Elephant Butte Reservoir, Reservoir in Sierra County, New Mexico
Elephant Butte Reservoir is a reservoir in Sierra County, New Mexico, stretching 40 miles (64 km) along the Rio Grande. The shoreline extends for 200 miles (322 km) and provides access to coves, sandy beaches, and rocky sections.
The dam was built between 1911 and 1916, creating a reservoir with an original area of around 36,000 acres (14,600 hectares). At the time of completion, it was the largest artificial lake in the world.
The name refers to a rock formation that resembles an elephant from a distance and now stands as an island in the water. Anglers gather here year-round, especially when bass and catfish are active.
The area includes three developed campgrounds and several marinas accessible via paved roads. Boat ramps are available, and water levels vary depending on season and rainfall.
In 2014, a group of men discovered a stegomastodon fossil dating back around 3.2 million years. The skeleton is now on display at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.
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