Elephant Butte

Travel Guide

Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte

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 €251 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
€251
7 Jul - 8 Jul
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! (42 reviews)
"The house was lovely! The location was absolutely perfect! Beds were comfortable and it was very clean. The separate ice maker was AWESOME. For some reason, the hot water heater quit working the 2nd day...AFTER we came home from a LONG day at a golf tournament. When I finally figured out that I had ..."

Reviewed on 23 May 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 Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra del ...
10/10 Exceptional! (30 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.
Paula's Place Near The Lake

Paula's Place Near The Lake

Elephant Butte NM
The price is €332 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
€332
11 Jul - 12 Jul
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.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Property was clean. Only complaint was that there was no hair dryer"

Reviewed on 27 May 2026

Paula's Place Near The 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.
Elephant Lake Resort Oasis New

Elephant Lake Resort Oasis New

Elephant Butte NM
Stay at this golf holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"This property was amazing. House was very clean and stocked with nice towels and bath supplies and the landscaping is beautiful with a nice outdoor patio. The host Rich was very accomodating and friendly. The location is great! I highly recommend this property!!"

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026

Elephant Lake Resort Oasis New
Elephant Lake Sunset Oasis

Elephant Lake Sunset Oasis

Elephant Butte NM
Stay at this holiday home in Elephant Butte. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra del Rio Golf Course are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"We love staying here when we come to Elephant Butte. Super clean comfortable! Rick is a great host and excellent communication! Can’t wait to go back!"

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026

Elephant Lake Sunset Oasis
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 Elephant Butte Lake State ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"It was so nice that we extended our stay..."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026

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

Popular places to visit