Elephant Butte Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Elephant Butte showing a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
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

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 AU$387 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
AU$387
28 Jan - 29 Jan
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
Great place.

Reviewed on 25 Dec 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 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
Host was very responsive and the house met all our needs.

Reviewed on 23 Nov 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 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! (25 reviews)
The entire home was cozy and comfortable. We had all we needed for our stay. Hot tub was great to have!

Reviewed on 17 Dec 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 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
Great place.

Reviewed on 25 Dec 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 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
Host was very responsive and the house met all our needs.

Reviewed on 23 Nov 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 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! (25 reviews)
The entire home was cozy and comfortable. We had all we needed for our stay. Hot tub was great to have!

Reviewed on 17 Dec 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.

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