Elephant Butte Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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
The price is NZ$442 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
NZ$442
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf villa in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Sierra del Rio Golf Course and Elephant ...
9/10 Wonderful! (33 reviews)
The place was perfect. Amazing views

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf
Captain's Quarters: Home on 1/2 acre, pets okay, circle drive, new Trex deck.

Captain's Quarters: Home on 1/2 acre, pets okay, circle drive, new Trex deck.

Elephant Butte
Stay at this vacation home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Everything was as described and a great view of the lake from the deck. Will book again and recommend.

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Captain's Quarters: Home on 1/2 acre, pets okay, circle drive, new Trex deck.
Three bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake.

Three bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake.

Elephant Butte
Stay at this vacation home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
Beautiful place to stay!! Can’t wait go back with the rest of my family during the summer. Yard is huge definitely big enough for a boat and our jet ski. House is beautifully decorated, yard bbq and bar area are perfect! We will be back!

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Three bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake.
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
Book a stay at this golf villa in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Sierra del Rio Golf Course and Elephant ...
9/10 Wonderful! (33 reviews)
The place was perfect. Amazing views

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf
Captain's Quarters: Home on 1/2 acre, pets okay, circle drive, new Trex deck.

Captain's Quarters: Home on 1/2 acre, pets okay, circle drive, new Trex deck.

Elephant Butte
Stay at this vacation home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Everything was as described and a great view of the lake from the deck. Will book again and recommend.

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Captain's Quarters: Home on 1/2 acre, pets okay, circle drive, new Trex deck.
1 mile from Hot Springs Landing (beach access)

1 mile from Hot Springs Landing (beach access)

Elephant Butte
Stay at this vacation home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State ...
Awesome property
This house was as advertised. The house was super cute and very clean. It had everything our three couples and toddler needed for the weekend. The beds were super comfy and the kitchen was amazing. My son decided he needed a sofa set like the one they had it was so versatile and comfortable. Thank ...

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2024

1 mile from Hot Springs Landing (beach access)
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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