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.

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 RM400 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
RM400
RM457 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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! (1,003 reviews)
"It was nice to be able to hop in the pool after a couple long days."

Reviewed on 6 Sept 2026

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

Pelican Spa

2.5 out of 5
306 S Pershing St Truth or Consequences NM
The price is RM291 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
RM291
RM333 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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 ...
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
The price is RM676 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
RM676
RM773 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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! (498 reviews)
"Staff is outstanding very friendly and welcoming."

Reviewed on 2 Sept 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! (526 reviews)
"Excelente"

Reviewed on 5 Sept 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,255 reviews)
"Cozy place. Cute. Great for couples. Great view. Parking is far from house. Pool closes very early at 6pm. House runs warm but we did request a fan and they did bring us a box fan that worked great."

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2026

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
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! (426 reviews)
"Everything about this property was excellent! Not a single complaint. I highly recommend it!"

Reviewed on 6 Sept 2026

Upper Canyon Inn & 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