Experience Tranquility and Adventure at Elephant Butte Lake in New Mexico

Florida is not the only state with white sand beaches and turquoise water. We found a spot in New Mexico that is simply perfect! It has beautiful white sand, clear turquoise water, and ..... cactus!

Elephant Butte Lake (Reservoir ) is New Mexico’s largest lake and was formed by a dam built in 1916 on the Rio Grande. The water level was pretty low when we were there.

It is around 40 miles long and surrounded by white sandy beaches. The water is a beautiful turquoise color when the sun is hitting it, but… every time I tried taking a picture, the sun would go behind the clouds. Oh well, it’s a beautiful blue in the photos. I can live with that!

Expect to see tons of quail and big floppy eared rabbits around the lake! We literally saw hundreds of both!

Lodging:

Camping spots are available at the state park and lodging is available in town, but we chose to stay at the Elephant Butte Inn & Spa.

The rates were very reasonable and the room was clean.

The back of the hotel overlooks the lake. Amazing View!!!

The whole back area is covered with rabbits late afternoon and at dark. I'm talking about at least 100 of them!!!

My husband, being an avid fisherman, was impressed with the boat ramp and marina. We actually spent several minutes looking at the ramp, with him saying, " I can't believe how big that ramp is!" 😲 It is located within the state park.

Elephant Butte Lake is such a beautiful place with many activities to do at the lake and close to the area. Truth or Consequences is only about a 10 minute drive and White Sands National Monument is less than 2 hours.


Address:

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

101 Hwy 195

Elephant Butte, NM 87935

Happy Travels! 

Exploring Taos Pueblo: A Native American Village in Taos, New Mexico

The Taos Pueblo is the oldest continually inhibited dwellings in New Mexico - built between A.D. 1300 and 1450.

Approximately 150 people live within the Pueblo full time.

The Pueblo is made of adobe. Adobe is a clay straw mixture typically in the form of sun-dried bricks, but can be poured into forms. The walls of the pueblo are usually made very thick, sometimes 2-3 feet.

Pottery, jewelry, and other locally handmade items can be purchased in little shops located throughout the pueblo.

 Completed in 1850, the San Geronimo( St. Jerome) Chapel was built to replace the original church which had been destroyed in the Mexican-American War.

Address:

120 Veterans Highway

Taos, New Mexico 87571

Admission:

Adults: $16 per person

Groups (8 or more Adults): $14 per person

Students: $14 per person

Children 10 and under: Free

Hours:

Taos Pueblo Hours:

Monday – Saturday 8:00AM – 4:30PM

Sunday – 8:30AM – 4:30PM

Happy Travels! 

America's White Desert (New Mexico) White Sands National Monument

When you hear of a white desert, usually its referring to the Sahara el Beyda in Egypt. With its massive chalk rock formations throughout an isolated land, it is one of the most astounding natural wonders of Egypt. But there is a white desert in the United States that is just as amazing and is also an astonishing natural wonder.

White Sands National Monument is 275 sq miles of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals. This gypsum dune field is the largest of its kind on Earth.

Gypsum, unlike other rocks, is water soluble. When rain falls on the surrounding mountains, the layers of gypsum start to dissolve, and runs down the mountains. With the Tularosa Basin and the dunes being fully enclosed, there is no outlet for the water, so the gypsum stays within White Sands Monument.

Unlike most sand, the gypsum sand does not readily convert the sun's energy into heat and can be walked upon safely with bare feet, even in the hottest months.

 It was completely cloudy with a misty rain when we arrive, but cleared off some while we were there. I looked like a total snow white out for a while.

There are four types of dunes within the park; barchan, parabolic, transverse, and dome dunes. These can be seen along the eight-mile scenic Dunes Drive.

The drive starts at the visitor center and leads deep into the gypsum dune field. The first five miles of are paved and the last three miles are a hard-packed gypsum sand road.

There are several places along the drive to stop and play on the dunes. Sledding is a popular activity in the park. Waxed plastic snow saucers work best and can be purchased at the gift shop.

White Sands is located next to a Missile Range and is closed occasionally due to missile testing. Check here for open status.

Hours of operation vary throughout the year. Check the schedule here.

The three picnic areas, the Yucca, Roadrunner, and Primrose, are named after the most iconic plant and animal species in the monument. These picnic areas are located about six to seven miles from the entrance off Dunes Drive.

White Sands is truly one of America’s most amazing places! It is sure to impress all ages and be an unforgettable experience.

The actual physical address is:

 19955 Highway 70 West

  Alamogordo, NM 88310

Happy Travels!