even matched the price ..."

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024

Dam Site Historic District Casitas
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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