Elephant Butte Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte

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 ฿2,254 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
฿2,254
฿2,578 total
26 Apr - 27 Apr
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! (770 reviews)
Hot tub was very hot , private but premises very old

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026

Pelican Spa
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 ฿1,609 per night from 3 May to 4 May
฿1,609
฿1,841 total
3 May - 4 May
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 (944 reviews)
Very dirty room

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026

Motel 6 Truth Or Consequences, NM
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 ฿5,383 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
฿5,383
฿6,157 total
30 Apr - 1 May
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! (455 reviews)
Sierra Grande reflects the region. It is a little rustic, has historical context and is a great location as a stop along the way or base for touring the area. The staff is super friendly and accommodating.

Reviewed on 17 Apr 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! (447 reviews)
The condo was clean and had a great view . Kitchen pretty much had everything you would need . And coffee for a whole pot ! Lots of bathroom towels and toiletries if needed . Would stay again . Ruidoso was a nice town

Reviewed on 20 Apr 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! (403 reviews)
The lodge style is really nice. It's close to midtown and any amenities you might need. The cabin had a nice homely vibe and plenty of space. It's the little things that really bring it together. Book it and see for yourself

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
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! (2,230 reviews)
Lots of room plenty of essential like soap towels etc

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
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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