Turtleback Mountain

Turtleback Mountain is the prominent peak east of Truth or Consequences. Rising above the Rio Grande, the mountain offers a steep summit hike, old mining relics, and reliable wildlife-watching. It’s the best hike in town, by a wide margin.

What to Do

Hike Turtleback Mountain

The Turtleback Mountain Trail is a challenging 4.6-mile round-trip hike that climbs along the ridge to the high point, Caballo Cone. The final stretch rewards you with panoramic views stretching across Truth or Consequences, Elephant Butte Lake, the Caballo Mountains, and miles of desert.

Look for Old Mines

Turtleback Mountain is dotted with remnants of historic mining activity from the late 1800s and early 1900s. As you hike, you may spot abandoned mine shafts and tailings. Stay on the trail and never enter old mine openings (I think I have to say that legally).

There is a mine with crystals in it located at 33.093585, -107.241731. It can be reached by a short hike, but requires driving into the mountains on a dirt road first, see Getting There.

Watch Wildlife

Keep an eye out for desert wildlife including lizards, rabbits, quail, roadrunners, and birds of prey soaring overhead. Spring often brings blooming desert wildflowers.

How Much Time to Spend

Plan on 3 to 4 hours round trip for the summit hike. It’s not a long trek by New Mexico standards, the elevation gain is what makes it a half-day commitment.

Getting There

The main trailhead is off Turtleback Ave. at 33.128746, -107.229899, reached on paved roads from town. The crystal mine, by contrast, requires driving into the mountains on a dirt road, your car should be high-clearance, and four-wheel drive is recommended (I had to dig my tires out).

If you’re visiting Truth or Consequences, this is the hike to do, the views alone are worth the climb, and the old mine workings and wildlife along the way make the trail more interesting than a straight grind to the top.