Elephant Butte Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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 ฿2,175 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
฿2,175
฿2,488 total
12 Mar - 13 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! (732 reviews)
Staff were great. Room was old and rickety.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿5,195 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
฿5,195
฿5,942 total
2 Mar - 3 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 ฿3,023 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
฿3,023
฿3,458 total
9 Mar - 10 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! (1,001 reviews)
Hotel and room were spotless. Highly recommend this hotel.

Reviewed on 23 Feb 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.
Crown Point Resort

Crown Point Resort

3 out of 5
220 Crown Drive Ruidoso NM
Stay at this condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and tennis courts. Popular attractions Pillow's Funtrackers and Wingfield Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (422 reviews)
Clean room very nice condo with an amazing view. Definity will be back in the summer.

Reviewed on 18 Feb 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! (393 reviews)
Everything was perfect will be booking again soon.

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
Alpine Village Suites

Alpine Village Suites

3.5 out of 5
100 Thunderbird Rd Taos Ski Valley NM
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Taos Ski Valley. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (613 reviews)
Room fairly spacious and clean, staff friendly, quiet accommodations. The decor is slightly dated, mattress unusually soft and the tub/toilet are a bit small. While the bottom of the bathtub had some sort of non-slip treatment, it’s not very good and there are no grab bar

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Alpine Village Suites
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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