Elephant Butte Travel Guide

Tourist 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.

TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf

TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf

Elephant Butte NM
The price is NZ$573 per night from 1 July to 2 July
NZ$573
1 July - 2 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Riverbend Hot Springs and Sierra del Rio ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (43 reviews)
"Very disappointed in the over all cleanliness of the home. Cobwebs and dust everywhere. The glasses and bowls were chipped and worn. The hot tub was the selling point for us and the outdoor area. Unfortunately, the hot tub was out of order, The gas grill was broken. There was not any outdoor seating ..."

Reviewed on 8 June 2026

TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf
3 bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake with beautiful views. Don’t miss out.

3 bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake with beautiful views. Don’t miss out.

Elephant Butte NM
Stay at this holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Riverbend Hot Springs and Elephant Butte Lake ...
10/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"The House was very clean and up to date. Everything worked great. The Hot Tub was amazing as well. Nice to relax in after long day of work on our feet all day. Propert is also near the lake about 1/2 mile away. The Host was was easy to get a hold of and very kind."

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026

3 bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake with beautiful views. Don’t miss out.
Elephant Lake Summerset Oasis New

Elephant Lake Summerset Oasis New

Elephant Butte NM
Stay at this golf holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Riverbend Hot Springs and Elephant Butte ...
10/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"This property is cozy, clean and just as it is advertised. This is the second visit for us and we would definitely recommend this little home to anyone who is needing to stay in or near Elephant Butte and Truth of Consequences. The property owner is prompt to communicate with you and great to do ..."

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2026

Elephant Lake Summerset Oasis New
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.
TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf

TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf

Elephant Butte NM
Stay at this golf holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Riverbend Hot Springs and Sierra del Rio ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (43 reviews)
"Very disappointed in the over all cleanliness of the home. Cobwebs and dust everywhere. The glasses and bowls were chipped and worn. The hot tub was the selling point for us and the outdoor area. Unfortunately, the hot tub was out of order, The gas grill was broken. There was not any outdoor seating ..."

Reviewed on 8 June 2026

TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf
Spacious 4BR, 2BA, near Lake, Golf Course, and hot springs!

Spacious 4BR, 2BA, near Lake, Golf Course, and hot springs!

Elephant Butte NM
Stay at this holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Riverbend Hot Springs and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"It was so nice that we extended our stay..."

Reviewed on 2 June 2026

Spacious 4BR, 2BA, near Lake, Golf Course, and hot springs!
3 bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake with beautiful views. Don’t miss out.

3 bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake with beautiful views. Don’t miss out.

Elephant Butte NM
Stay at this holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Riverbend Hot Springs and Elephant Butte Lake ...
10/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"The House was very clean and up to date. Everything worked great. The Hot Tub was amazing as well. Nice to relax in after long day of work on our feet all day. Propert is also near the lake about 1/2 mile away. The Host was was easy to get a hold of and very kind."

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026

3 bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake with beautiful views. Don’t miss out.
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

Cities near Elephant Butte