Truth or Consequences, population of less than 10,000 is located in the Southwest Rio Grande valley. North of Las Cruses and south of Albuquerque it lies just upstream from Elephant Butte Dam. The resulting lake makes this region an attraction to snowbirds, recreation seekers and tourists. T or C at the locals call it, lies between the Fra Cristobal, Caballo and Black mountain ranges. The town serves as the county seat with agriculture and ranching as the main interests.
The town was originally named Palomas Springs or Las Palomas after the palomas (doves) found in the cottonwood trees along the river. The name was changed in 1914 to Hot Springs as that the area is rich with them. In 1950 a contest was held to name a town after the famous game show called “Truth or Consequences”. The show host offered nationwide publicity to any city that would change its name. The majority of the townspeople chose to keep the name Truth or Consequences in 1964 when the matter came up for a vote again.
The winters are mild, as can be attested to by the many snowbirds that flock there every year. The lakes, mountains, hot mineral springs, golfing, the El Camino Real Historic Trail, the Geronimo Springs Museum and the Auto Museum offer many entertaining alternatives. Visit the nearby ghost towns, camp or fish along the river, take a scenic drive or hike the many mountain trails.
The Elephant Butte Dam created the largest lake in New Mexico. When the reservoir is filled, water backs up for 45 miles and the results are over 200 miles of shoreline. The lake and Elephant Butte State Park are the used by boaters, wind surfers and fisherman. Holiday weekends have seen as many as 100,000 people enjoying the area.
Sun shine is not hard to find in T or C. The average rainfall is 10 to 12 inches per year. Snow, if any, melts in a matter of hours. Monsoon season does affect the area with a small rise in humidity in the summer months.
The hot mineral baths are open year around and offer relaxing and healing attributes. Many lodges offer mineral baths in each room. After a soak, make sure to have a massage. Remember to take a tour of the towns hot springs which are natural flowing pools. No water intermingles from pool to pool. No water is reused, nor does it go through a treatment plant. No shampoos, soaps or loofahs are allowed.
