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$481 per night from 6 Oct to 7 Oct
NZ$481
6 Oct - 7 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Sierra del Rio Golf Course and Elephant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (48 reviews)
"This was our second time staying in the house as we stayed there last year. Brandon is an outstanding host and the house was just as we remember it."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2026

TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf
Paula's Place Near The Lake

Paula's Place Near The Lake

Elephant Butte NM
The price is NZ$419 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
NZ$419
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra del Rio Golf Course are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"We were very satisfied with the distance from the lake. We also love that we were able to take the dogs with us. The interior was very lovely, and the exterior was nice. No stickers and dead grass. Overall, great experience."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2026

Paula's Place Near The Lake
Elephant Lake Resort Oasis II

Elephant Lake Resort Oasis II

Elephant Butte NM
Stay at this holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra del ...
Elephant Lake Resort Oasis II
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 Sierra del Rio Golf Course and Elephant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (48 reviews)
"This was our second time staying in the house as we stayed there last year. Brandon is an outstanding host and the house was just as we remember it."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2026

TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf
Paula's Place Near The Lake

Paula's Place Near The Lake

Elephant Butte NM
Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra del Rio Golf Course are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"We were very satisfied with the distance from the lake. We also love that we were able to take the dogs with us. The interior was very lovely, and the exterior was nice. No stickers and dead grass. Overall, great experience."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2026

Paula's Place Near The Lake
Elephant Lake Resort Oasis II

Elephant Lake Resort Oasis II

Elephant Butte NM
Stay at this holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra del ...
Elephant Lake Resort Oasis II
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