Elephant Butte Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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
Elephant Butte showing tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿1,593 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
฿1,593
฿1,822 total
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.4/10 (870 reviews)
"Checkin was awesome. I accidentally made my reservation for the wrong day and she helped me cancel it and then booked me a room. I loved the bed. It was supper comfortable. The Bathoom needs lots of repairs. There was a hole in the fiberglass of the tub and it had a tape like material over the hole ..."

Reviewed on 18 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
The price is ฿3,251 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
฿3,251
฿3,718 total
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Not what I booked very disappointed
"I booked a handicap accessible room and upon arrival i was given a standard room. When i asked the clerk if it was handicap accessible she said yes she thought so. We went up to the room to find out it was not. NO grabbars around the toilet so shower chair or grab bars in the shower. We went downstairs ..."

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Truth or Consequences by IHG
Sierra Grande Lodge

Sierra Grande Lodge

3.5 out of 5
501 Mcadoo St, Truth or Consequences, NM
The price is ฿5,329 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
฿5,329
฿6,095 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Truth or Consequences. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (403 reviews)
"Grounds are beautiful and the private included hot springs soak was amazing! The included breakfast was really tasty and they offered many good options. I was a bit disappointed with the room itself. I felt like it was pretty dated and could have used some updating. Staff was wonderful; friendly ..."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Sierra Grande Lodge
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 Wi-Fi, 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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