Elephant Butte

Travel Guide

Elephant Butte showing tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
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

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 RM273 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
RM273
RM312 total
4 Mar - 5 Mar
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! (735 reviews)
Room was clean, staff fantastic and helpful

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

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 RM651 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
RM651
RM745 total
4 Mar - 5 Mar
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! (441 reviews)
Amazing and Helpful Staff Call to book mineral bath times Each room gets 30 minutes per day Nice downtown all in walking distance

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

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 RM379 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
RM379
RM433 total
30 Mar - 31 Mar
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)
The room was comfortable and inviting, and the breakfast offered a selection of cereals and bread alongside scrambled eggs. However, it would have been even better with the addition of some meat protein to round out the meal. Some of us prefer to avoid so many carbohydrates.

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

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.
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! (2 reviews)
Clean, quiet and near the hot springs. Lovely.

Reviewed on 12 Dec 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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