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.

Three bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake with a relaxing hot tub.
Three bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake with a relaxing hot tub.
Elephant Butte, NM
Stay at this holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra del ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Outstanding
"Amazing property and host! Well furnished with great outdoor amenities including hot tub. Family loved tjis property, one of the best!"

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Three bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake with a relaxing hot tub.
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, NM
Stay at this holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
Great place to stay
"The house was clean very roomy the balcony is amazing to relax and watch the sunset and sunrise over the lake."

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Captain's Quarters: Home on 1/2 acre, pets okay, circle drive, new Trex deck.
TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf
TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf
Elephant Butte, NM
The price is £256 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
£256
16 Jun - 17 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf villa in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Sierra del Rio Golf Course and Elephant Butte ...
Quick trip
"Stayed for three nights in mid December. House was great. The weather was good. I wish we had more time to stay!"

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2024

TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf
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.
Three bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake with a relaxing hot tub.
Three bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake with a relaxing hot tub.
Elephant Butte, NM
Stay at this holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra del ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Outstanding
"Amazing property and host! Well furnished with great outdoor amenities including hot tub. Family loved tjis property, one of the best!"

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Three bedroom retreat near Elephant Butte Lake with a relaxing hot tub.
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, NM
Stay at this holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
Great place to stay
"The house was clean very roomy the balcony is amazing to relax and watch the sunset and sunrise over the lake."

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Captain's Quarters: Home on 1/2 acre, pets okay, circle drive, new Trex deck.
TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf
TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf
Elephant Butte, NM
Stay at this golf villa in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Sierra del Rio Golf Course and Elephant Butte ...
Quick trip
"Stayed for three nights in mid December. House was great. The weather was good. I wish we had more time to stay!"

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2024

TURTLEBACK OASIS! Mins to Lake, Hot Springs & Golf
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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