| Elephant Butte Canyon | |
|---|---|
| Lawhorn Canyon | |
  Elephant Butte Canyon Location in New Mexico | |
| Floor elevation | 5,535 feet (1,687 meters) at mouth |
| Length | Approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Hidalgo County, New Mexico, United States |
| Coordinates | 31°34′00″N108°40′12″W / 31.56667°N 108.67000°W |
| Rivers | Tributary of Walnut Creek |
Elephant Butte Canyon, also known as Lawhorn Canyon, is a canyon in the Animas Mountains of Hidalgo County, New Mexico. Its stream is a tributary of Walnut Creek. [1]
The canyon is located within the Animas Mountains, a rugged subrange of the Basin and Range Province. The region is known for its volcanic history, which has shaped the diverse geological features of the landscape. [2]
The mouth of Elephant Butte Canyon is situated at an elevation of 5,535 feet (1,687 meters) near its confluence with Walnut Creek, just below Lawhorn Tank. The source of the canyon is located approximately 3.5 miles north-northeast of its mouth, on the southwest slope of Elephant Butte, at an elevation of 6,050 feet (1,840 meters). [3]
The name "Elephant Butte" originates from a nearby rock formation resembling an elephant. This formation became an island after the construction of Elephant Butte Reservoir in 1916, following the completion of the Elephant Butte Dam. The dam plays a crucial role in water storage and management along the Rio Grande, benefiting agricultural and municipal water users throughout the region. [4]
While Elephant Butte Canyon is relatively remote, the surrounding region offers a range of outdoor activities. The nearby Elephant Butte Lake State Park is the largest state park in New Mexico and provides opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. The park surrounds the Elephant Butte Reservoir, which stretches 40 miles long and has more than 200 miles of shoreline. [5]
The Animas Mountains, including Elephant Butte Canyon, support diverse flora and fauna. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these ecosystems from habitat fragmentation and ensuring responsible land use practices. Elephant Butte Reservoir and surrounding areas also play a key role in regional water resource management. [6]