Elephant Butte, NM Map
Elephant Butte is a US city in Sierra County in the state of New Mexico. Located at the longitude and latitude of -107.222778, 33.189722 and situated at an elevation of 1,361 meters. In the 2020 United States Census, Elephant Butte, NM had a population of 1,447 people. Elephant Butte is in the Mountain Standard Time timezone at Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -7. Find directions to Elephant Butte, NM, browse local businesses, landmarks, get current traffic estimates, road conditions, and more.
Elephant Butte, located in New Mexico, is primarily known for its namesake, the Elephant Butte Lake State Park, which is the largest state park in New Mexico and a major attraction for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features the expansive Elephant Butte Reservoir, a hub for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beaches, campgrounds, and hiking trails that offer picturesque views of the surrounding desert landscape. The reservoir's name is derived from a volcanic core that resembles an elephant lying down, a unique geological feature that has become a local landmark.
Historically, the area gained prominence during the early 20th century with the construction of the Elephant Butte Dam, completed in 1916. This engineering feat was part of the Rio Grande Project, which aimed to provide irrigation and water management to the region. The dam's completion was pivotal in transforming the area's agricultural capabilities, and it remains a significant piece of infrastructure today. Elephant Butte's history is closely tied to this development, and the city continues to draw visitors interested in both its natural beauty and its historical significance in water management and engineering. For those looking to explore beyond the lake, nearby hot springs and the Spaceport America Visitor Center offer additional points of interest.
Nearby cities include: Truth or Consequences, NM, Williamsburg, NM, Caballo, NM, Arrey, NM, Hillsboro, NM, Garfield, NM, Salem, NM, Placitas, NM, Hatch, NM, Rincon, NM.